Are you a bird nerd? Or maybe you just like the idea of having pretty fliers to look at every once in a while.
Whatever your motivation may be, we’ll walk you through some steps on how to make your landscape bird friendly.
Why Your Landscape Needs Birds
Did you know that attracting birds to your landscape has some benefits? Other than being pretty here are some ways that birds can help your landscape.
- Weed Control: Certain species of birds eat weed seeds and can keep unwanted plants under control. Finches, towhees and sparrows are some great weed fighters.
- Pest Control: Many birds go after insects like spiders and mosquitoes that may be hanging around your garden, if you like to spend a lot of time outside this will be useful for you!
- Pollinate Flowers: Hummingbirds, Orioles and other birds that sip nectar are great for pollinating gardens, this can lead to more vibrant colors and extra blooms!
Bird-friendly gardens aren’t solely reserved for cabins in the woods, with the following tips anyone can have a bird sanctuary right in their own backyard.
Making Your Landscape Bird-Friendly
1. Know Your Area
Using native plants is the best first step in planning a bird-friendly landscape. Why? Because that’s what they’re already familiar with.
These landscaping features can include trees, shrubs, flowers, and grasses. A few exotic plants are okay, but if that’s what you plant in your landscape it’s likely birds won’t like them.
2. Implement Layers
You’ll want to provide different layers of plants as birds enjoy different areas for foraging on the ground or searching for food between shrubs.
Spacing plants appropriately and growing plants of varying heights will create this layering effect, a great landscape designer (like one of Complete Landsculpture’s team members) can help you with design.
3. Maintain Trees
Preserving your landscape is key, stay on top of your tree maintenance and ask one of our tree experts if dead trees can remain on your property safely.
The hollow cavities are great resting and nesting places for all types of birds.
4. Supplemental Housing
If a tree isn’t an option, there are plenty of other routes to take. Nesting boxes mounted on poles as well as bird houses are great choices and can help add a layer of security and keep your birds safe from predators.
5. Choose the Right Plants
Birds love anything with seeds, berries, or flowers.
Some great options for long-lasting berries include:
- Winterberry holly
- Wild roses
- American bittersweet
- Crab apples
- Juniper
6. Storm Protection
Strong winds and raging storms aren’t a great combo when it comes to bird-watching. Construction hardscapes and structures like fences or hedges are good ideas.
Take a look at our portfolio for some inspiration!
What Are You Waiting For?
Are you feeling inspired after reading through our tips? If so, let’s get started in planning, designing, and installing your dream backyard.
The experienced team at Complete Landsculpture will walk you through the entire process. Reach out to us here, and we’ll be in touch as soon as possible!
