7 Ways to Attract Pollinators

Pollinators require two essential components in their habitat: somewhere to nest and flowers from which to gather nectar and pollen.

1. Use pollinator-friendly plants in your landscape. Shrubs and trees such as dogwood, blueberry, cherry, plum, willow, and poplar provide pollen or nectar, or both, early in spring when food is scarce.

2. Choose a mixture of plants for spring, summer, and fall. Different flower colors, shapes, and scents will attract a wide variety of pollinators. If you have limited space, you can plant flowers in containers on a patio, balcony, and even window boxes.

3. Reduce or eliminate pesticide use in your landscape, or incorporate plants that attract beneficial insects for pest control. If you use pesticides, use them sparingly and responsibly.

4. Accept some plant damage on plants meant to provide habitat for butterfly and moth larvae.

5. Provide clean water for pollinators with a shallow dish, bowl, or birdbath with half-submerged stones for perches.

6. Leave dead tree trunks, also called “snags,” in your landscape for wood-nesting bees and beetles.

7. Support land conservation in your community by helping to create and maintain community gardens and green spaces to ensure that pollinators have appropriate habitat.