A beautiful yard can have many uses besides providing beauty to a home. It can also provide a safe haven for birds to eat and have shelter, and provide one with hours of bird-watching entertainment.
Birds are naturally drawn to trees and shrubs because these plants provide a place to hide from their enemies, a place to nest and roost, a place to get a meal, and a place to rest. The key is having a mix of large trees and smaller shrubs that are either evergreen or bear fruit, nuts, berries or cones.
By providing a variety of different trees and shrubs, you will attract a greater variety of birds to your yard. Some can provide food; others will provide shelter. Birds have various individual tastes, so if you provide a variety of food sources, a greater number will decide your yard would be a nice place to visit or even live.
It helps to have a diverse variety of heights, foliage types and densities. Consider planting bushes in groups, making a special effort to be strategic in locations that will receive less human traffic. Birds need cover to hide from their enemies and to stay safe during cold or stormy weather. Dense evergreen shrubs and trees can actually shelter birds and insulate them from winds. In summer these same trees and plants will provide them with protection from the sun and heat, as well as a place to nest.
It helps to learn about which birds actually live in or migrate annually to and from your area. Create a list of birds and then find out their favorite food and type of nesting place. We have many great trees and shrubs to provide birds food and shelter. So come in and visit us soon. Our staff of nursery professionals will be happy to help you plan a garden that is not only beautiful, but one that will also keep the local bird population happy!