MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – As warmer temperatures approach, many homeowners are eager to tidy up their yards—but experts warn that early spring cleaning could be wiping out an entire generation of native pollinators.
The Shocking Truth About Spring Cleanup
Native bees, wasps, and other essential pollinators rely on dead plant material for shelter and reproduction. According to environmental experts:
- 80 percent of native bees nest in dead plant stems
- One hollow stem can house up to 20 pollinator larvae
- Early yard cleanup can destroy six months of bee development
- Native bees provide an estimated $2,000 worth of pollination per yard
Removing plant debris too soon could lead to a drastic decline in pollinators, which are essential for flowering plants, gardens, and food crops.
What’s Really Living in Your Messy Yard?
The dried stems, leaves, and seed heads in your yard might look like clutter, but they are home to vital pollinator species, including:
- Mason bee cocoons, which develop inside hollow stems
- Leafcutter bee nests, where bees use cut leaves to seal their nesting sites
- Native wasp larvae, which help control garden pests
- Butterfly and moth eggs, many of which overwinter in leaf litter
Key Areas to Protect
To support pollinators, experts recommend preserving:
- Hollow plant stems, with cut stems left at least 15 inches tall for emerging bees
- Leaf litter piles, where many beneficial insects overwinter
- Standing perennials, which provide food and shelter for insects and birds
- Seed heads, an important food source for birds in early spring
How to Help Pollinators Thrive
You can make a significant impact by following these simple steps:
- Wait until temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees before yard cleanup
- Bundle and store cut stems in a sheltered area to allow pollinators to emerge
- Create pollinator corners by leaving sections of your yard undisturbed
- Educate neighbors and communities about the importance of a natural yard
A Messy Yard is a Thriving Ecosystem
Instead of rushing to clean up this spring, consider embracing a natural, pollinator-friendly approach. A little patience can help protect native species, support biodiversity, and keep gardens flourishing for seasons to come.
For more information on supporting native pollinators, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/endangeredresources/pollinators.
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Author: News Desk
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