October 8th

By Mutt Mulligan

3 ways to help backyard wildlife this winter

As you’re tidying up your living landscape this fall in preparation for the winter months, the TurfMutt Foundation encourages you to keep backyard critters in mind. Our yards, community green spaces, parks and school yards are part of the connected ecosystem. Birds and other animals rely on these areas for food and habitat all year long.

Here are three things you can do in your family yard to support backyard wildlife this winter.

Put the Right Plant in the Right Place
If it’s time to swap out some of your plantings or add to your yard, be mindful about what you select so your living landscapes can better support local wildlife all year long. Trees and shrubs that produce nuts, berries or pine cones are particularly beneficial. Consult the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to choose  plants that are native to your climate. They are the best option for backyard wildlife and the environment (and they will require less input from you).

Don’t Deadhead Yet
Leaving dried heads of flowers and plants on their stems until spring comes helps birds who can forage for the seeds to eat throughout the winter. They can also use the dried debris to build their nests.

Use Yard Debris to Create Habitat
Instead of trashing your tree branches and limbs after pruning, consider creating a brush pile for your backyard friends. Stacking the branches – starting with the biggest pieces at the bottom – provides places for protection from the winter elements.

To learn more about the benefits of living landscapes for people, the planet and backyard wildlife, go to TurfMutt.com.