A wildlife habitat provides food, water, shelter, and space arranged to meet the needs of wildlife. No matter what size, your yard can be landscaped to attract birds, small animals, beneficial insects, and butterflies. Trees, shrubs, and other plants in your yard can provide shelter and food for a wide range of wildlife.
The variety of wildlife species that will be attracted to your backyard depends upon the plants you use for food and cover. Nesting boxes, feeders, and watering sites, such as ponds and fountains, can be added to improve the habitat.
Planning is necessary for attractive and productive wildlife habitat. You have both a horizontal area to work with -- the size of your lot -- as well as a vertical area that stretches from your soil to the treetops. The vertical area is composed of the canopy formed by the tallest tree branches; understory vegetation consisting of smaller trees, shrubs, and vines; the floor which is often dominated by low-growing plants (grasses, flowers, etc.) and the basement where a wide range of organisms live in the soil. Different wildlife species live in each of these zones, so numerous habitats can be provided on a small piece of land.
Trees and shrubs are the backbone of any landscaping design. But they are also important for wildlife shelter. Many tree and shrub species are excellent sources of food for wildlife. Proper selection of plantings can meet both the aesthetic needs of the homeowner and the food and shelter needs of wildlife. Remember that you are are also part of the habitat!
Native vs non-native plants Native plants are better for the environment than non-native plants. They usually require less fertilizer and other additives, less water, and less effort in pest and disease control. They are particularly important to native wildlife, such as pollinators, that may have co-evolved with a particular species. These birds, bees, and other beneficial insects often rely on a particular type of native flower as a source of food, while the flower depends on the pollinator to carry its pollen to other flowers for reproduction.
When non-native plants are used, they can often upset the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. They may even out-compete native species to the point of crowding them out completely. Native animal species benefit more when these native plant communities are maintained, or are restored to their natural habitats, providing the best source of food. - 29958
The variety of wildlife species that will be attracted to your backyard depends upon the plants you use for food and cover. Nesting boxes, feeders, and watering sites, such as ponds and fountains, can be added to improve the habitat.
Planning is necessary for attractive and productive wildlife habitat. You have both a horizontal area to work with -- the size of your lot -- as well as a vertical area that stretches from your soil to the treetops. The vertical area is composed of the canopy formed by the tallest tree branches; understory vegetation consisting of smaller trees, shrubs, and vines; the floor which is often dominated by low-growing plants (grasses, flowers, etc.) and the basement where a wide range of organisms live in the soil. Different wildlife species live in each of these zones, so numerous habitats can be provided on a small piece of land.
Trees and shrubs are the backbone of any landscaping design. But they are also important for wildlife shelter. Many tree and shrub species are excellent sources of food for wildlife. Proper selection of plantings can meet both the aesthetic needs of the homeowner and the food and shelter needs of wildlife. Remember that you are are also part of the habitat!
Native vs non-native plants Native plants are better for the environment than non-native plants. They usually require less fertilizer and other additives, less water, and less effort in pest and disease control. They are particularly important to native wildlife, such as pollinators, that may have co-evolved with a particular species. These birds, bees, and other beneficial insects often rely on a particular type of native flower as a source of food, while the flower depends on the pollinator to carry its pollen to other flowers for reproduction.
When non-native plants are used, they can often upset the delicate balance of the local ecosystem. They may even out-compete native species to the point of crowding them out completely. Native animal species benefit more when these native plant communities are maintained, or are restored to their natural habitats, providing the best source of food. - 29958
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When you begin developing your wildlife habitat you may want to check out the possibility of including garden water fountains or garden waterfallsto make your backyard more inviting for you and your family in addition to your local wildlife.
