Pollinator Friendly Tips for Building Owners and Managers

Spring is in the air (pollen included) which means that native pollinators like honeybees, butterflies, moths, hummingbirds, and many more animals and insects are helping to pollinate green roofs and other landscaping features at CRE properties.

In recent years, there has been an ongoing conversation about the importance of pollinators to the health of ecosystems and biodiversity. Commercial real estate industry stakeholders have a unique opportunity to implement ways to support these vital species.

Pollinators are an integral part of the landscaping at CRE properties, as well as the food we eat and ocean of trees we enjoy in Georgia, and helping our multitude of pollinators will ensure the green spaces we all enjoy remain healthy and vibrant. Here are a few tips to help you help pollinators.

Native species are an excellent choice for planting vegetation that attracts pollinators. Being intentional about planting native species that are beneficial to pollinators is not only helpful to biodiversity but also cost effective. Native plants use less water, pesticides, and fertilizers and require little maintenance, thus saving money.

Some non-native plants can also be useful in attracting pollinators depending on the species. The University of Georgia’s Georgia Pollinator Plants of the Year Program helps in identifying top performing landscape plants that support pollinators.

From this program, the Blue Wild Indigo (BaptisiaAustralis) was selected as the best spring bloomer in 2022. This 4-foot-tall perennial features cobalt blue flowers and helps support native bees and many other pollinators. See the photo above for an example of this pollinator friendly flower.

Pollinators are known to have distinct color preferences so planting a variety of native species with a diversity of colors will help attract pollinators and create a balanced habitat.

In the Southeastern United States, wildflowers such as Golden Alexander and Butterfly Milkweed are native to this region and are pollinator friendly. In the Pacific Northwest, native flowering plants such as Selfheal and Large-Flowered Collomia are perfect for attracting pollinators.

In the Midwest region, Pale Purple Coneflowers and Wild Geranium are ideal for pollinators. In some instances, it may also be beneficial to plant native and non-native species that can co-exist.

Pesticides with harsh chemicals can be harmful to pollinators and can potentially drive them away from a property entirely. Specifically, pesticides like organophosphates and pyrethroids, commonly used to combat mosquito infestations can be lethal to honeybees.

Instead, opt for a more diluted and less harmful spray with a vinegar or oil-base.

Monarch waystations are monarch habitats designed to be a resting point while monarch butterflies migrate. A monarch waystation is simple to set up and operate in an urban area.

According to the Monarch Watch organization, monarch waystations can be as simple as planting monarch resources like Milkweeds or nectar plants like Goldenrods, Butterfly Bush, Lilac, and more. Monarch waystations can also be a food source for other pollinators like honeybees.

In urban areas, beehives can be accommodated in multiple ways. Numerous organizations exist to help maintain and install honeybee hives at commercial buildings. These hives provide pollinators for landscaping features, and an interesting and educational tenant amenity. They can also provide a wealth of excellent local honey!

“Studies show honeybees thrive in urban environments: they have reduced stressors, they’re in stable living conditions, and they have more diversity of food throughout the year” says Leigh-Kathryn Bonner, founder, and CEO of Bee Downtown.

Beehives in commercial real estate are an investment but there are a wide range of benefits through tenant engagement events, green certifications, positively impacting your local environment, and more.

Engaging in just a few of these recommendations can have a large impact on the environmental health of your property. Whether you choose to set up pollinator friendly habitats, plant native vegetation, or are more intentional about which pesticides your property uses, you are helping pollinators help you and your environment thrive.

According to the USDA, over 100 different crops in the United States rely on pollinators, and these pollinators add over $18 billion in revenue to crop production each year.

In an average diet, one in every three bites of food required a pollinator’s help. These include almonds, berries, non-citrus fruits, melons, and squash.