How We Work to Protect Our Bees as an Arboricultural Company
As a tree company, we run into a wide variety of wildlife every day. Bees are just one of the few creatures we see living in the trees that we inspect, treat, trim, and remove. At GFLI, we have a program that relocates bee hives found in trees rather than destroying them. We work with a local beekeeper who helps us safely remove the bees from the tree and move them to a safe area where the bees can thrive.
Which Type of Bee Makes Its Nests in Trees?
There are over 500 different types of bees that are native to Ohio. However, many of these bees do not live in trees; most build their nests in the ground, while some are solitary and do not live within the rigid family structure that bees are famous for.
Honeybees are one of the most recognizable bees around the world. These bees, while not native to Ohio, are well established here and are great pollinators. They also, as the name implies, produce honey! In fact, according to the USDA, "Honeybees pollinate $15 billion worth of crops in the United States each year, including more than 130 types of fruits, nuts, and vegetables."
Honeybees build hives using wax, which makes the distinct hexagonal honeycomb look. A common nesting site for honeybees is within tree cavities or hollow trees. These hollows are already carved out of the wood either by fungus or an animal. The bees simply take over the hollow and build their hive within.
How We Protect and Relocate the Hives
When cutting down large trees, we often encounter bee hives. The loud sound of chainsaws, combined with our intrusion into their home, can agitate the bees. In these situations, we work quickly and carefully to remove the section of the tree using ropes or a crane, depending on its size.
After the tree is taken down, we transport it back to our office and contact a local beekeeper. The beekeeper then removes the hive from the tree and safely relocates it, allowing the bees to survive and thrive in a new environment.
Why take the time to do this?
As a tree care company, we understand that honeybees are incredibly important pollinators, not only for agricultural purposes but also for the natural environment. Bees pollinate fruiting and flowering trees and act as their main method of reproduction. Many of these trees are beloved by many, such as Redbuds, Maples, Willows and Tulip trees. Taking the time to relocate these beehives safely helps ensure honeybee populations thrive in our area for years to come!
