Habitat assessment by dogonitpups@aol.com | The Great Sunflower Project

Assessment results

Answer given	Our advice
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%.
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: One smaller area.	Increase the amount of bunch grass in your yard. Many bees nest and overwinter at the base of these grasses.
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...)?: Mostly grass	Increase the number of flowering plants in your habitat. Think about using native plants.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: A little. Between 5-20%.	Add a new garden or expand your current garden space. Every little bit helps.
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: Not much (1-25%)	Consider supplementing your garden with some native, pollinator friendly plants and converting some lawn!
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 4-6	Add 4-6 more kinds of spring flowers.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: none	Add fall flowers to support fall bees.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 4-6	Add 2-3 more types of summer flowers to support summer bees.
How much mulch is on the ground?: Everywhere.	Ground nesting bees can't dig through mulch. Consider leaving some areas simply bare ground.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: Ten 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 for contributing!

Score: 141 (out of a possible 210)

Mostly grass at this time but looking to convert most of it to wildflower meadows. Loblolly pine trees block much of the sun causing no area of the yard to be get 6 hours of sun a day.

Which garden or space are you describing?:

Home

How large is your yard?:

1.00

acres

Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?:

Yes

Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?:

Yes

Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?:

Yes

Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?:

Yes

Are there bee nesting blocks?:

Yes

Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?:

Yes

Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?:

Yes

Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?:

Most (more than 75%)

Are flowers planted in clumps?:

Yes.

Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?:

Yes

Does the garden use herbicides?:

No.

Are pesticides used in the garden?: