Dont Over-Clean Your Yard This Fall As the weather cools, native birds like wrens, robins, and cardinals are looking for safe spots to rest, find food, and shelter through winter. By leaving old shrubs, brush piles, and leaf litter untouched, youre creating a cozy haven for them and for the insects they rely on. Heres how to help: Skip the fall cleanup. Let nature do the mulching for you. Leave leaves and twigs where they fall they shelter insects, and birds love that winter buffet. Hold off on trimming shrubs and cutting back perennials until spring. Plant or keep native plants to offer berries, seeds, and cover. Small acts make a big difference for your backyard birds. Let your garden rest and your wildlife thrive.