“I take my leaf bags and tuck them around the foundation, then when it snows I pile it on top of them. Hey, every little bit helps, and it’s free.”
I understand what you mean as I used to put bails of hay around our house which worked great until someone told me that if there was a house fire then the insurance company would have an out (and not pay) because I had flammables near the house, it could be a reason they would not pay.. Now I am cold but insured LOL. actually I now (and yes it sounds gross) use cider blocks around the house. Wind can not get in!
I tuck mine behind the shrubs (a: to keep the house from looking crappy and b: for the reason you state). I do have some extra block and brick around, so that’s a good idea you gave me - next year I’ll stack some on the windy side.