Question on Locating a New Hive in Urban Area

[jataylor]

I am just starting and want to locate my two hives in my back yard.  I have about 1/2 acre in the woods available.  How much area around the hives should be open and clear?

[iddee]

Depends on where you are.

[jataylor]

Just outside the city limits of Fairfax, VA.  Lot is on 3/4 Acre and woods separate the three lots in the back. Just wondering how much working space I'll need and how much bees will need for glide path to and from.

[Michael Bush]

Put a six foot fence three feet from the hive and you can walk all around it fine... don't and I'd want 15 feet or so to not get in their path...

[kathyp]

you'll also probably want them in the sun or mostly sun, not stuck under trees in the shade all the time.  some shrubs or fence in front of them will direct their flight and disguise them from neighbors.