My husband and I are new to beekeeping.We live within the city limits of a small metro area in western North Carolina.Our backyard space is 60x175 it is heavily planted with a variety of parenials,trees,a small pond and has a lower level.Our house faces east so our yard gets sun from the south and west as the day advances.We are trying to decide where to place our hive that will be best for our bees.
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">epending upon whether or not your back yard is privacy fenced will make a difference.
First of all back about 25 feet from lot line and out of sight of neighbors is best.If you have a 6 foot or higher wall this is great, for it will get the bees flying up and out and over anything or anyone outside your property line.
Then for your convience, face the bees from your description south to southeast in the sun if possible and have the water with the pond, between the house and the hive, so the bee go to water there first and not the house inside to bother you.
Also make sure the pond has easy access for the bees with rocks on sides and/or water plants to use to walk upon/light upon to get a drink so they don't fall in and drown.
Have fun with the bees.
REgards,
Dee A. Lusby