Trees are the most productive forage group in beekeeping. A single mature tree carries as many flowers as a wide field, and the bee reaches that source in one flight.

Why trees are valuable

• Density: Many flowers in a small area; a saving in flight energy
• Continuity: They need no sowing and return every year
• Early flowering: Many trees flower before herbaceous plants
• Drought resistance: Deep roots can sustain nectar secretion

Early spring trees

This group is the year's most critical pollen source. As the colony begins brood rearing it meets its protein needs here.

Some wind-pollinated trees give abundant pollen and the bees use it. Early species giving both nectar and pollen, such as willow, are particularly valuable.

There is no other source at this time; where early trees are absent, build-up is delayed.

Main flow trees

Trees flowering in late spring and early summer are the main honey source in most regions, offering a large quantity over a short but intense period.

Their yield is highly weather-dependent: the same tree fills a hive one year and gives nothing the next. Warm, humid nights increase secretion.

Late forage

Trees and shrubs flowering in late summer and autumn coincide with the rearing of winter bees. Even where the honey yield is low they are valuable for overwintering.

Honeydew sources

Some trees offer a source other than nectar: the sweet secretion of aphids. Conifer forests in particular carry this source.

Honeydew honey is dark and rich in minerals. Its high ash content makes it unsuitable as winter stores; it should be replaced before wintering.

Honeydew flows are unpredictable, depending on insect populations and weather.

Fruit trees

Orchards offer an intense but short source in early spring. They generally give no surplus honey; the real gain is rapid colony build-up.

The point to watch is the spraying calendar.

Planting trees

This is the beekeeper's longest-term investment: it takes effect years later but lasts for decades.

The criterion: species that fill the gap in your area. A late-flowering species is more use than another spring tree.