Bees are one of the most important pollinators on the planet. Without bees, thousands of crops and plantings would fail. And, there wouldn’t be any honey! Entire ecologies could collapse if bees weren’t around. In spite of the declining number of bees over the past couple of decades, there is hope to see bee numbers rise again. However, great bee care starts at home. If you want to do something good for your neighborhood bees, just a little bit of care for the lawn and garden is all it takes. Here’s what you can do at home to make your lawn and landscaping more bee-friendly.
How Do I Make My Lawn More Bee-Friendly?
Maintain the Lawn
A healthy lawn is a happy lawn. More so, a healthy lawn is more likely to attract the right kinds of critters to your garden. Bees are attracted to bright, vibrant things. Therefore, attracting bees starts with a healthy and beautiful lawn that remains well hydrated and maintained.
Avoid dead spots, and try your best to bring life to every square inch of the lawn and landscape. Once you have healthy soil underneath, bees will be naturally attracted to your bee-friendly yard.
Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers
Bees are attracted to bright and colorful, fragrant flowers. The more bright, beautiful flowers you can have throughout the garden, the more likely bees will be flying through your garden.
If you’d like to attract more bees, consider planting bee-friendly plants. Flowers such as daffodils will almost certainly help you create a bee-friendly yard.
Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides are best avoided for the keen gardener wanting to attract bees. While pesticides seem like a great idea for plants, chemical pesticides are a terrible idea for bugs, especially for the bugs that you want to keep.
Chemical pesticides are one of the worst enemies to the bee species. If you use any kind of chemical pesticides in the garden, you are probably doing far more harm than good. Therefore, where there are natural options to repel pests, it’s best to switch to these types of natural bug-repellants.
For example, basil makes for a great companion plant. The majority of bugs can’t stand its smell, though it won’t do any harm to your bees.
Plant Fragrant Herbs
The average bee isn’t just attracted to bright flowers. Bees are attracted to fragrant herbs as well.
Even if you aren’t a traditional herb grower or don’t have many herbs throughout the garden, planting at least a few things that bees are attracted to will help make your yard more bee-friendly.
Bees like almost any fragrant herb that humans would enjoy in their food. Vibrant herbs such as basil or lavender are great for attracting the native bee population.
For best results (and to avoid interference with the rest of your lawn care), plant your herbs and flowers in pots. Pots and plants will give you the advantage of being able to control the soil conditions easier.
Install a Bird Bath
Bees appreciate access to water just as much as any other critters you’ll find in the garden. The addition of a small, simple birdbath or water feature can help bees that make their way through the garden.
Birdbaths and water features don’t take a lot of work or effort, yet they can attract an incredible amount of birdlife and bees.
Help Bees Out (of the Water)
Once you’ve installed a water feature, don’t forget the most important safety precaution for bugs and smaller animals. Consider adding a way for them to get out of the water.
Drowning is a very real risk for insects and small animals who might fall into deeper birdbaths. Sometimes, they just need a rest or something to perch on, but other times might need something to lift themselves out of the water.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. A small water feature just needs a rock, or sometimes, a twig that extends out of the water.
Seal Sugary Trash
Sugar is something that bees can use in moderation. However, many homeowners often make the mistake of leaving sugar-filled trash outside. Excess amounts of sugar (and sugar water) can do a lot of harm to an entire population of bees.
To avoid hurting bee populations, seal sugary trash in a bin that closes properly. For any other creatures, a bin that can lock when not in use is most effective.
Additional Reading: Bee-Friendly Garden Flowers
Antler Country Landscaping Omaha
Antler Country Landscaping was incorporated in 1997 and over the years has grown to offer professional landscape services, lawn care, and outdoor living spaces. Our mission is to enhance your outdoor experience. Contact us to learn more about our Omaha landscaping services.