Denver Lawn Care and Tree Service Company Swingle Takes Proactive Position on Pollinator Protection
Denver, CO (PRWEB) July 24, 2014 -- In recent years, there has been a rapid decline in the population of honeybees, known as Colony Collapse Disorder. Experts have found the honeybee population has decreased by about 50 percent. Pollinators can be exposed to different types of pesticides, including neonicotinoids through sprays and residue left on plants. The cause of CCD has not been identified by scientists, but it is known that some insecticides are lethal to pollinators, yet not all pesticides are lethal to pollinators. Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape Care is taking a stance to reduce the impact on honeybees while providing quality tree and plant health care services to customers in Colorado.
“As a leader in the green industry, we have a responsibility to promote awareness of this important ecological issue and take measures to ensure we do our part,” said Swingle President John Gibson.
As pollinators, bees are a critical part of our environment and food supply, which is why Swingle believes it’s important to take precautions to look out for pollinators while performing services for customers. Over the last several months, the company has taken measures to help clients understand how Swingle’s services have changed to reduce its potential impact on bees.
- A priority was to retrain technicians. A change in labels required for technicians to be educated on updated label regulations. Beyond label training, which specifically mentions bees, continued training on other pesticides was provided for application methods.
- Swingle technicians have always been trained to be aware of areas where bees are present before spraying and if a customer or nearby yard accommodated beehives knowing what to look for.
- Swingle provides customers with options to relocate hives with local beekeepers, when possible.
- The company will not spray insecticides on any plant, shrub, or tree when in flower. Swingle redesigned treatment programs and timing to allow for this.
- Swingle will not inject pesticides into root systems of flowering annuals, perennials in flower, shrubs, or edibles.
- Where possible, the company will apply pesticides through the soil or trunk application pesticides rather than a topical spray to prevent drift to pollinator plants.
“An obvious need exists for a partnership between the green industry and beekeepers to protect this valuable resource while ensuring a healthy landscape,” says John Swayze Swingle Routing Manager and local beekeeper.
Protecting honeybees takes effort beyond the green industry. There is an opportunity for homeowners, gardeners, and many others to do their part. Making a difference in the environment and helping honeybees can start with planting for pollinators. Plants such as salvia, aster, sunflowers, lavender, and oregano are great food sources for pollinators, especially in Colorado. Another option for people to get involved is through beekeeping. Beekeeping classes are offered across the nation providing information about bee keeping in backyards, honeybee biology, and harvesting honey. Throughout the state of Colorado, certain cities allow bee keeping in backyards such as Denver, Boulder, and Aurora. Swingle partners Denver Botanic Gardens and Hudson Gardens both offer beekeeping courses. Rocky Mountain Bee also offers classes, in addition to relocation services and swarm collection.
Honeybees are crucial to the environment, pollinating fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Swingle takes measures to ensure we provide a quality service for our customers while having the least amount of impact on bees.
About Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care
Founded in Denver in 1947, Swingle Lawn, Tree and Landscape Care has grown to be the one of the largest residential and commercial lawn service and tree care companies in Colorado, employing more certified arborists than any other Colorado company. For information please contact Kellie Houghtaling khoughtaling(at)MySwingle(dot)com (303) 337-6200 or visit http://www.MySwingle.com/contact.
Kellie Houghtaling, Swingle Lawn and Tree Care, http://myswingle.com, +1 303-306-3119, [email protected]
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