SUSTAINABILITY landscaped open spaces to further extend the benefits of pollination, reinforcing the return on green roof investments and allowing the initiative to be residentfocused in addition to ordinance-driven.
When integrated into a comprehensive green roof strategy, beehives support plant performance, strengthen urban ecosystems, and help translate regulatory requirements into visible, living systems working quietly above the city. According to local Beekeeper, Ed Schell,“ city ordinance limits the amount of backyard hives to two per household, we are always looking to partner with local businesses to expand our hobby.” For him, this is a partnership to utilize the roof top of the Blue Bonnet restaurant on South Broadway.
From an operational standpoint, beekeeping programs are largely turnkey and create great opportunities for resident engagement. Beekeeping teams, such as Best Bees, manage installation, routine maintenance, seasonal challenges, and safety protocols. Ian Haines, account manager with Best Bees explains that he and his team typically visit hives every three to six weeks, and often host residentfacing events such as hive tours and honey tastings. Tastings frequently feature three honeys from different regions, paired with DNA“ pie charts” that show which plants influenced each flavor, highlighting seasonality and plant diversity.
Italian honeybees are commonly used in multifamily settings such as Edison Rino, who works with Best Bees to maintain their rooftop hive. These bees are used due to their docile nature and strong honey production. With clear guidance, such as maintaining a respectful distance of 15 – 20 feet, residents quickly learn that honeybees are non-aggressive, and initial anxiety often gives way to curiosity. Over time, the hive becomes a shared point of pride within the community, strengthening resident satisfaction and fostering a deeper connection to place. Branded honey jars, thoughtful signage, and on-site educational materials further reinforce the hive as a visible, story driven sustainability amenity rather than a behind-the-scenes initiative.
“ The dream client is one who commits to growing alongside the bees,” Haines says.“ They start with a baseline and then learn what the hive needs, adapting as they go.” In a multifamily industry increasingly focused on sustainability with substance, beekeeping offers something rare: a living system that supports biodiversity, educates residents, and quietly strengthens communitiesone pollinated plant at a time.
Katie Hudson is an Area Manager with Kairoi Residential
Amy Mark is a Multifamily Asset Manager with MIG Real Estate
303-294-9000 lmico. com
Full-Service Landscape Maintenance Landscape Maintenance, Property
Enhancement, Irrigation Services Sustainable Landscape, Holiday Lighting, Snow Removal
Excellent People. Excellent Clients. Excellent Results www. aamdhq. org TRENDS MARCH 2026 | 37