Gardeners often focus on planting the right flowers to nourish pollinators, but entomologist Doug Tallamy warns that the area under trees is equally vital. Caterpillars that feed on tree leaves drop to the ground to pupate, and how we manage that space determines their survival.
Tallamy advises against mowing or walking under trees, as this crushes pupating caterpillars. Instead, he recommends creating uncompacted beds around the base of trees, allowing leaves to remain as natural mulch. This provides a 'soft landing' for caterpillars and other beneficial insects.
Caterpillars are a crucial food source for birds, reptiles, and spiders, and later become moths and butterflies that pollinate plants. To support them, gardeners should plant native groundcovers such as ferns, woodland phlox, and sedges under the tree canopy. The National Wildlife Federation's native plant finder can help identify suitable species for each region.
