April’s here, and everything’s starting to wake up—including the wild things hiding in your yard.
But before you fire up the mower, rake out the beds, or start trimming everything back, take a breath. Because what we do this month can either help support nature or set it back.
At Cedar Horticulture, we believe in yard care that supports life—not just curb appeal. Here’s a quick, practical guide for how to care for your space this month in a way that’s actually good for the environment:
• Leave the leaves a little longer.
Overwintering insects (like native bees and fireflies!) are still tucked under last year’s leaf litter. Wait until temps are consistently above 50°F before raking.
• Hold off on mowing.
Early-season flowers like violets and dandelions are a buffet for hungry pollinators. Let them do their thing for a few weeks.
• Cut back perennials with care.
When you do trim, leave stems standing 12–18″ if you can. Solitary bees nest in them!
• Start planning new garden beds.
Now’s the time to map out native plantings or lawn-to-meadow conversions. We’re happy to help.
• Don’t mulch everything bare.
Open mulch beds aren’t just boring—they’re lifeless. Fill your beds with plants, not bark.
• Don’t prune flowering shrubs too early.
Spring bloomers like forsythia, lilac, and viburnum form buds last year. Prune after they bloom!
• Don’t use herbicides or “weed and feed” products.
These harm pollinators and leach into waterways. Go organic or skip it altogether.
Want Help with a Yard That’s Wild at Heart?
We’re out doing eco-friendly yard care, pruning with purpose, and helping homeowners prep for future native plantings and meadow conversions.
If you want a yard that supports biodiversity and still looks great, let’s talk.
Thanks for being part of a growing movement toward better yard care—for people, pollinators, and the planet. Stay wild,
– Cedar Horticulture