Most people have their own reasons to landscape their yard to attract wildlife. One you may consider is being able to escape to your own backyard to relax in a beautiful natural setting. Or maybe you are interested in increasing your property value through landscaping. Another reason to landscape for wildlife is the opportunity to nurture and support the varied wildlife in your area, possibly including endangered species. For some, the benefit of wildlife landscaping is that it supports the environment by reducing chemicals, conserving water, and improving soil, water and air quality. For others, it’s all about the fun of interacting with nature and even teaching young ones about the joys of gardening to benefit wildlife.
There are three key components to landscaping your yard to attract and support a population of local wildlife. First, you need to provide food. Research the types of animals that you hope to attract. Birds, frogs, butterflies and chipmunks all have different needs. Then find out what native plants will meet those needs. The National Wildlife Federation has a tremendously helpful website that provides a map of the United States. You can click on your state to find the top ten native plants for where you live. You can also consult your local extension office or gardening club for more information. Food for wildlife can be provided by planting grasses, trees and nectar producing flowers.
The second component is water. Adding a water feature to your wildlife landscape can be as simple as adding a birdbath. Or maybe you are a little more ambitious and would like to add a pond. In that case, there are many kits and pre-formed liners to choose from. Make sure your pond is at least two to three feet deep. If you are planning to provide a habitat for frogs, a deeper pond is best so they are able to hibernate in the winter. Be sure your pond has some flat areas and a flat bottom. Then, even out any rough areas with sand or old carpeting to keep from damaging your pond liner. After you have placed the liner in the hole, cover the edges with the rocks and dirt that you dug out from the hole. Fill with water; add plants and some rock islands. Now you have a beautiful, relaxing water feature that can be a habitat for frogs, fish and dragon flies.
Cover is an essential third component for your wildlife landscape. All wildlife needs a place to hide from predators and a safe place to have their young. Consider installing nest boxes for birds or frog houses for toads and frogs. A bat house is also a great addition because you can enjoy watching the bats swoop after annoying insects in the evenings. Other things that will be appreciated are shrubs and dead trees which provide a safe place for wildlife to hide. Many birds also nest and find bugs to eat in dead trees.
If you follow these three keys to landscaping for wildlife you too can enjoy the benefits of a fun, relaxing, beautiful retreat in your own back yard. So what are you waiting for?
