How to Start a Wildlife Landscaping

Though the requirements for raising a particular wildlife is very animal specific; All the wildlife have basically three needs viz. Food, Water, and Shelter. Before choosing to raise a wildlife landscape make sure the place has all the required ingredients.

Benefits of wildlife landscaping:

Here are some of most fascinating aspects of raising a wildlife in your backyard:

It looks great aesthetically

It is good for recreational purposes

It reduces cooking and electricity bills by conserving energy and provide shade.

and,

last but not the least it provides amazing educational experience.

How to choose the plants:

Firstly, choose native trees and plants. They are suitable for your climate and have lesser chance of succumbing to draught or diseases. Next find out about the ideal growing conditions of these species like nutrient requirements, sunlight exposure, watering frequencies, etc. Before planting trees, consider this; the birds and small animals take tender leaves, fruit pulps, bugs, beetles, flies as their food. So, you should choose plant that can sustain their need throughout seasons. Flowering plants attract butterflies and bee population (check out my article planting for bees for details on this subject).

Place some feeders and nest boxes to provide further assistance to the animals. One of the main problems you might incur is that you have to find different kinds of food to different kinds of species. Though sounds challenging it might be one of the interesting part of raising a wildlife landscape. You should also clean the feeders regularly with water and some form of disinfectant.

Providing shelter:

Making a landscape full of wildlife in not only about the food it also concerns shelter. Making a brush pile is a great way to attract birds, small mammals, to your backyard. They visit in search of insects who love to stay in these piles. But this also invites snakes; so think carefully before implementing one. Big tree cavities are also a favourite place for many animals. Woodpeckers, raccoons, owls, etc. loves to build nest in those places.

Water:

Water is an essential ingredient of wildlife habitat. It not only quenches the thirst of animals it also provides refreshment and sometimes a source for food depending upon the type of animal. Animals such as a raccoon or kingfisher depends largely on water for their source of food. If you are planning to have a wildlife landscape you have to provide arrangement for the water.

Now, you can provide simple structures like a birdbath or maybe small pond. Whatever is your choice you need to keep some points in mind. You must build the water source in a place where some kind of shade is available for at least some part of the day. It will keep the water cool and the evaporation rate will be lesser. Don't allow the water to get stagnant it should be clean and cool.

If you are planning to build a birdbath, make sure to keep it higher from the ground (at least 3.5ft) so that cats can't reach there.

Make the area around your backyard attractive and much more interesting. Don't get limited in your efforts to raise a wildlife and help in conserving the natural habitat for many wild animals.

Landscaping is an important part of creating a long lasting aesthetic look for your garden. Be creative and try to make your unique blend. You can get some really cool idea about landscaping here. 

Read Landscaping related article:

Backyard Landscaping: DIY or Hire a Professional

Basics of A Rain Garden

Landscaping for Beginners