Supporting Native Pollinators

At Legacy Tree Company, we believe in being responsible members of the ecological community. We also try to help our clients and customers follow environmentally friendly landscape management practices. One great way to do this is to do things that support native pollinator insects. Not only do these little critters do the important work of pollinating many plant species, but often the larval forms are great predators, feeding on aphids and caterpillars and such.

There are a few key practices to follow if you want your landscape to be a refuge for pollinators. It starts with giving them habitat – food and nesting sites. For food, plant perennial plants in the mint, pea, carrot and aster families around trees and shrubs. Buy or make nesting boxes, and don’t be in a hurry to clean up the landscape in fall and winter – many insects overwinter in small dry plant stems.

Limited and judicious use of pesticides is another important point. Know that plants can take some level of damage without really being in trouble, and if treatments need to be done, use products that target the pest without damaging non-pest insects. Avoid spraying without a known specific target, and don’t use broad-spectrum pesticides. 

A watering hole is really helpful for backyard wildlife, pollinators included. You can use a chicken watering can in a low-traffic area to provide life-sustaining water. Learn more about how you can support native bees and other wildlife from the ABQ Backyard Refuge Program sponsored by the Friends of Valle de Oro.

Contact us to find out why we are considered the best tree service in Albuquerque.