DENVER, Colo. - Tree removal technicians for Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape Care strengthened the Colorado ecosystem by relocating a 30,000-member Western honeybee colony while working in southwest Denver.
The decline of the Western honeybee is of increasing concern. Because trees are natural nesting places for wildlife, when Swingle performs tree removal or tree pruning services, technicians sometimes find animals or insects living in the tree. In each case, decisions must be made regarding the tree and its inhabitants.
This was the case in July 2013, when Swingle crews were called to remove a rotted cottonwood tree as part of the Bowles Inlet Ditch Repair Project. During inspection, a Swingle crew member noticed a large, active hive. Knowing the importance of the Western honeybee to the Colorado ecosystem, he immediately reached out through Swingle's extensive partner network to find a new home for the colony. Bobbi Storrs, Swingle client Pinehurst Country Club resident horticulturalist, arranged for the hive to be relocated to the Pinehurst grounds.
The bee colony was the second hive of a size of 30,000 or greater Swingle had worked to relocate within two weeks.
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