Habitat assessment by iasobolewski

iasobolewski's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur advice
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
No
Consider increasing the amount of bare ground. Ground nesting bees are more likely to nest where there is bare ground.
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?: 
No
Consider increasing the amount of sandy loamy soil. Ground nesting bees often prefer sandy loamy soil as it is easier to dig and drains well. Sandy loam is made up of 10-50% silt or organic matter, 50-75% sand, and less than 20% clay. So if you have 15% sand in your existing soil, you will need to add enough sand to make it at least 50%. If you have 30% clay, you will need to add enough of the sand or compost to bring that percentage down to less than 20%.
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?: 
No
Set aside some areas for no tilling, plowing or turning over. Ground nesting bees nest anywhere from the top inches to several feet below the surface. Reducing disturbance allows those bees to survive to the next year.
Are there bee nesting blocks?: 
No
Supplement your habitats with nest blocks. Learn how to build them here.
Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?: 
No
Create a nest block with fewer holes. This will reduce parasitism and make it more likely bees will use it.
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: 
Mix of native and non-native plants
Increase the amount of native plants in your yard.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: 
A lot. More than 40%.
You are doing a great job managing for pollinators!
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?: 
A lot (51-75%)
Considering adding more pollinator friendly plants.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 
7-9
Add 2-3 more fall flowers to support fall bees.
How much mulch is on the ground?: 
Everywhere.
Ground nesting bees can't dig through mulch. Consider leaving some areas simply bare ground.
Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?: 
No
Consider adding a water element. This can be as simple as a bowl with some rocks thrown in for bees to stand on while drinking.
Does the garden use herbicides?: 
Yes, but I have confirmed they are not toxic to bees.
Consider reducing your herbicide use.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: 
Five or more.
We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks!

Score: 148 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
Home Garden
How large is your yard?: 
1.00
acres
Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?: 
Yes
Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?: 
Yes
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: 
Several areas or one large area.
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?: 
Yes
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: 
Most (more than 75%)
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 
10 or more
Are flowers planted in clumps?: 
Yes.
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
No