Getting to the bottom of the seeming conflict between turfgrass management and protecting pollinator populations requires a bit of weeding… weeding through common misconceptions and narratives regarding weed and insect pest management.

It is essential to understand the importance of pollinator species to our environment as the basis of any conversation. Pollinators are vital to the propagation of healthy plants and ecosystems that provide food, fibers and other products.

One prevalent concern is the effect of pesticides on pollinator populations. As pesticides are a potent tool in the arsenal for maintaining golf courses, sports fields, lawns and parks, it is vital that anyone using those products understand the safe, label-indicated use of those products. The conversation around this topic is nuanced and worthy of much more research than we can provide here, but everyone from homeowners to grounds managers should understand and use best practices for pesticides and encourage healthy pollinator habitats.