Habitat assessment by Layla

Layla's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur advice
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...)?: 
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?: 
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!
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 
1-3
Add 7 to 9 more kinds of spring flowers.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 
7-9
Add 1-2 more types of summer flowers to support summer 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?: 
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!
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: 125 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
Ocala
How large is your yard?: 
7.80
square yards
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
Yes
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?: 
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 the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?: 
Most (more than 75%)
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 
10 or more
How much mulch is on the ground?: 
Some.
Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?: 
Yes
If you use pesticides, do you avoid using neonicotinoid pesticides?: 
Yes. I have checked that the pesticides we have do not include neonicotinoids.
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
Yes
What time of day are pesticides applied?: 
Pesticides are applied only at night