March 27th

By Mutt Mulligan

3 ways to support pollinators with your family yard

Pollinators – bees, bats, birds and butterflies to name a few – are important to our ecosystem. Countless fruits, vegetables and nuts grow as a result of their efforts. But pollinators in the U.S. are in crisis. Last year bumble bees were even added to the endangered list for the first time!

The good news is, you don’t have to go far to help pollinators. Here are TurfMutt’s top tips for using your own family yard to support our pollinator friends.

• Choose wisely. Select plants, flowers and shrubs that are adapted to your climate zone. Consult the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine which plants are most likely to thrive at your location. Also, if your climate allows, plant different varieties to create year-round blooms. This will help attract the greatest number of pollinators.
• Let it grow. A recent study shows you can help support bee habitat in your own family lawn by letting plants like clover and dandelions flower before mowing them.
• Leave a little bare ground. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of bee species are solo creatures that dig nests in the ground to raise their young. That isn’t possible if mulch is in the way. Leaving a little dirt showing is like posting a vacancy sign in your yard for pollinators!

Learn more about the plight of pollinators and why we all have a vested interest in helping them out by visiting the Pollinator Partnership.