Reminder – leave the leaves! Don’t rush to tidy your yard – native pollinators are still hibernating in last season’s leaves and stems. According to Michigan State University Extension, it’s best to wait until temperatures are consistently above 50°F. Your yard is their home!
Leaving your yard a little “messy” in early spring is actually a big help for pollinators. According to Michigan State University Extension and other environmental organizations, many native bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects overwinter in fallen leaves and plant stems. Cleaning up too early can destroy their habitat before they’ve had a chance to emerge. Establishing an area in your yard that is left natural will also provide habitat for pollinators.
In northern Michigan, it’s usually recommended to wait until temperatures are consistently above 50°F for about a week before doing a major garden cleanup. This allows overwintering insects, including pollinators, to emerge and potentially prevents disturbing their habitat. This gives them time to wake up and move on.