Bee Lawns: What You Need to Know

Even if bees aren't your best friend, we can all agree that they're important to the environment and our ecosystem. Pollinator lawns are growing in popularity because they're helping bee populations by providing food sources they need to thrive. They aren't just good for the bees, though. Bee lawns help all sorts of pollinators including butterflies and birds. Because they tend to be low-maintenance, a pollinator lawn can actually benefit you, too.

Benefits of a Bee Lawn

Obviously, the purpose of a bee lawn is to help the bees. By using low-growing flowering plants in your lawn, you're providing bees and other pollinators with their primary food source: nectar. Even better, when you use plants that are native to your area, you're helping native bees. While we want to support all pollinators, supporting local bee populations, many of which are in decline and pickier about their food, adds an extra layer of feel-good happiness.

A pollinator lawn can help you out, too. Many of the plants used in bee lawns are low-growing and drought tolerant. Clover, an important and widely used plant for pollinator lawns, forms a partnership with soil bacteria called Rhizobium to convert nitrogen from the air into a usable food source, so it basically fertilizes itself. That means less mowing and less fertilizing for you. By supporting the bees, you're also supporting your lazy Saturdays.

Once you've planted those low-growing ground covers, your yard will look more like a natural meadow with flowers and clovers. While this look isn't for everyone, it can definitely make a statement in your neighborhood. Some actually find they prefer the slightly wild look of soft, springy ground covers, especially when dotted with flowers in the spring and summer.

Sounds great, right? There's a few things you'll want to consider before going all in for the bees. It's obvious, but it needs to be said: creating a lawn that's inviting for pollinators means you'll have bees. Where there's bees, there's a risk of getting stung. Always wear shoes on your bee lawn, and watch out for bee traffic. Your bee lawn can create some fun teaching moments with the kiddos, but remember to keep kids and pets a safe distance away and keep an eye on them when they're in the yard.

Speaking of kids and pets, if you want to use your lawn for play, you'll need to make sure you have a space with turfgrass that can handle the traffic. Don't worry though; you can leave a designated no-bee play area in your yard with just turfgrass, allowing you to flower-ify the rest for bees.

The final consideration is another type of pest altogether: your HOA and neighbors. If you're lucky, your neighborhood will be chill about bees and other pollinators popping up and your lawn becoming more of a meadow than a field of pristine green, but your next door neighbor may have a bee allergy, or your HOA might have restrictions to prevent weeds from growing where they aren't wanted. It's always a good idea to be courteous, so check with your HOA if you have one and your neighbors to see if they have any concerns.

How to Build a Bee Lawn

To create a bee lawn, you need low-growing flowering plants that provide stable food sources for pollinators, but you'll also want to fill in your space with low-growing, low-maintenance turfgrasses. Native plants are key to helping out your native bee populations, so use natives when possible. Finally, don't just think about how your lawn can help bees, but your entire landscape. Whether you're seeding, overseeding, or planting, remember to review label directions for best planting times, how to care for seedlings or new plants, and what to expect as your lawn or plants grow. Here's what you need:

Turfgrass: Turfgrass fills in the gaps between plants and ground covers. Fine fescues are favorites for bee lawns because they're lower on water and fertilizer needs compared to other grasses. Kentucky bluegrass is another favorite because it's low-growing and naturally spreads to fill in gaps. If those aren't a great option in your area, stick with a native low-maintenance grass. Also think about a tougher turfgrass to handle foot traffic where you want walkways or play areas for people and pets within your bee paradise. You can find out more about different grass types here.
Clover: Clover is a low-growing ground cover that blooms anywhere from spring to summer depending on variety. Bees, especially honey bees, love clover blossoms and will appreciate a lawn full of them. Dutch white clover, while not native to the U.S., is a favorite for many bee lawn enthusiasts. Another great clover? Strawberry clover, like what we use in O.M. Scott & Sons Clover Seed.
Low-growing flowers: The University of Minnesota*, which has great resources on bee lawns, recommends using creeping thyme, self-heal, common violets, and dandelions. Do a little research to find common low-growing flowers that are native to your area; you may be surprised by just how many options you have.
Berry bushes: For your landscaping, consider planting native berry bushes. Not only will you get delicious berries, but these plants are a great food source for pollinators. If berries aren't your thing, consider finding other native plants for your landscape. You want flowers, of course, but take the time to find recommendations that specifically support bee populations in your area.
Trees: Flowering trees provide a great supply of nectar to bees, so consider planting one or two in your yard if you have the space. Opt for a fruit tree, so not only will you be helping bees, but adding fresh produce to your own table. Yum!

Converting to a bee lawn can be a pretty big commitment, so get ready for hard work if you're going all in. You can also try out a small area of your yard and see how pollinators like it. With a little patience, you'll be having plenty of visitors to your lawn—just remember to keep your distance and let them be!

*Visit the University of Minnesota's extension for more info: extension.umn.edu.