Without bees, we don’t eat. The startling fact is that bees are responsible for pollinating 70-80% of the world’s food crops, and we are seeing their numbers decline at an alarming rate.
The good news is that there are steps you can take to help slow the declining pollinator populations.
Plant Native Species
Native perennials and shrubs on your property not only feed the bees but also attract other beneficial insects like butterflies and other pollinators. Some examples of these native species are:
- Purple Coneflower
- Black Eyed Susan
- Hosta
- Bee Balm
- Cat Mint
- Butterfly Weed
- Milk Weed
Our landscaping projects incorporate native species wherever possible. They’re beautiful, helpful to pollinators, and they’re already adapted to our climate so they thrive where some imported species may not.
Defer Your Mowing
Hold off on mowing until the end of May so that bees can benefit from one of the earliest bloomers of the season: the dandelion. Dandelions are an important food source for bees in these early spring months while other plants are still getting ready to bloom and produce pollen.
Pesticides as a Last Resort
Pesticide usage should always be a last resort. Try other methods like manually removing unwanted weeds. Our Natural Approach is always to use chemicals as a last resort to protect species like bees from unintended harm.
Overseed with White Clover
Want a healthier lawn, while at the same time helping the bees? Overseed with white clover. Bees love it, and white clover is a nitrogen fixer which will alter the chemistry of your topsoil – for the better. Your lawn will love you for it!
We all have a role to play to protect this vital species. Whether we choose to leave the pesticides on the shelf and instead pick up a pair of gardening gloves to remove stubborn weeds, or we choose to plant species that help bees thrive, or we take advantage of an excuse to put off mowing for one more week, every little bit helps.
Bees do so much for us, we owe them one.
Request a free 10-point inspection and find out how we can bring our Natural Approach to your landscape.