Have you ever wondered what you can do to attract more birds, butterflies, and other wildlife to your North Royalton, Ohio yard or garden? The landscaping professionals at Rice’s Tree Service & Landscaping have put together the following helpful tips for those who want to learn more about landscaping for nature, or “naturescaping”.
The Basics for Attracting Urban Wildlife
The basic elements required when creating any wildlife-friendly habitat include providing food sources, water, safety from predators, and nesting areas.
FoodWhile bird feeders are the obvious answer to food sources for birds, consider the following in your landscape:
Trees, shrubs and flowering plants that bloom and set fruit throughout the season so there is always a food source.- Native fruit trees and shrubs are great options since their flowers will attract pollinators, and their fruit can feed birds, deer, and many small animals. You can keep your trees healthy and looking great by hiring a professional tree service for trimming, pruning, and general care.
- Brightly-colored flowering plants that are rich in nectar will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators. Including leafy host plants for eggs and larva will also increase your butterfly count.
- If you have a large, wooded property, you may want to leave a small area less manicured. Many ground-feeding birds are attracted to unraked, leafy areas that offer plenty of insects and tree seeds to eat. Plus, the sticks and leaf litter are great nesting materials.
Water
Birds, frogs, and other animals tend to like small to large pools of gently moving water. While flowing water is preferred, if you do have stagnant water, remember it gets dirty and undesirable quickly, so be sure to change it frequently, or add aquatic plants, some fish, and a small submersible pump. Some backyard sources of water include:
- Birdbaths
- Small fountains
- Ponds
- Backyard waterfalls
- Muddy puddles (for butterflies)
Nesting, Habitat, and Safety
- Evergreens offer the most safety since they offer year-round coverage and protection to small birds, but dense shrubs and tall deciduous trees also offer plenty of natural nesting opportunities.
- Butterfly boxes and solitary bee boxes are excellent additions to any yard, along with more traditional bird houses.
- Before you go ahead with tree removal, consider the fact that older trees offer great habitat and that their resident insects are a food source for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other insect-eaters. Talk to a tree specialist to see if removing dead limbs would suffice, or if you really need to take the tree out.
With gardening and bird watching being two very common hobbies throughout the United States, it makes sense to combine those two pastimes and create a nature sanctuary at home. Contact Rice’s Tree Service & Landscaping at (440) 582-7669 for a free estimate or to schedule tree service or lawn service that will beautify your landscape and encourage birds, butterflies, and other local wildlife to visit your yard.