Protecting The Pollinators
As with any issue of global and economic proportions, the scientific community, as well as environmental groups and agencies, struggles to identify a single reason for the decline of the honey bee population.
Many experts believe it’s a combination of many factors. Disease and pest issues, continuous drought conditions, habitat destruction, a lack of available nutrition, climate change and the misuse of pesticides are believed to be the culprits. But as studies continue to reveal, the circumstances change from state to state and country to country.
So, what is SavATree doing about it?
Here at SavATree, we believe it’s our responsibility to educate our customers not only about pollinator conservation, but also how we’re changing our processes and treatments in order to do our part.
First and foremost, we follow all the pollinator safety requirements for the products we use – often going beyond what is legally required to assure the safety of pollinators on the properties we service. Our team members are aware of our commitment to pollinators, and we continue to train and retrain whenever label requirements are revised.
We have also changed the way we treat for several pests, and completely eliminated some treatments altogether, because they could not be completed in a way that wouldn’t be potentially harmful to pollinators. That is the commitment we have to the industry and the community.
But the plight of the honey bee may not be as dire as it first seemed. Bloomberg News recently reported that the number of honey bee colonies in the United States rose 3 percent in 2017 as compared to the previous year. Better conservation and responsible practices, as well as adding new colonies, are aiding in the increase.
Education and conservation practices are key in helping nurture and protect the honey bee population across the globe. SavATree is doing our part – will you?
What can you do on your property to help pollinators?
The two easiest ways to make your space more bee friendly are by planting the proper flowers for nutrition and providing a clean water supply.
Flowers which support pollinators
Bees need flowers to collect nectar and pollen throughout the growing season. Ideally, your garden plan should include plants, shrubs and trees that bloom at different intervals (early spring through the first frost). Planting “drifts” of a single type of flower makes it easier for the bees to locate the blooms, and you will enjoy the beautiful masses of flowers as well.
Perennials:
Crocus, Daffodil, Hyacinth, Tulip, Allium, Broom, Penstemon, Salvia, Heliotrope, Foxglove, Primrose, Peony, Scabiosa, Iris, Dianthus, Thyme, Sedum, Ice Plant, Butterfly Weed, Dahlia, Blanket Flower, Veronica, Daylily, Oriental lily, Delphinium, Clematis, Honeysuckle, Wisteria, Gladiola, Hibiscus, Mint, Coneflower, Bee Balm, Hyssop, Lavender, Coreopsis, Russian Sage, Astilbe, Coral Bells, Yarrow, Goldenrod, Anemone, Maximillian Sunflower
Shrubs:
Ninebark, Forsythia, Lilac, Daphne, Viburnum, Pussy Willow, Cistene Plum, Nanking Cherry, Blueberry, Cotoneaster, Pyracantha, Magnolia, Barberry, Rose, Butterfly Bush, Mockorange, Spirea, Potentilla, Rose-of- Sharon, Hydrangea
Trees: Maple, Crabapple, Plum, Peach, Apple, Redbud, Apricot, Cherry, Hawthorn, Honeylocust, Blacklocust, Pear, Linden, GoldenRainTree, Pagoda Tree, Buckeye, Horse Chestnut, Catalpa
Annuals: Squash, Tomato, Pepper, Basil, Borage, Sunflower, Zinnia, Eggplant, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Bean, Cucumber, Dill, Tomatillo, Cosmos
Bees need hydration
Bee colonies need water throughout the year. During hot summer days, the bees will use the water they have collected to cool down their hive, as well as to dilute stored honey so it’s easier to consume.
There are many ways you can provide water for bees in your yard. If you’re not ready to commit to a koi pond or water garden, a birdbath is an easy, cost-effective solution. Remember, bees need to have an easy place to land in order to drink – they are not graceful flyers and can drown if there is no place for them to stand.
Feel free to speak with your local SavATree arborist about ways to make your property pollinator friendly.
