Planting to Attract Birds and Butterflies to Your Bergen County Yard

Whether you are interested in conservation and ecological stewardship, you are a wildlife admirer, or you desire a beautiful landscape for an affordable cost, you should consider designing your Bergen County yard to attract wildlife. If you want your Bergen County yard to be an oasis for native birds and pollinators, you might have to rethink your current landscaping with the help of Borst Landscape & Design. There are several steps you can take to attract butterflies and birds as well as improve water quality, absorb carbon dioxide, and increase the quality of life for existing wildlife.

Plant Shrubs, Perennials and Annuals to Attract Birds and Butterflies

Traditional lawns provide little habitat or cover for wildlife and are practically deserts for pollinator species. Additionally, using pesticides and herbicides to keep lawns looking pristine can be harmful to native species. Borst offers organic pesticides. Since pollinating insects are the foundation of diets for many other native wildlife, it is vital to support these populations by planting strategically. Planting the appropriate shrubs, perennials and annuals can give pollinators both food sources and the necessary habitat to complete reproduction. For example, you can plant black-eyed Susans, coneflows, golden rod, Joe-Pye weed, milkweed, mountain mints, sunflowers, and wild bergamot to help butterfly species have successful caterpillars. It’s also smart to add a mix of perennials and annuals that bloom at varying times and look totally different. This way, pollinators are able to feed throughout the year, and different species can benefit from the different plant types. For example, bees need both pollen and nectar, whereas butterflies just need nectar and some pollinator species have anatomy that is specialized to certain kinds of flowers. The plus side is, your Bergen County yard will have beautiful blooms throughout the growing season and look totally unique!

Plant new things, but keep the old to attract birds and butterflies to your lawn

Planting native plant species in your Bergen County yard is key to attracting both more numerous and more diverse bird species.  Native plant provides fruits and seeds as well as attract insects that are all food for birds. However, both beautifully maintained dogwood or sagebrush and a dead or dying black cherry can act as suitable habitat and cover for birds.  Though you may be tempted to cut down dead or dying trees, considers trimming them and letting them remain in your Bergen County yard for native bird species. You may also rake your Bergen County yard every fall, but fallen leaves are actually beneficial for wildlife.  A light layer of leaves not only makes your soil richer and reduces weed growth, but also gives moths and butterflies habitat for the winter months.

Additional elements to consider to attract birds and butterflies

You can create more habitat by adding additional landscaping features like water, unmolched soil, or stones.  Consider creating a shallow pond where birds can bath. You’ll have to exchange the water every few days to avoid mosquitos, but hummingbirds in particular benefit from places to wash off sticky nectar.  You can surround this miniature pond with pebbles or bare soil. Pebbles warm in the sun and give pollinating insects a toasty landing pad to rest and recharge. Many insects would appreciate unmulched soil as well because they burrow underground to nest. Additional nesting sanctuaries can be added like bird or bee boxes.

These are just a few ideas of how to attract birds and butterflies to your Bergen County yard. With the help of Borst Landscape & Design, you can turn your landscapes into a paradise for native plants and animals! Check out the specific packages Borst offers and contact us today.

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