The Birds and the Bees of Commercial Landscaping

No it's not what you think and yes we are talking about commercial landscaping. You have an area on your property that, like it or not, is your very own circle of life. Whether you purposefully or unintentionally invite them, bugs and birds are a reality in your landscape. Don't fret though, you may want a few of these critters hanging around. What follows is Why.

Bees
Bees play an important role in pollinating flowering plants, and are the major type of pollinator in ecosystems that contain flowering plants. Bees either focus on gathering nectar or on gathering pollen depending on demand, especially in social species. Bees gathering nectar may accomplish pollination, but bees that are deliberately gathering pollen are more efficient pollinators. It is estimated that one third of the human food supply depends on insect pollination, most of which is accomplished by bees, especially the domesticated European honey bee. Contract pollination has overtaken the role of honey production for beekeepers in many countries.

If you see a hive on your property and are concerned about it being a risk to the safety of others call a bee expert that will catch and remove versus extermination. 

Butterflies
Butterflies and moths are indicators of a healthy environment and healthy ecosystems. They indicate a wide range of other invertebrates, which comprise over two-thirds of all species. Areas rich in butterflies and moths are rich in other invertebrates. These collectively provide a wide range of environmental benefits, including pollination and natural pest control. Moths and butterflies are an important element of the food chain and are prey for birds, bats and other insectivorous animals.
Milk thistle is a plant that attracts butterflies as well as many other flower species.

Hummingbirds
Hummingbirds are small, colorful birds with iridescent feathers. Their name comes from the fact that they flap their wings so fast (about 80 times per second) that they make a humming noise. 

Hummingbirds can fly right, left, up, down, backwards, and even upside down, making their aeronautical exploits a fascinating sight to behold. They are also able to hover by flapping their wings in a figure-8 pattern. 

Consider planting bright colored flowers such as columbines or daylilies or hanging hummingbird feeders to attract these beautiful birds to your property.

Dragonflies
Dragonfly nymphs eat mosquito larvae. Dragonfly eggs are laid and hatched in or near water. Their lives impact both water and land ecosystems. Once hatched, dragonfly nymphs are able to breathe underwater, and they use a motion similar to jet propulsion to move through their environment. This enables them to eat harmful aquatic organisms such as mosquito larvae. The nymph will continue contributing to the ecosystem for one to five years before becoming a mature adult. The adult will then continue its mosquito hunting habits by eating adult mosquitoes.

If you have a pond on your property consider buying nymphs and placing them in the water. You'll be helping to remove an unwanted pest from the environment.

It doesn’t matter to us whether you want lush lawns, desert landscaping or some type of commercial landscaping in between, we can help.  To find out how give us a call at 623-848-8277.

Presented by:
Greens Keeper Landscape Maintenance, LLC
623-848-8277
http://www.commerciallandscapecare.com
greenskeeperllc@cox.net