Photos courtesy of The Davey Tree Expert Co.
Pollinator Week 2025 (June 16-22) is in full swing, and gardeners everywhere are talking about the best flowers, herbs, and native plants to attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. But look a little higher—literally—and you’ll find an often-overlooked pollinator resource: trees.
In fact, the right trees not only provide pollinators essential food sources, especially in early spring, but also offer them shelter throughout the year. To learn how homeowners can make the most of their trees when it comes to supporting pollinators, we spoke with Tyler Hesseltine, district manager of The Davey Tree Expert Co.’s North Minneapolis office. Here, he explains why trees matter, which species to plant, and how to turn any yard into a pollinator paradise.
Most people think of flowers when it comes to pollinators, but how do trees play a role in supporting them?
Many trees produce catkins, inconspicuous flowers, or other bloom structures that offer abundant pollen and nectar when other flowering plants are still dormant. This early food source is crucial for emerging early-season pollinators. Beyond direct food, trees provide shelter, nesting sites, and diverse habitats for various pollinator species throughout their lifecycles.
What tree species do you recommend?
Minnesota’s pollinators are closely connected with native trees in the area. Early bloomers like maples and willows provide essential spring pollen and nectar for emerging insects. Trees like oaks and black cherry are “keystone” species that serve as host plants for hundreds of butterfly and moth caterpillars, thus supporting the entire food web. Basswood and serviceberry offer nectar later in spring and early summer, which in turn attracts bees. By planting a variety of these native trees, homeowners can create a robust and resilient pollinator habitat in their yards. A certified arborist can help identify species that might have a better chance of being successful in your landscape.
What else should homeowners consider when selecting pollinator-friendly trees?
When selecting trees, prioritize native species because they are best adapted to Minnesota’s climate and soil, and their bloom times and resources are synchronized with the needs of native pollinators. Look for trees with diverse bloom times to ensure a continuous food source throughout the growing season. Choose trees with open flowers that allow easy access to pollen and nectar for a wide range of pollinator sizes and types, since highly hybridized varieties often have reduced or inaccessible rewards. You should always aim for diversity in your plantings to support a wider array of pollinator species.
What are your tips for making an existing landscape more pollinator-friendly?
You can make an existing landscape more pollinator-friendly by providing water sources, leaving leaf litter and deadwood, and underplanting with native shrubs and perennials.
Why is it important to consider trees when talking about pollinator habitats?
Trees offer a plethora of food, crucial early-season forage, essential structural diversity, and shelter. They serve as host plants for larvae and provide long-term, stable habitats on a large scale.
