‘Bee-scaping’ invites struggling population into your clients’ yards

As bee populations decline, public awareness of the problem – known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) – is increasing. More Americans also are recognizing the importance of combatting CCD, because the stakes are high: The collapse of bee populations poses a serious threat to U.S. crops, including nuts, berries, fruits and vegetables.

Professional landscapers can help increase clients’ bee knowledge by discussing options for attracting native bees, such as planting flowers and fruit trees. Here are some good reasons to cite during those discussions; they’re from Elsa Youngsteadt, a research associate in North Carolina State University’s Department of Entomology: