Fall In Illinois: Is Jumping Into Leaf Piles Healthy Or Not?

As I was out for a walk with my dog the other day, I happened past a couple of kids and their mom as she was just finishing raking up leaves into a really huge pile. The kids, being kids, both sprinted across the yard and jumped headlong into the leaf pile.

We've all seen this scenario countless times, especially here in Illinois.

However, this was the first time that I've ever heard an adult shout at the kids to stop doing that. Not because they were wrecking all the hard work that she'd put in, but rather because, as the mom put it: "You don't know what kind of stuff is in that pile! It could make you sick, or something could bite you!"

Having leaped into hundreds of leaf piles throughout my life, I'd never considered that. But now I am.

Has Anyone Else Ever Been Warned Off Of Jumping Into A Leaf Pile?

Like I said, my wife and I spent countless autumn afternoons diving into leaf piles as kids, and we did the same with our own children. No one ever got hurt, and no one was devoured by an army of ticks...but that doesn't mean it has never happened.

So, before you cannonball into that pile in your backyard, the reality seems to be that those leaves may be less innocent than they look.

Yes, leaf piles can hide creepy-crawlies. Ticks, spiders, and the occasional mystery bug think your pile is a five-star resort. There are also droppings from neighborhood squirrels, raccoons, and maybe even that neighbor cat who thinks your yard is a litter box. Mold can grow in damp leaves, too, which isn’t ideal if you have allergies. Basically, your dream pile can quickly turn into a microscopic haunted house.

What a buzzkill.

Even Knowing That Leaf Piles May Be Somewhat Questionable When It Comes To Healthiness, You're Still Going To Do It, Right?

Of course you are. We're Midwesterners, and it's what we do.

Fear not, there are ways to enjoy fall safely. Try to keep leaf piles on the dry side, check for debris, and maybe wear gloves when raking. Avoid eating leaves (that should go without saying), and give your pile a quick once-over before launching yourself or your kids into it. Then, check yourself for ticks and animal droppings.

On a side-note, I read about a study of which leaves make for the best leaf piles to jump in, and the results were big, dry, and stiff leaves like oak, maple, and hickory give that perfect “whoosh and crunch” effect. Soft, thin leaves like elm or birch flatten out too fast, and pine needles are aromatic, but not very cushiony. They’re more like nature’s porcupine.