I have often written about the ecological benefits of leaving fallen leaves in place, using them as valuable ingredient for mulch/compost pile, etc.
But also: Fallen leaves left in place can just be really beautiful! (pics at link)
I sometimes leave them deliberately for that very reason. (As long as they are not slippery and causing danger on a pathway.)
I also leave them deliberately as a way to de-escalate what I call “relentless fussbudget tidying-up of the great outdoors.”
It’s possible that if some spaces look a little softer and less rigidly tidy, people in neighboring spaces might feel a little less compelled to constantly keep things clipped and sanitized.
And, if the environment is not super rigidly edged, it doesn’t give people as much to fixate on, so it makes the job of code enforcement personnel easier – freeing them up to address situations that are actually dangerous and harmful, as opposed to a flower or leaf sticking out here and there.
I notice the psychology of this indoors as well. If you don’t want to be nitpicking all day, don’t have bright-white carpet or a fancy bright-white sofa. (Off white or beige can actually be very good and user-friendly.) And don’t have a lot of things that have to be symmetrical in order for your place to look tidy.