Did you know New Hope is a designated “Bee Friendly City”? The City of New Hope supports pollinators and pollinator habitats. It is committed to creating a safe and healthy community for people and pollinators by implementing pest management best practices on City property.

Citywide practices include refraining from using systemic pesticides harmful to pollinators, including those containing neonicotinoids, and planting flowers favorable to bees and other pollinators when feasible.

There are several additional options for making outdoor space more pollinator friendly.

• Reduce the amount of lawn that is turf grass. Consider planting a “bee lawn,” incorporating bee-friendly plants that may require less maintenance than a traditional lawn.
• Fill/replace turfed areas with landscaping full of plants that provide nectar, pollen, nesting materials, nest sites and shelter from harsh weather. Even a window box or planter can provide more habitat and resources for pollinators.
• Plant shrubs, trees and other flowering plants that flower early to benefit pollinators.
• Commonly used pesticides used for weed control can be toxic to bees. If choosing to use fertilizers or pesticides for weed control, consider delaying application until there are plenty of blooming plants for bees to feed on.

LAWN HEIGHT REMINDER
New Hope’s ordinance states residents must maintain grass at a height lower than eight inches. Many flowering plants thrive in turfgrass areas and will bloom well under eight inches tall. Grass grown to five to six inches tall will support flowers for early-season pollinators.