Hive placement in light shade

Natalie · May 29, 2009, 01:19:34 AM

How much shade can a hive take?
I am wondering about an area I have in the yard for potential hive placement.
It would be a good area to keep hives as far as them being away from pedestrian traffic and having a good windbreak and such but it only seems to get morning sun for a short time and then its in the shade or partial shade for the rest of the day throughout the spring.
It gets much more sun in the summer but I am concerned about them getting off to a slow start in the spring.
The area where I keep my other hives right now is great, sun from 8:30 a.m. or so and then the entire rest of the day.
I see the bees coming and going starting at 9:00 a.m. and I know that helps productivity.
This other location will give bees that same early morning start but I have no idea how the shade in the afternoon will affect them.
I don't have bees in that location yet but have a couple of nucs coming this weekend and am not sure whether to consider this location or not.
What do you all think? Thanks.

Bill W. · May 29, 2009, 01:24:08 AM

Take a look at where feral bees build their hives; you'll very rarely find one with a perfect southern exposure. When they nest in trees, there is usually a lot of shade.

So, while you might be giving them an edge with more morning sunlight, they'll probably do just fine without it.

doak · May 29, 2009, 02:52:17 AM

As long as there is not a solid canopy that leaves solid shade for several hours.
Plus, if the air circulation is good. You should be O.K. :)doak

RayMarler · May 29, 2009, 03:02:13 AM

I have hives same as yours. They get morning sun then shade from noon on and they seem to be doing fine. I know a fellow beek here in town, has hives in practically full shade all day because of trees in the yard. The tree canopy is not a solid mat at all so spots of sun hit the hives throughout the day. They seem to do fine for him. Keep in mind I'm in central california.

indypartridge · May 29, 2009, 08:52:11 AM

I live in the woods and my hives are shaded most of the day. If I were looking to maximize production, or if SHB were an issue, I'd probably move them somewhere else, but I like having them where I can see them out my back windows. So they sleep in late and knock off work early. They're happy - I'm happy.

Natalie · May 29, 2009, 01:13:18 PM

Thanks for all the input guys. It sounds like they will be fine in that spot.
I didn't want to have to cram all of the hives in the one area that gets alot of sun and this spot does get some and its never in solid shade so I guess I will give it a go.
Its gloomy and lightly raining here today and my bees are flying around in front of the hives so I guess a little shade would not affect them too much.

adamant · June 21, 2011, 08:10:01 PM

good topic.. here is a picture of my hives.. the sun riese in the front of the hives? still to much shade with the tree? what do u think?

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

iddee · June 21, 2011, 09:22:52 PM

If you don't have SHB, you can put them in any amount of shade.

If you have SHB, you don't want any shade at all.

Larry Bees · June 21, 2011, 09:31:22 PM

I have trouble with SHB, so mine are out in the sun all day long. Larry

uglyfrozenfish · June 22, 2011, 10:51:36 PM

I took over a feral hive this year. This hive was in two deeps and two shallows and they hadn't been touched by human hands for 10+ years. They are in full shade in the woods and the bees thrive. Good numbers they throw off swarms every year and no issues. So I wouldn't worry about it at all.

L Daxon · June 22, 2011, 11:08:35 PM

Give it a go. If you think the shade is bothering them, you can always move them. It will be a good experiment for you. Won't know for sure unless you try it.

LD