Think of this project as landscaping for birds. Your goal will be to
plant an assortment of trees, shrubs and flowers that will attract
birds. If you plan carefully it can be inexpensive and fun for the
whole family. The best way to get started is to follow these
guidelines:
_Set Your Priorities_
Decide what types of birds you wish to attract, then build your plan
around the needs of those species. Talk to friends and neighbors to
find out what kinds of birds frequent your area. Attend a local bird
club meeting and talk to local birdwatchers about how they have
attracted birds to their yards.
_Use Native Plants When Possible_
Check with the botany department of a nearby college or university or
with your state’s natural heritage program for lists of trees, shrubs,
and wildflowers native to your area. Use this list as a starting point
for your landscape plan. These plants are naturally adapted to the
climate of your area and are a good long-term investment. Many native
plants are both beautiful for landscaping purposes and excellent for
birds. If you include nonnative plant species in your plan, be sure
they are not considered “invasive pests” by plant experts. Check out
the bird books in your local library.
_Draw a Map of Your Property_
Draw a map of your property to scale using graph paper. Identify
buildings, sidewalks, power lines, buried cables, fences, septic tank
fields, trees, shrubs and patios. Consider how your plan relates to
your neighbor’s property—will the tree you plant shade out the
neighbor’s vegetable garden? Identify and map sunny or shady sites,
low or wet sites, sandy sites, and native plants that will be left in
place.
Also identify special views that you wish to enhance—areas for pets,
benches, picnics, storage, playing, sledding, vegetable gardens and
paths.
_Get Your Soil Tested_
Get your soil tested by your local garden center, county extension
agent or soil conservation service. Find out what kinds of soil you
have and then find out if your soils have nutrient or organic
deficiencies that fertilization or addition of compost can correct.
The soils you have will help determine the plants which can be
included in your landscaping plan.
_Review the Seven Plant Habitat Components_
Review the seven plant components described previously. Which
components are already present? Which ones are missing? Remember that
you are trying to provide food and cover through all four seasons.
Develop a list of plants that you think will provide the missing
habitat components.
_Talk to Resource Experts_
Review this plant list with landscaping resource experts who can match
your ideas with your soil types, soil drainage and the plants
available through state or private nurseries. People at the nearby
arboretum can help with your selections. At an arboretum you can also
see what many plants look like. Talk with local bird clubs, the
members of which probably are knowledgeable about landscaping for
birds.
_Develop Your Planting Plan_
Sketch on your map the plants you wish to add. Draw trees to a scale
that represents three-fourths of their mature width, and shrubs at
their full mature width. This will help you calculate how many trees
and shrubs you need. There is a tendency to include so many trees that
eventually your yard will be mostly shaded. Be sure to leave open
sunny sites where flowers and shrubs can thrive. Decide how much money
you can spend and the time span of your project. Don’t try to do too
much at once. You might try a five-year development plan.
_Implement Your Plan_
Finally, go to it! Begin your plantings and include your entire family
so they can all feel they are helping wildlife. Document your
plantings on paper and by photographs. Try taking pictures of your
yard from the same spots every year to document the growth of your
plants.
_Maintain Your Plan_
Keep your new trees, shrubs and flowers adequately watered, and keep
your planting areas weed-free by use of landscaping film and wood
chips or shredded bark mulch. This avoids the use of herbicides for
weed control. If problems develop with your plants, consult a local
nursery, garden center or county extension agent.
_And Finally ..._
Make sure to take the time to enjoy the wildlife that will eventually
respond to your landscaping efforts.