When you hear the term “pollinator”, generally you think of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Pollinators also include beetles, moths, flies, and bats.

Pollinators are extremely important. They are responsible for bringing us one out of every three bites of food. They also sustain our ecosystems and produce our natural resources by helping plants reproduce. Without the actions of pollinators agricultural economies, our food supply, and surrounding landscapes would collapse. Pollinators face many threats, including pesticides, pollution, pests and habitat loss. But there are things we can do in our own yards, patios and balconies that can make a difference.

7 things to help pollinators

Pollinator Landscaping Tips

1. PLANT FOR POLLINATORS

  • Habitat opportunities abound on every landscape – from window boxes to acres of farms to corporate campuses to utility and roadside corridors – every site can be habitat.
  • Utilize plants native to your area (or at the least, non-invasive for your area).
  • Utilize the Ecoregional Planting Guides and the Garden Recipe Cards to create or enhance your pollinator garden. Decide among the plant material options – seeds, plugs, plants or a combination.
  • Know your soil type and select appropriate plant material.
  • Plant in clusters to create a “target’ for pollinators to find.
  • Plant for continuous bloom throughout the growing season from spring to fall.
  • Select a site that is removed from wind, has at least partial sun, and can provide water.
  • Allow material from dead branches and logs remain as nesting sites; reduce mulch to allow patches of bare ground for ground-nesting bees to utilize; consider installing wood nesting blocks for wood-nesting natives.

2. REDUCE OR ELIMINATE THE IMPACT OF PESTICIDES.

  • Check out the Pesticides Learning Center on the Pollinator Partnership website to learn more about the interactions between pollinators and pesticides!
  • Where possible, avoid pest problems in the first place by burying infested plant residues, removing pest habitat, and planting native plants that encourage natural enemies of pests.
  • Practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
  • If you are a farmer or pesticide applicator, check out our Pesticide Education Module.
  • If you must use pesticides, read and follow ALL label directions carefully.

3. BECOME A BEE FRIENDLY GARDEN MEMBER

  • Join Bee Friendly Gardening to showcase your commitment to pollinator health! Connect with a network of gardeners all across North America and beyond.
  • If you are a farmer or rancher there are other options for you. Check out the Bee Friendly Farming page to learn more.

4. REACH OUT TO OTHERS – INFORM AND INSPIRE

  • Utilize all the materials available to help you tell the story of pollinators.
  • Especially during National Pollinator Week (June 16-22, 2025).
  • Tell local and state government officials that you care about pollinator health.

5. SUPPORT LOCAL BEES AND BEEKEEPERS.

  • Buying local honey supports the beekeepers in your area.
  • If you’re concerned about the number of chemicals use in agriculture, buy organic.
  • If you’re concerned about contributions to global carbon emissions, buy local.

6. CONSERVE ALL OF OUR RESOURCES; USE LESS AND REDUCE YOUR IMPACT.

  • Pollinators are dramatically affected by extremes in weather.
  • Climate change puts pressure on native ranges and overwintering sites.

7. SUPPORT THE WORK OF GROUPS PROMOTING SCIENCE BASED, PRACTICAL EFFORTS FOR POLLINATORS.

https://www.pollinator.org

No matter what the size of your yard, you can make a difference in the lives of pollinators.  Follow these principles for success with your own pollinator friendly landscaping:

  • Native plants are best:  Native plants and their pollinators have coevolved over thousands of years, thus the presence of local native plants provide the most benefit to pollinators while non-native and invasive species can negatively impact pollinators. For instance, while some pollinators are generalists and can forage on many different plant groups, other pollinators are more specialized and rely on certain native plant species for their nutrition. 
  • Create habitat layers:  If you have room, try to provide the plant layers you might find in a natural habitat:
    • Flowering shrubs and small flowering fruit trees provide nectar for hummingbirds, bees and other pollinators.
    • Herbacious plants, including perennials, annuals, grasses, and groundcovers, provide seeds for birds, nectar for hummingbirds, and a rich habitat for pollinators.
    • Decaying leaves, wood, detritus, and soil provide a good nesting and over-wintering space for insects, larvae and pupae.
  • Plant for density:  Large densely planted beds or groupings on the edges of your property are more desirable than scattered individual plants.
  • Provide variety:  It’s very important to have a diversity of plants with flowers that bloom at different times throughout the seasons. 
  • Cluster plants in masses:  Group 3, 5, or more of the same plant species together.  This creates an attractive look, provides density and attracts more pollinators and birds.
  • Provide water:  Insects need water too. A simple shallow dish with a few flat stones for perches is all you need.