Habitat assessment by Larry Goerge

Larry Goerge's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur 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%.
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 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?: 
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.
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?: 
No
Clean your nest block. You can just run a stick in each hole. This will reduce parasitism.
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: 
Mostly non-native plants including vegetables
Shift some of your non-native plants to natives.
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.
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: 
A lot (51-75%)
Consider supplementing your garden with some native, pollinator friendly plants and converting some lawn!
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 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?: 
7-9
Add 1-2 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.
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.
If you use pesticides, do you avoid using neonicotinoid pesticides?: 
No.
Consider using something less toxic to bees.
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?: 
None this year.
Join us! We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden. 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: 81 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
Amazon
How large is your yard?: 
4.00
acres
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
Yes
Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?: 
Yes
Are there bee nesting blocks?: 
Yes
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?: 
Yes
Are flowers planted in clumps?: 
Yes.
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
Yes