Setting Up Your Bee Yard: Choosing the Location

Bee yards can be located just about anywhere; in your backyard, in an outbuilding, on the roof, or even at the home of a friend.  No matter where you decide to locate your bee yard, the following elements need to be taken into consideration.

Now let's take a look at each element. 

You'll need a sunny or partially shaded area that isn't in a low lying spot that remains damp most of the time.  A damp location will increase the possibity of disease.

You should provide windbreaks on the sides of the hive that will be exposed to the strongest winter and summer winds.  If you don't have natural windbreaks you can provide them by planting shrubs or building a fence.  

Windbreaks should be at least 3 feet away from the hive.  You should be able to walk all the way around your hive during your inspections.  

If you choose to plant shrubs, select those that will also provide nectar and pollen for your bees.   Don't plant anything you would hate to have to cut a branch or two off during swarming season, if a swarm lands on the shrub. 

If you can't plant shrubs then a small fence can be erected for a windbreak. Fences are also good for providing protection from livestock.  Fences should be placed at the same distance from the bee yard as a shrub windbreak.

Bees need a quart of water per day per colony, and on hot days they need more for cooling the hive.  Water sources can be natural, such as a creek or river.  They can be man-made, such as a pond, water garden or bird bath.  Your bees should get their water at home, not at the neighbor's swimming pool, pet's water dish or a drinking fountain at the park.  

Do not place your hive where there will be a lot of people passing by, such as near the street.  You want the hive in an easy to reach location but not where they will be distrubed often.

You need easy access to your hive at all times.  Don't put your hive where you will have to cross the creek, climb a steep hill or cross that commercial farmer's field when it's planted.  

You will need to be able to move your hive easily over the terrain or carry those full honey supers to your truck or wheebarrow.  Full honey supers can weigh up to 100 pounds so carrying them over rough ground could be hazardous to your health.  

You will need to keep high weeds and grass from blocking the bees entrance to the hive.  The easier you make it for your bees to come and go, the more engery they can spend gathering nectar and pollen.

Got the perfect location for your bee hive?  Congratulations, you are now ready to get your hive.   

Water garden photo used with permission by Shelly

Butterfly Bush photo used with persmisson by Lynn

Reference: The Backyard Beekeeper by Kim Flottum