Trees for Bees and Insects

We are hugely reliant on the pollination work of bees and insects for our food production. Most fruit and ornamental trees we grow produce blossom which is important for bees and insects. Listed below are a few species we would recommend to plant if you’re looking to bring bees into your garden.

Fruit Trees for Pollination

Any variety would be suitable as they all produce blossom.

Ornamental Trees for Pollination

Choose single, open flowers where you can see the central part of the flower. This is easier for bees to access the nectar and pollen.

When does pollination take place?

It can be as early as mid-February through to the late autumn. It’s very unusual to have to wait for more than a very short while on a warm, sunny day, before bees and insects are seen visiting some flower.

How Pollination Works

1. Step 1. The bees and insects (the pollinators) are attracted to the blossom by the fragrant scents and bright colours.
3. Step 2. Once the pollinator arrives at the flower, they start to collect the nectar.
5. Step 3. As they collect the nectar, it rubs against the anthers which transfer pollen onto the insect.
7. Step 4. The pollinator carries the pollen to another flower. The insect will then feed on the nectar from the new flower.
9. Step 5. Pollen from the pollinator’s body is deposited onto the female parts of the second flower (the stigma).
11. Step 6. Part of the pollen travels down the style and into the ovary to complete pollination.