Regarding whether they fall down in high winds, I also had two occurrences of the unfilled stack getting knocked apart, and the high wind for the year was only 26mph. It could have been deer knocking into them, but both were after windy days, so I just put a couple of staples between each box when they’re used. The hive tool can easily pop them out when it’s time, and it’s a bit of insurance after putting in a new package when the weight is low.

I think 3/4 in top bars will be too thin. You need to give the bees enough room to build comb as well as leave a bee space between frames. I’ve never tried adding an extra frame like that but I’m guessing they won’t have enough room to build and you’ll end up with comb where it’s not supposed to be. Remember bee’s don’t follow the rules so they will build comb as they see fit and not necessarily how you would like them too. Oh and bees don’t create cell size based on how much room they have, they make them as big as they need them (anywhere from 4.6mm to 5.1mm). With natural comb there is not a way to influence cell size. These conversations are usually associated with foundation.

Hope that helps!

2. What difference is it if the top bars are 3/4″ wide verses 1″ wide? I did my layout and with 3/4″ wide frames, I would be able to have 10 frames, but will I have more wax, less honey per frame, and poor production? From my understanding, the smaller the cells, the less opportunity for disease to creep in. Is this correct or is this a non-issue? The hive will have more 1 more frame for a comb, but what effect would this be on the bees, honey, wax, and queen?

Thank you!
Erez