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Help Save The Pollinators: National Pollinator Week

Resources: Community

National Pollinator Week

Pollinators are incredibly important to the environment and our way of life; however, they are being eradicated at a startling rate. Between the loss of floral abundance and diversity due to increased land-use, exposure to parasites, and the increased use of pesticides, the number of pollinators have decreased dramatically worldwide. June 17th-23rd is National Pollinator Week, in honor of this week we’d like to celebrate pollinators and teach our clients the small steps they can take to help protect pollinators on their property.

What Are Pollinators?

Pollinators are a group of species that transfer pollen from a male part of a plant to a female part of a plant, later enabling fertilization and the production of seeds.

When most people talk about pollinators they are talking about bees; however, pollinators include a range of insects and animals that pollinate plants. Pollinators include birds, bats, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, wasps, and even some small mammals.

Importance of Pollinators

Between 75% and 95% of all flowering plants on earth need pollinators.  In fact, it’s estimated that 1 out of every 3 bites of food you eat is there because of pollinators. Pollinators also support plants that create medicine and fibers for clothing. But that’s not all pollinators help create. Pollinators support healthy ecosystems that create clean air, stabilize soils, and support thousands of different species of wildlife.

As for your property, Increasing pollinators can help make your landscape healthier and more aesthetically pleasing. On your property, the cross pollination provided by bees and other pollinators will result in more flowers, healthier plants, and more/healthier fruits (if you have fruit trees).

All in all, pollinators are essential for our environment, way of life, and your landscape but unfortunately they are being eradicated at incredible numbers.

Eradication Of Pollinators

Pollinator populations, especially bees, are dropping at a dramatic rate. In fact, between 1947 and 2005 the number of honeybees in the US declined from 5.9 million to 2.4 million, that’s a 40% reduction in one of our main pollinator species. But it’s not just bees; bat, butterfly, and ant populations are also being reduced because of loss of habitat, chemicals, and diseases.  

  • Monarch butterfly population has declined by 90% in the last 20 years.
  • 25% of bumble bees species are thought to be in serious decline
  • At least 3 bat, 5 birds, and 24 butterfly, skipper and moth, one beetle and one fly species (all pollinators in the United States) are federally listed as endangered.
  • 40% Reduction in the population of honeybees between 1947-2005

What Can You Do To Help Pollinators?

Overall you can help pollinators by making your property a safe space for them. To do this follow our tips below:

Plant Trees And Shrubs That Attract Pollinators

Our arborists suggest homeowners that want to help pollinators plant trees and shrubs that attract them to their yard. Many of our clients even have their own pollinator gardens that contain an arrangement of pollinator attracting plants.

Attract Hummingbirds By Planting:

Attracting hummingbirds - flowering quince
Flowering Quince
  • Azalea
  • Red Buckeye
  • Flowering Quince
  • Mimosa
  • Flame Acanthus
  • Cardinal Flower
  • Rhododendron
  • Lupine

Attract Butterflies By Planting:

Attract Butterflies- Buddleia (aka Butterfly bush)
Butterfly Bush
  • Buddleia (aka Butterfly bush)
  • Rose of Sharon
  • Virginia Sweetspire
  • Weigela
  • Bluebeard
  • Golden Rod
  • Ironweed

Attract Bees By Planting:

Attract Bees - Virginia Bluebells
Virginia Bluebells
  • Eastern Redbud
  • Pussy Willow
  • New Jersey Tea
  • Cockspur Hawthorn
  • Milkweed
  • Virginia Bluebells

Avoid Toxic Mosquito Sprays

Mosquito sprays are a big contributor in killing pollinators. The chemicals the big name mosquito companies use are non-selective. Meaning they kill all insects they come into contact with, not just the mosquitoes. In fact, these sprays kill all sorts of pollinators and other beneficial insects throwing the delicate balance of your property out of whack and contributing to the decline of pollinator populations.

If you’re a part of the RTEC Mosquito program don’t worry, our program uses organic products and procedures (SmartTreat™) that are safe for bees and other pollinators.

Buy Local Honey To Support Beekeepers

Another great way to support the pollinator population is to support local industries that help them, for example local honey. By purchasing local honey you are supporting local beekeepers and thus help sustain the local bee population.

If you need help keeping your property healthy without using chemicals that are toxic to our pollinators or need help creating a pollinator garden, our Arborists can help. Give us a call at 703-573-3029 or schedule a consultation online.

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Google Reviews

Grey Burkhart
Grey Burkhart
March 29, 2022.
Verified
Very professional review of our requirements and an accurate estimate. Showed up on time and were finished quickly. Cleaned up all of the debris and sawdust. Great job all around.
Dennis Bruns
Dennis Bruns
March 8, 2022.
Verified
We have used RTEC Treecare for several years. They do excellent work. Their staff is extremely knowledgeable and take great care in explaining the various options available for your particular situation. I highly recommend them.
Annette Iannucci
Annette Iannucci
February 23, 2022.
Verified
We have been using RTEC for years and were very pleased with the recent tree maintenance work they did for us. As always, we got good advice from their arborist Ben,. The crew that did the work is highly skilled, and they did a great job trimming our trees. They worked safely and efficiently, in addition to leaving the yard clean after they finished the work.
Susan Crawford
Susan Crawford
January 26, 2022.
Verified
RTEC was at my house today to removed a large Magnolia that was badly damaged by the recent snow. They did a fantastic job at a very reasonable price. They arrived right on time, worked efficiently and quickly and cleaned up so well it was hard to tell anything have been disturbed. Over the past several years, I have used RTEC for all the services I checked above, and have always been very pleased with their service and professionalism. I also appreciate that they are not eager to take down trees that don't need to come down. In this case, the damage was too extensive for the tree to recover.
Kenton Morgan
Kenton Morgan
January 20, 2022.
Verified
Once again, RTEC has done a great job. The team showed up right on time and performed all the work that we agreed to. They kept us informed as to progress, coordinated with us concerning our maple, and made recommendations concerning ongoing support for our trees. At the end of the day, they thoroughly cleaned up the debris and left our yard in pristine condition. WELL DONE.
Jean Kluttz
Jean Kluttz
January 3, 2022.
Verified
Not our first time but this time was tricky removal of a large dead tree leaning on a healthy tree. Quick response for estimate, good timing to removal, all clear and healthy tree still fine.
Jerry Haggin
Jerry Haggin
December 16, 2021.
Verified
Very good work while ensuring that I was aware of status of my work order and planned completion.
Mike Iger
Mike Iger
December 16, 2021.
Verified
David Roberts
David Roberts
December 15, 2021.
Verified
We’ve used RTEC for many years for tree maintenance and can’t say enough good things about their service. We use them for tree trimming and for regular treatments to maintain our trees’ health and deal with pests and prevent disease. Their arborist Ben has been especially helpful with advice. RTEC also been especially helpful in emergency situations, once coming to cable a massive, heritage oak in our yard right before a hurricane was about to hit. Highly recommend.
Travis Larson
Travis Larson
December 10, 2021.
Verified
RTEC did an excellent job onsite of removing dead branches from our 80+ year old trees, and trimming other growth too close to our home.
Google rating score: 4.8 of 5, based on 185 reviews.

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