Why dandelions should be left alone this spring in NJ

Finally! After such a long, drawn out winter, spring has finally arrived in New Jersey. And I know most of us are probably so relieved that we finally made it to this point.

Before you know it, it'll finally start to get warmer, and our lawns will become very green once again. And personally? I think it's wild how fast that grass changes color.

It literally feels like it happens in just a day. One moment it's dormant, then the next it's vibrant green. Spring is just amazing like that.

ALSO READ: One of NJ's earliest flowers are finally visible and fully bloomed

Also making it's appearance with the grass is it's yellow counterpart. Yes, the dreaded dandelion. Those little flowers that ruin the landscape for so many across the state.

But not for me. In fact, I embrace them and let them grow. Not because I like weeds, but because of the vital purpose they serve, especially early in the season.

Don't kill the dandelions

Those dandelions are a very important food source for insects awakening from hibernation. Bees in particular rely on dandelions to help them get a good start.

Also, those dandelions open up well before many of the other flowers bees and other insects depend on for food. Another reason why you should let them be early on.

But there is another reason why that directly relates to this past winter.

A cold delay

It's likely that many other flowers are going to be delayed thanks to the persistently cold winter we just had. All the more reason why to just let the dandelions be as spring gets started in New Jersey.

The above post reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5 weekend host & content contributor Mike Brant. Any opinions expressed are his own.