Habitat assessment by Colleenev8

Colleenev8's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur advice
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 areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?: 
No
Leave some dead wood, brush or snags in your habitat. Cavity nesting bees spend their winters in the holes found in these items.
Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?: 
No
Add some plants that have pithy stems to your habitat. Cavity nesting bees spend their winters in the center of the stems of these plants.
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: 
None.
Increase the amount of bunch grass in your yard. Many bees nest and overwinter at the base of these grasses.
Are there bee nesting blocks?: 
No
Supplement your habitats with nest blocks. Learn how to build them here.
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?: 
Some. Between 21-40%.
Consider expanding your gardens and wild spaces and reducing your lawn.
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?: 
A lot (51-75%)
Considering adding more pollinator friendly plants.
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.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: 
Just one.
We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks!
What time of day are pesticides applied?: 
Pesticides are sometimes used during the day
Reduce your pesticide use and consider spraying only at night.
Is pesticide use avoided when flowers are in bloom?: 
Pesticides are sometime used while flowers are blooming
Consider spraying pesticides only when flowers are not in bloom.
Is the drift of pesticides controlled?: 
No.
Try to keep pesticides where you want them. Here are some suggestions.

Score: 63 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
Ramos' house
How large is your yard?: 
0.50
acres
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
Yes
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: 
Most (more than 75%)
Are flowers planted in clumps?: 
Yes.
How much mulch is on the ground?: 
Some.
Does the garden use herbicides?: 
No.
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
Yes