The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is cutting people a break who haven't cleaned up their yards for fall, and is asking homeowners not to rake the fallen leaves.

According to the organization, fallen leaves offer several environmental benefits.

Jessica Panetta, NCC spokesperson, said keeping your leaves on the ground helps to support backyard bio-diversity. "It's a nice little small act of nature conservation that we can all do," she noted.

The NCC says many animals and insects use the layers of leaves as insulation to hibernate over winter.

"So by removing it, we're actually removing some important wintering habitat," explained Panetta.

Fallen leaves also help to improve soil conditions. Panetta explained that as they break down they provide a natural mulch which helps build and fertilize the soil for the following spring.

"It's a nice win-win for everyone. You don't have to do the back-breaking backyard work and the animals can have some nice habitat, and it can help protect the soil and fertilize it," she said.