Fall Garden Care - How Leaves Protect Bees and Wildlife

By Blake Jackson

Pollinators may benefit more when gardeners take a relaxed approach to fall yard care. According to Tamra Reall, University of Missouri Extension field specialist in horticulture, skipping raking and leaving natural debris in place can support a wide range of beneficial insects during cold weather.

Pollinators depend on dried leaves, stems, and spent flower heads to survive winter. Reall reminds homeowners that “Let sleeping bees lie, since approximately 70% of all bee species nest in the ground.” Many native bees spend the winter sheltered inside stems and seed heads, where hollow spaces allow them to remain protected until spring arrives.

Smaller hollow-stemmed plants such as bee balm provide ideal nesting spaces for cavity-nesting bees and other helpful insects. Larger pithy stems, like those of yucca, can shelter bigger species. Reall suggests minimizing disturbance to perennial plants throughout fall and winter to avoid disrupting insects already taking refuge.

Leaving seed heads is also beneficial because they serve as food sources for small birds. Insects overwintering in leaves and stems also provide an additional protein-rich food supply for birds during colder months.

A thick layer of fallen leaves acts as natural insulation for garden beds. Reall compares it to covering perennials with a “cozy blanket when winter’s chill hits.” She advises against shredding leaves in flower beds, since doing so may destroy overwintering eggs and larvae. Instead, allow insects and natural decomposition to break down the material over time.

The leaves will eventually create nutrient-rich organic matter that improves soil health, moisture retention, and structure while helping reduce weeds. Reall recommends talking with neighbors about the benefits of this approach to encourage community-wide support.

If available, logs and branches can be placed around garden edges to define planting areas and offer an extra refuge for wildlife through winter.

Photo Credit: pexels-vladimirsrajber