LINCOLN, Neb., Jan. 31, 2022 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Arbor Day Foundation is recommending nine tree species for homeowners wanting to attract birds and animals to their yards.
"Trees in our neighborhoods not only clean the air and water, but they also foster wildlife habitat for our birds, small animals and even insects, which are important to promote biodiversity," said Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation. "Having wildlife in our cities and towns is simply another wonderful way to remain connected to nature despite being in an urban setting."
Urban forests shelter a rich diversity of wildlife species. Here are nine of the best trees to encourage wildlife in yards:
1. Sargent Crabapples attract mockingbirds, robins, cottontail rabbits and others. Because of their ideal height, the sargent crabapples are also useful for planting under utility lines.
2. Canadian Hemlock attracts warblers, juncos, chickadees and siskins. These evergreen trees are can also act as a privacy screen, grouping or foundation planting.
3. Colorado Blue Spruce attracts siskins, nuthatches and crossbills. It also can provide a landscaping focal point on commercial and residential properties.
4. Washington Hawthorn attracts birds, bees and other mammals. This tree produces late season red berries which act as a winter food source for birds.
5. Downy Serviceberry attracts robins, thrushes, mockingbirds and other small birds. The serviceberry tree's smaller size allows it to be placed in many locations in a yard.
6. White Spruce attracts crossbills, rabbits and deer. It is also used windbreaks and buffer strips.
7. Arrowwood Viburnum attracts eastern comma, butterflies and moths. This shrub is often used to provide seasonal variety to a yard.
8. American Holly attracts wild turkeys, songbirds and bees. It can be used to add variety to landscaping.
9. Deodar Cedar attracts woodpeckers, squirrels and other small mammals. This tree provides nesting sites and covers for both mammals and birds.
There are numerous additional benefits to planting trees in urban areas. Trees act as a natural filter to keep our waterways clean. They cool our cities by almost 10 degrees and help reduce energy costs up to 25 percent by shading homes and protecting them from winter winds.
Learn more about the trees listed above and find out which trees thrive in each region of the country.
About the Arbor Day Foundation
Founded in 1972, the Arbor Day Foundation has grown to become the largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to planting trees, with more than one million members, supporters and valued partners. Since 1972, almost 500 million Arbor Day Foundation trees have been planted in neighborhoods, communities, cities and forests throughout the world. Our vision is to lead toward a world where trees are used to solve issues critical to survival.
As one of the world's largest operating conservation foundations, the Arbor Day Foundation, through its members, partners and programs, educates and engages stakeholders and communities across the globe to involve themselves in its mission of planting, nurturing and celebrating trees. More information is available at arborday.org.
Media Contact
Jeff Salem, Arbor Day Foundation, 402-473-2024, [email protected]
SOURCE Arbor Day Foundation
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