A healthy landscape is more than trees, shrubs, flowers, and turf. It is also a habitat for the wildlife that helps keep our ecosystems functioning. Birds, bees, bats, butterflies, and other beneficial insects all play important roles in pollination, pest control, and maintaining biodiversity.
The good news is that supporting wildlife does not require turning your landscape into a wilderness. Thoughtful plant selection and responsible maintenance can provide food, shelter, and water while keeping landscapes attractive and functional.
Birds need more than bird feeders. Native trees and shrubs provide berries, seeds, insects, nesting sites, and shelter. Layering plants at different heights creates more opportunities for birds to feed and take cover. Leaving some seed heads through the winter can also provide an important food source when natural resources are limited.
Bees and other pollinators need flowers throughout the growing season. Planting a variety of flowering trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals helps provide a steady supply of nectar and pollen. Native plants are particularly valuable because many local pollinators have evolved alongside them. Avoiding unnecessary pesticide applications and using targeted treatments when needed can also help protect beneficial insects.
Bats are often misunderstood, but they are incredibly valuable. A single bat can consume large numbers of insects in one night, making bats an important part of natural pest control. Providing mature trees and undisturbed areas where appropriate can help provide habitat, while preserving older trees with natural cavities can offer valuable shelter.
Water matters, too. Birdbaths, ponds, rain gardens, and other water sources can provide drinking and bathing opportunities for wildlife. Even small sources can contribute to a larger network of habitat across a community.
Good wildlife habitat is not about letting a landscape become overgrown. It is about making intentional choices. Selecting plants that provide food and shelter, allowing some natural seasonal changes, protecting mature trees, and managing pesticides thoughtfully can all make a difference.
At Myatt, we believe great landscapes should work with the environment, not simply exist within it. When we design, install, and maintain landscapes with wildlife in mind, we create spaces that are beautiful for people and valuable to the creatures that share them.