How To Support Pollinators Throughout The Fall And Winter

It’s important to remember how vital pollinators are, not just for your yard, but for the world. Although bees can be annoying sometimes, you’d surely miss them if they didn’t come back when winter ends. That’s why supporting pollinators throughout the fall and winter is essential for every homeowner.

You can support pollinators throughout the fall and winter by planting fall-blooming plants like asters and goldenrod. That way, they can access nectar and pollen later than usual before they hide in their nests for the winter. You must also leave some leaves and debris on your lawn to give solitary bees places to nest until it gets warm again.

Supporting pollinators during the fall and winter can result in quick, helpful pollination when the spring arrives. Follow along as we explore how to protect pollinators throughout the fall and winter.

Where Do Bees Hide In The Winter?

Bees typically hide in existing hives during the winter, but it depends on the variety. Honeybees often stay in their hives, but mason bees often hide in makeshift nesting holes. The females often dig holes in plant stems, let their young hide inside, then seal them with mud.

That said, some bees don’t hide in groups and instead seek solitary shelter throughout the fall and winter. In that case, you may find solitary bees in small holes in your lawn. Mowing the lawn during the fall may disturb them, but not if you plan it well.

For example, you can give bees time to hide if you stop mowing after temperatures drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. This is when the rest of the bees will likely try to hide. Mowing after this point may kill nesting bees. Be careful with standard fall and winter maintenance, so you don’t disturb bees and other pollinators.

Which Pollinators Stick Around During The Winter?

Many pollinators stick around during the winter, such as honey bees and moths, but it varies between locations. Naturally, different parts of the country have different native pollinators and bee varieties. This has a lot to do with which plants are native to your area and your local climate.

Knowing which pollinators live in your area can help you cater to them. That includes plant selection, as choosing plants that attract pollinators can make your yard more lively. Doing so can also help ensure more pollinators stick around during the winter, despite hiding.

How To Protect Pollinators During The Fall And Winter

1. Let Some Leaves Remain On The Ground

You’re not alone if you dread raking leaves each year during the fall, as it can be a big chore. That said, you’re in luck, as you don’t need to rake all the leaves, at least not if you want to support pollinators. Naturally, pollinators are averse to the cold temperatures that the fall and winter bring, and they seek shelter at this time.

You can provide shelter for the bees and other pollinators if you leave some leaves out during the fall and winter. Pollinators seeking warmth will find the leaves and burrow beneath them. Not only will this protect them from cold temperatures, but it can also give them a place to store pollen.

This is common among honey bees that know they can’t find pollen once the flowers become dormant. You don’t need to leave your entire yard looking unkempt throughout the fall, so don’t worry about that. Instead, pick a few patches of your lawn and leave the leaves there for your small insect friends.

2. Be Careful Before Pruning Plants

Pruning is an essential part of your yearly autumn yard cleanup checklist, but overpruning can cause issues for pollinators. That’s because some pollinators, like mason bees and carpenter bees, sometimes nest in plant cavities. This includes the fibrous stems of certain plants, which they can burrow into and seal for protection.

You must carefully inspect stems while pruning your plants to ensure you don’t displace pollinators. Look for cavities that are sealed with plant fiber and dirt to see if a pollinator is nesting in stems. Cutting these stems can displace pollinators, and they may seek shelter in another yard.

In that case, you won’t likely benefit from pollinators as much when the spring rolls around. The goal is to keep as many pollinators in your yard as possible throughout the fall and winter. This will increase pollinator activity when temperatures rise, and your plants will benefit.

3. Leave Common Hiding Spots

Fallen leaves aren’t the only great hiding spots for pollinators in your yard. Pollinators also often hide beneath branches, twigs, and rocks that fall in your yard throughout the year. While you can definitely move some of them, you must leave some behind if you want to protect pollinators.

Logs are great for pollinators because they provide plenty of space beneath and inside. You may even find several types of pollinators coexisting within logs in your yard. If need be, you can gently move such debris out of the way to make mowing your lawn easier.

In that case, slowly, carefully move the logs out of the path and set them down in an area near lots of foliage. That way, they won’t feel so vulnerable despite having been moved, which may startle them at first.

4. Plant Fall-Blooming Plants

Many homeowners focus on plants that bloom in spring and summer, however, late-blooming plants are just as valuable, and many offer pollinators great food sources. For example, asters, sedums, black-eyed Susans, and coneflowers are great fall-blooming plants.

The aforementioned plants produce pollen and nectar at times when many other plants slow down or go dormant. This is essential for pollinators who are scavenging for as much pollen as possible before temperatures drop for the year. You can also enjoy a touch of color when most of the other plants in your yard lose color.

Ideally, you should plant fall-blooming plants in mid-to-late August, or as late as early September. Otherwise, the plants may not take off too well if you wait until it gets too cold. Pay attention to the forecast to ensure a frost isn’t coming, and stick to native plants.

5. Check For Nests And Hives

The average yard can attract several types of pollinators, from moths and bees to hummingbirds. Naturally, they differ in their nesting, eating, and hibernation habits, which you must keep in mind. It’s easy to forget this while doing yard and housework at the end of the summer.

However, it’s worth carefully walking around your home’s exterior and checking for signs of pollinators. For example, you may find some carpenter beehives on the side of your house. You could unknowingly disturb these nests if you trim your shrubs, remove dead plants, and blow waste out of your yard.

It’s also important to check your gutters for nests and hives before cleaning them. If possible, mark spots where you find hives and nests to ensure you don’t accidentally disturb them. This will also help lawn care professionals if you hire someone to help with yard maintenance.

6. Build A Safe Haven

With a little effort, you can make a simple haven for the pollinators in your yard. This is a great option for people who don’t want to leave their lawns covered with fallen leaves and yard debris. Instead, you can collect leaves, rocks, twigs, and logs and put them together in a designated area.

The bigger the haven, the more pollinators you will attract, so keep that in mind. There is no mandatory way to do this, but it helps to build a small ring made of debris, logs, and leaves. Leave an undisturbed patch of grass in the center of the ring if possible.

This will help pollinators who nest in and beneath the grass in your yard. Pick semi-hollow logs to ensure pollinators can hide within them for the best results. Get creative and think about the many benefits you’ll enjoy when the winter finally ends.

7. Minimize Foot Traffic

Many bees burrow into the soil in your lawn to escape frigid fall and winter temperatures. This is common for solitary bees that don’t stick with the other bees from their hive. You can help keep them safe throughout the fall and winter if you reduce foot traffic in your yard.

After all, 70% of bees nest in the ground, so your yard may contain many burrowing bees. Your best bet is to avoid walking throughout most of your yard during the fall and especially during the winter. This can help you protect the bees during the winter, and it also minimizes lawn damage.

Lawns can suffer damage from foot traffic during the winter due to soil compaction and cold temperatures. Stepping on cold, brittle grass can also break the blades and make them grow unevenly when the spring arrives. Pick a simple path through your yard and stick to it during the fall and winter to avoid stepping on hidden bees.

Summing It Up

The best way to support pollinators throughout the fall and winter is to leave some yard debris on your lawn. That way, they can use the leaves, sticks, logs, and twigs to protect themselves from cold temperatures and foot traffic. You must also check stems before pruning plants to ensure you don’t cut them off where bees are hiding.

Related Guides:

• 12 Plants That Will Bring Butterflies Into Your Yard
• Seven Pollinators You Want In Your Yard