FAQ'S and HOW TO'S
Lawn removal
How do I get rid of my lawn and create wildlife habitat?
Manual Removal
For small areas, we recommend removing sod by hand.Â
In this video, she demonstrates using a sod cutter, but you can also use a flat edged shovel
Sheet Mulching
If you're working with a larger space, or don't have the time and energy to remove sod manually, you can also consider smothering it using cardboard or solarizing it using black plastic
Other Options
For large areas you can consider renting a sod cutter or working with a landscaper.Â
In general, we don't recommend using herbicides to remove an entire lawn. In an effort to reduce reliance on and exposure to harmful chemicals, we recommend using herbicides for spot treatments and noxious weeds
Links
How do I support pollinators?
What can I do to mitigate population decline?Â
The number one thing you can do to support pollinators is to stop using pesticides! If you NEED to use herbicides in your garden follow these guidelines:
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Don't spray when pollinators are flying such as during the warmest, most pleasant part of the day.
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Don't spray when flowers are blooming.
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Don't use systemic pesticides or noenicitinoids, only use contact herbicides and insecticides. Do your research. There are lots of resources abundantly available online.
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Think twice about raising honey bees - we don't actually NEED European honey bees (which are not native to North America) in our residential neighborhoods. Honey bees are essentially livestock and they compete with native pollinators, taking resources from our native bees such as bumblebees.
How can I attract pollinators to my yard or garden?Â
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Always have something blooming from early spring to fall - try to have 3 different species blooming from April to September
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Plant at least 3 individuals of any given species, this makes it easier for pollinators to see the flowers
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Plant a diversity of plants to provide different resources for different pollinators. For example, butterflies need big flowers they can land on, while hummingbirds will visit tube-shaped flowers.
Links
Do you offer tree and plant management services?
GBNP does not offer tree services or weed management services. For western Montana, we recommend the companies listed below. Â
Tree Services
Weed & Plant Management Services
Whispering Pines Tree Service
Greg Aerni
(406) 599-8533
whisperingpinestreeservice@gmail.com
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