How to attract wildlife to your garden with trees Now the cold weather has passed (we hope) more animals that are starting to appear. Nature lovers who enjoy watching birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife in your garden then keep reading to find out the perfect trees, shrubs and plants you should have in your garden! Planting Oak trees Oak trees are great for attracting wildlife as they provide shelters for nesting birds and squirrels and insects as well as food for a variety of different animals. Acorns are one of the main attractions of nature. Caterpillars and some moth species are drawn to the oak as they feed exclusively on them! The Oak Trees leaves, which start to appear around April/ May, attract other insects such as ants, due to the sugary substance the leaves produce. This provides a great source of food for a range of birds. It’s important to remember Oak trees will require a bigger garden due to the fact that they will take up a lot of room and can grow to great heights so planting them in the right place is important. They are fully hardy and best grown in sun or semi-shade and deep, well-drained soil. Willow trees Willow trees are great trees to grow in your garden but also attract a variety of different animals and insects. These trees are known for their graceful branches and leaves, which provide a natural habitat for birds, butterflies and other insects. The branches of willow trees are used by birds to build their nests, while the leaves provide food for caterpillars and other insects. Willow trees require a lot of water, which makes them an ideal choice for planting near water. Willow plants are famous for their wonderfully graceful forms, fluffy catkins and variety of bark colours making them a real asset to any garden. Silver Birch Trees for your garden Birch trees are well-known trees in the UK and can support over 230 species! They are elegant trees that grow quickly and tend to showcase white, silver bark or sometimes even bark with a slight pinkish tinge. The leaves on a silver birch can be a food source for other insects such as caterpillars and moths. Hole-nesting birds such as woodpeckers will happily nest in a birch tree trunk, as well as other birds eating its seeds. Birch trees are attractive all year round with interest from the bark, and catkins in spring and usually have good autumn foliage colour too. Rowan trees Rowan trees are an elegant tree that bears clusters of creamy white flowers and spring bright red berries in the autumn. The berries on the trees are great for attracting a variety of birds such as blackbirds and starlings. You will also provide a house for around 160 species of insects as well as sawflies which are a great source of food for chicks. The rowan tree is fully hardy, likes sun or semi-shade and can be planted in most soils. This tree also has smooth grey bark and upward-reaching branches, perfect for enhancing your garden. Fruit and Nut Trees Incorporating a variety of fruit and nut trees into a garden can be a delightful way to attract and support local wildlife. Trees such as apple, cherry, and pear entice an array of birds, including robins, starlings, greenfinches and thrushes. Additionally, these diverse trees foster a thriving ecosystem, attracting beneficial insects that assist in pest control, ensuring the garden remains a vibrant habitat for the local wildlife. There are many other trees, shrubs and climbing plants that can provide a great home for wildlife. It has been shown that gardens are much more attracted to nature if they have an array of trees, hedges and other plants. It also brings benefits to you as well like providing noise reduction and helping to fight against climate change! BACK TO ARTICLES
