HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION
Dear [HOA board member]:
I’m writing to respectfully request that our neighborhood lawn and landscaping ordinances be updated to address an important environmental issue that affects us all — the health of bee populations. Bees are responsible for pollinating nearly one-third of the food we eat. Additionally, they pollinate many other flowering plant species that other living creatures depend on to survive. Simply put, bees are vital to the health of our food supply and our natural ecosystems!
Sadly, bee populations are dramatically declining due to several threats including widespread pesticide use and habitat loss. More than 25% of North American bumblebee species face some extinction risk, including the endangered rusty patched bumblebee which was once common across much of the eastern U.S.
But, we can all make positive changes to help reverse these declines. Right here in our own neighborhood, lawns and other greenspaces have immense potential to provide food and shelter for bees (not to mention other beneficial insects that support healthy biodiversity).
The conventional turfgrass lawn requires large amounts of water and fertilizers to maintain, along with frequent mowing and other time-consuming maintenance. Indiscriminate use of pesticides is also a serious problem — according to BeyondPesticides.org, suburban lawns and gardens in the U.S. receive more pesticide applications per acre than agriculture! These chemicals, especially glyphosate and neonicotinoids, have toxic effects on bee populations as well as other insects, birds and wildlife.
Large expanses of manicured turfgrass may be aesthetically pleasing by traditional standards, but they’re essentially barren when it comes to any benefits for our natural environment. We need to rethink our approach to landscaping with more regard for bees and all the life they help sustain. Bee-friendly lawns and gardens are naturally beautiful and healthy, plus they offer many environmental and economic benefits. Landscaping practices that support bees include:
Prioritizing native wildflowers, shrubs and flowering trees which thrive in our area and also provide the best food source (pollen and nectar) for native bees.
Eliminating the use of pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals — especially bee-harming neonicotinoids and glyphosate. If chemical intervention is required to treat certain weeds or problem pests, homeowners should be encouraged to choose the most targeted, reduced-risk product available and avoid application when bees are foraging.
Encouraging natural alternatives for controlling weeds and pests, as well as an appreciation for a few healthy “imperfections” that come with a more natural landscape.
Allowing some areas of bare dirt (free of mulch or other weed barriers), as well as letting a reasonable amount of leaves remain on the ground through winter. This provides valuable nesting and overwintering habitat for native bees, 70% of which nest in the ground!
Promoting spontaneous flowers in the lawn. In early spring especially, before other flowers have bloomed, beneficial “weeds” like dandelions and henbit can provide an important food source for emerging bees.
Converting sections of grass lawn to a bee lawn which includes turf grasses blended with low-growing perennials that bloom again after mowing. Options for flowering ground cover include Dutch white clover (which captures nitrogen and helps feed the lawn), creeping thyme or chamomile. Bee lawns require less water and fertilizer, encourage deeper roots and build healthier soil.
The above practices can be applied not only to homeowner lawns, but also to commons areas throughout our neighborhood, which would ultimately help reduce HOA maintenance costs. Here are some additional insights from recent studies, university research and other programs dealing with pollinator-friendly lawns:
Lawns mowed less frequently provide more floral resources to benefit bees. One study from 2018 indicated that mowing every two weeks rather than weekly can help encourage bee habitat by allowing flowers to bloom. Regarding height, the general recommendation for a bee lawn is to let grass and flowers reach a height of six inches and then mow back to four inches.
Increased mowing intensity has negative ecological effects, especially on insect and plant diversity. In several studies, intensive lawn mowing also resulted in an increase in the abundance of weeds and lawn pests. On the other hand, benefits of a modest reduction in mowing frequency include increased pollinators, increased plant diversity and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
In Minnesota, the “Lawns to Legumes” program is encouraging homeowners to convert their lawns to pollinator habitat that supports bee populations (especially the endangered rusty patched bumblebee).
In April 2021, the Maryland senate unanimously passed House Bill 322, which compels homeowners associations and other organizations to allow “low-impact landscaping” such as rain gardens, native plant gardens, pollinator gardens and xeriscaping in subdivisions.
Changing the ideals of a “perfect lawn” can be challenging. But it is possible to find a happy middle ground that provides attractive curb appeal for homeowners as well as foraging opportunities for bees. Along with the importance of keeping open lines of communication between the HOA board and homeowners, it’s also important for us to be supportive of our fellow neighbors’ efforts to create bee-friendly spaces! Pollinator habitat signage that is discreet yet strategically placed can also serve as a valuable communication and education tool.
Great progress can be made in all these areas if our neighborhood covenants are modified to promote the benefits of bee-friendly lawns and gardens, making such practices more widely accepted and embraced. This is also an opportunity to set a great example and hopefully inspire other neighborhoods to do the same. That said, I understand that there still must be processes in place to ensure proper implementation and maintenance measures. Your attention to this important issue is most appreciated.
Thank you,
[Your name]