Backyard Wildlife Primer
(Page 6 of 14)
September/October 1986
By Raymond Zoanetti and the Mother Earth News editors
The chart on page 85 shows a few recommended combinations of wildlife-supporting species, but keep in mind that the conditions on your property may require different vegetation. Local nursery owners should be able to help you make selections suitable to your specific needs; show them your site maps and discuss the soil types, solar exposure, and other factors. Remember to get their advice on planting techniques for the varieties you choose, too. And be sure to mention that you're planting to create wildlife habitat. In some cases, you'll want to space plantings more closely than is ordinarily recommended, to produce extra-dense growth.
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* Plan for the long term. Don't forget to consider what each plant's height and width will be at maturity. Place taller vegetation in the rear, and plant only low-growing vegetation near your home so that your view won't be obstructed. In most cases it will take five to 10 years for shrubs to reach full size; hardwood trees such as oaks and hickories can take 30 or more years. Rather than trying to do all your planting in one season, plan your work over a period of at least three to five years, to create varied, uneven-age stands of vegetation. If you're working out a planting strategy on a site map, it may help to draw tall vegetation in one color, medium in another, and low growth in still another — or to sketch each year's plantings in different hues — so that you can better visualize the long-term layout.
Other Habitat Improvements
Birdbaths and pools. A reliable water source will make your property a popular place among birds and animals. Fortunately, there are several simple, easy ways to provide water regardless of how much (or how little) space and money you have to spare. Just be sure to locate any water source in an open area, so that wildlife will have a good view when drinking or bathing, but near cover, to offer an avenue of escape from predators. Remember, too, that shallow water will attract a greater diversity of species than deep water.
The ideal birdbath is made of cement or pottery and set at least three feet off the ground, with overhanging branches nearby, so that birds have time and cover in which to escape from predators. The water in the bath should be no more than three inches deep. Since birds are especially attracted to moving water, you can increase the number of visitors by hanging a dripping hose (or just a plastic milk carton with a small pinhole in the bottom) from a branch over the bath.
Almost any receptacle that will hold water and that can be sunk in the ground can serve as a ready-made pool for wildlife: an old sink, even wooden barrel halves. Many nurseries now sell preformed garden pools, in a variety of shapes and sizes, that are easily installed. If you live in a region with heavy clay soil, you may be able to simply dig a small pool that will hold water — make it 12 to 18 inches deep overall, with gradually sloping sides, and then line the walls with rock, brick, or cement block to keep them from caving in.
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