Fall Cleanup with a Purpose: 3 Steps Homeowners Can Take to Benefit Native Pollinators

As the leaves keep falling and the air grows crisp, many homeowners start their annual autumn yard cleanup. While a tidy yard may look appealing, it’s important to consider how these activities can affect the native pollinators who play a crucial role in our ecosystems. Here are three steps you can take this fall to not only maintain your property but also provide crucial support for native pollinators through the colder months.

1. Leave the Leaves

Yes, it might go against your instinct to leave fallen leaves on the ground, but doing so can significantly benefit native pollinators and other wildlife. Many butterfly and moth species overwinter in the leaf litter, including larvae and pupae. Leaves also provide an insulating blanket that protects both the insects and the soil during the winter. If you prefer not to leave all the leaves on your lawn, consider creating a designated leaf pile in a corner of your yard where pollinators can shelter without affecting your lawn's health.

2. Keep Those Perennials

Resist the urge to cut down your garden perennials. Hollow stems and dried flower heads offer essential overwintering habitats for solitary bees and other pollinators. If you need to tidy up, trim plants just above where the stems remain hollow, or better yet, leave them until early spring when pollinators start to emerge. This approach not only aids in pollinator conservation but also adds winter interest and texture to your garden.

3. Plant for Winter

Consider planting native shrubs and trees that provide food and shelter during the winter. Evergreens, for example, are great for windbreaks and offer winter shelter for birds and insects. Berried plants such as holly or winterberry holly can provide crucial food sources when little else is available. Additionally, fall is the perfect time to plant spring-blooming bulbs like crocus and snowdrops, which are among the first food sources available to pollinators in early spring.

Taking these steps during your fall cleanup can create a sanctuary for pollinators that enhances your garden’s ecological health and sustainability. As homeowners, we have a unique opportunity to make decisions that support our local wildlife. By adjusting our autumn yard care practices, we not only contribute to pollinator conservation but also encourage biodiversity right in our own backyards. This fall, let’s clean up with a purpose and look forward to a yard that buzzes back to life in the spring!