The Top 5 Trees to Plant for Wildlife

By Sophia Sanchez, published Apr 17, 2008
Published Content: 407  Total Views: 375,252  Favorited By: 98 CPs
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A well planned garden can provide for the wildlife that makes your yard interesting and active. As well manicured yards continue to grow and spread out across once forested areas, it is important to remember that the wildlife in your area still needs a place to live. There are several trees that you can plant in your own yard to help out the local wildlife and increase the plant and wildlife diversity.

Here are the top five trees that you can plant for wildlife. All five trees provide some need for wildlife, add beauty to your yard and give you the joy of viewing wildlife right outside your window.

Oaks
There are several types of oaks for you to choose from, but all of them are a great choice for wildlife. Start by researching the native types of oaks that grow in your region, and pick one of them for the best growing results and to appeal to local birds. Oaks are valuable because of the shelter and food they provide to deer, birds and squirrels. Oak branches provide plenty of nesting sites and their bark winters several types of insects.

Willows
I love willows for their long, ground sweeping branches. It turns out that several birds, animals and insects prefer willow trees for the exact same reason. Many types of wildlife seek shelter and protection in the branches of a willow tree where the lush leaves keeps them hidden from predators. Insects can also be found buzzing around the trees because of the abundance of pollen and nectar. Other insects make their homes in the bark of this beautiful tree.

Birches
Birch trees are a favorite among many types of birds, especially chickadees, grouse and hummingbirds. Grouse and chickadees feed on the seeds found in the catkins of the tree and hummingbirds come for the sap that flows down the sides of the tree. Admiral butterflies as well as a couple different types of moth larvae use the tree as a host.

Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
 
 
Educational article. Very useful information. We have the birch trees and pine trees but our Dogwood died. Thanks for such good info!!

Posted on 06/12/2008 at 8:06:57 PM

 
Great article and marvelous wildlife diversity tree selections . . . As a bird watcher and hiker, I am all about giving back to our wildlife. Additionally, these trees (and all plant life) are best served when planting to their region-specific native areas, for all the same reasons you share this list. If one can find a big enough pot to plant the tree into as a 'garden' tree, then it is wonderful attractor for the goal of wildlife in your yard - I'd shy away from directly planting non-natives into the ground, as to not to add to the non-native competition already a major problem in many places - and even illegal in some municipalities across the US, where non-native invasive plants/trees are a threat to certain species. Always check with local county and city ordinances before planting any tree or bush in the ground.

Posted on 06/12/2008 at 12:06:01 PM

 
Excellent choices in trees!

Posted on 05/17/2008 at 9:05:38 AM

 
Ack, I miss having a yard with trees nearby! Here in Downtown San Diego any tree is a relief indeed. :o)

Posted on 04/26/2008 at 5:04:04 PM

 
Those are all great selections, but the ones I have chosen appeal to the widest range of animals, birds and insects and for more than one need.

Posted on 04/18/2008 at 10:04:25 AM

 
This is a peculiar selection. I would have thought they would be the Pecan, Redwood, Douglas Fir, Bald Cypress and Mimosa.

Posted on 04/18/2008 at 9:04:24 AM

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