Partner Post: Top 5 Trees to Plant for Bees
Did you know that bees pollinate 85 percent of the planet's flowers and more than a third of our fruits and vegetables? Without bees, our grocery stores would look shockingly sparse.
As modern landscapes change, however, bees are fighting to survive. And they need our help.
Gardening for bees and other pollinators is easy. You’re probably envisioning colorful flowers bursting with blooms, but did you know trees are just as important to pollinators as flowers are?
In celebration of Arbor Day, April 28, create your very own pollinator garden! And bee sure to include some of these best trees for bees! Remember, the best time to plant trees is in either fall or spring. Top 5 Trees to Attract Bees
- Native Oaks
Planting natives is one of the best ways to assist pollinators. Native oaks support pollinators throughout the year in a number of ways, but especially by providing winter shelter and habitat. In fact, native oaks give more than 500 pollinator species a home and enable them to return for years to come.
2. Magnolias
These trees with vibrant flowers attract and support a range of pollinators year round, enticing them with nourishing pollen and nectar. Bees, fruit flies, leafhoppers and more are among the species that visit these pink petals.
3. Tupelo
Tupelo trees provide colorful pops of foliage to the fall landscape. But their yellow, red and orange leaves appeal to the bee population in a completely different way. Ever hear of the popular Tupelo honey? The flowers provide a source of food for bees during springtime and the bark offers a safe home.
4. Yellow Poplar/Tulip Tree
The large, tulip-like flowers produced by the yellow poplar give this tree its name. Not actually a poplar, this tree is actually a member of the magnolia family. Its greenish-yellow blooms and sweet nectar attract pollinators to the yellow poplar. These trees need a lot of space, so plan for them to keep growing.
5. Black Cherry
Invite pollinators to your yard by adding this sweet, fruit-bearing tree. Not only are they irresistible and tasty to bees and caterpillars, black cherry trees are also spectacular looking.
Once you have picked the perfect tree, keep pollinators coming back for years by providing proper tree maintenance. Check with a certified arborist to see which tree is best suited for your yard and region. Click to learn about how Davey Tree is restoring pollinator habitats here!
About the Author
The Davey Tree Expert Company’s more than 8,600 employees provide tree care, grounds maintenance and environmental consulting services for the residential, utility, commercial and government markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Davey has provided Proven Solutions for a Growing World since 1880 and has been employee-owned for more than 37 years. For more information, visit www.davey.com.
