Spring Clean or to not Spring Clean...

Spring is here and with it comes the urge to tidy up our lawns after a long, cold winter. However, before you reach for the lawnmower, consider the impact it could have on the pollinators that rely on your yard for survival.

Pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, play a crucial role in our ecosystem by helping plants reproduce. They transfer pollen from one flower to another, which allows plants to produce seeds and fruit. Without pollinators, many of the foods we enjoy, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts, would not exist.

Unfortunately, pollinators are facing a decline in numbers due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. One way we can help support them is by creating a pollinator-friendly habitat in our own yards. This includes providing food sources, such as nectar-producing flowers and plants, and nesting sites, such as leaf litter and dead wood.

But did you know that simply mowing your lawn can have a negative impact on pollinators? When we mow our lawns, we remove the flowers that provide nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators. This can disrupt their feeding patterns and make it more difficult for them to find food.

In addition, mowing can also disturb nesting sites for ground-nesting bees and other insects. Many species of bees and butterflies prefer to nest in undisturbed areas of the lawn, such as tall grasses and leaf litter. When we mow our lawns, we destroy these habitats and make it more difficult for pollinators to reproduce.

So, what can you do to help pollinators in the spring? Consider postponing mowing your lawn until later in the season when wildflowers and other plants have had a chance to bloom and provide food for pollinators. Alternatively, you could mow your lawn on a higher setting to leave some of the flowers intact.

You can also plant pollinator-friendly flowers and plants in your yard to provide a food source for bees, butterflies, and other insects. Choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the season to provide a consistent food source.

By taking these simple steps, you can help support pollinators in your yard and make a difference in their survival. Remember, even small actions can have a big impact on the health of our ecosystem. So, before you reach for the lawnmower this spring, think about the pollinators that call your yard home.