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How To Evaluate Your Space to Attract Wildlife: 6 Elements To Consider
Do you wonder how you could attract wildlife to your small outdoor area?
Whether it's a porch, patio, deck, balcony, or stoop, you can evaluate your space for the best ways to draw in wild birds, squirrels, and more.
1. Size
How large is your space? How tall? Wide? Deep?
Larger container plants such as dwarf trees won't fit on small balconies. For smaller outdoor areas, consider trellising vines to make the most of your area.
2. Exposure
In which direction does your patio, balcony, deck, or stoop face?
Southern or western facing exposures will be sunnier and warmer than northern or eastern facing ones. If your wildlife area is windy, you may need hardier plants and better hardware for installing feeders, birdbaths, and wildlife houses. If it is cold in winter, you may need to move container plants inside for the season.
3. Light
Is your area sunny or shady?
If your balcony, patio, deck, or other outdoor area receives a great deal of sun, choose sun-loving plants and plants that offer shade and cover. Also, provide plenty of water.
If shady, pick shade-loving plants and provide roosts for wild birds during the winter. In winter, you may also want to consider heated water sources.
4. Material
Is your deck or porch made of concrete? Wood? A combination?
If your outdoor area is made of concrete, it will be warmer in summer and colder in winter than one made of wood.
It may be easier to hang or mount plants on wood porches and balconies, but those made of concrete may handle more plants, feeders, birdbaths, and other water sources per square foot.
5. Design
Consider the layout of your deck or other outdoor area. Where is the door? The window? How wide is each element? Is your porch or balcony covered?
You will want to arrange plants, feeders, birdbaths, and shelters so they do not block your view or access from inside.
6. Restrictions
Does your apartment complex or condominium association allow plants? In standing pots and in hanging pots?
