# Tips for Inviting More Wildlife Into Your Backyard

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/09/tips-for-inviting-more-wildlife-into-your-backyard/
- Published: 2019-09-09T20:47:58-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

Imagine being able to gaze out of your window while doing the dishes and be able
to watch wildlife enjoying your [backyard](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/02/how-to-choose-an-eco-friendly-shade-for-your-backyard/).
Having the chance to observe wildlife on a daily basis is something that many people
dream of, especially when it’s happening in their very own backyard. There’s nothing
more rewarding than having a [backyard](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/02/how-to-choose-an-eco-friendly-shade-for-your-backyard/)
that attracts all types of wildlife for you to enjoy. If your current backyard seems
like a dead zone for wildlife or different types of animals, have not fear. Because
there are ways to make it more inviting.

#### **Use the Right Type of Plants**

#### ![Allowing wildlife or different types of animals to enter your backyard takes plants](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/caladium-plant-leaves-florida-beauty-53550.jpg?resize=188%2C126&quality=52&ssl=1)

Getting the attention of different animals in your area starts with having the right
plants in your yard. If you want more [butterflies](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/03/nrdc-petitions-epa-to-save-the-monarch-butterfly/),
start with a butterfly bush or two.  Black-eyed Susans, lilacs, pot marigolds, phlox,
and coneflowers are also good at attracting all types of butterflies. Birds will
visit your yard more often if you have butterfly weed, camellia, columbine, [pine](https://greenlivingguy.com/2012/10/alison-sudols-the-story-of-pines-watch-the-animated-short-film/),
phlox, lupine, and coralbells. When growing your plants, make sure to take care 
of any pest problems with professionals, such as the following.

#### **Create a Water Source**

Animals will be more likely to visit your yard if you have a source of water for
them. Many animals travel in search of water to drink, so having it for them can
help bring them closer to you. If you have a big backyard, you can consider putting
in a [small wildlife pond](https://nighthelper.com/make-garden-wildlife-friendly/).
If you do not have the ability to do this, don’t worry. That’s because there are
still other ways you can achieve this goal. All you would need is a shallow dish
on the ground with [clean water](https://greenlivingguy.com/2015/09/clean-water-a-human-right-for-everyone/).
Make sure to replace it on a regular basis to keep it fresh.

#### ⏎  ⌊Birds are animals to enter your backyard⌉

#### **_Plant Some Trees_**

Increasing the trees around your home can greatly increase the amount of animals
that come and visit your yard. Some of the most popular types of trees for [wildlife](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/09/eco-friendly-ways-to-keep-wildlife-and-pests-out-of-your-home/)
include red cedar, [willow](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/arbor-what-timberland-arbor-day-survey-results/),
red mangroves, ponderosa pine, native cherry, cottonwoods, and oaks. It’s even good
to have a fallen tree in your yard because dead trees can provide a home to many
types of animals including squirrels, chipmunks, and [salamanders](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/salamanders-an-abundant-food-source-more-than-expected/).

#### ![](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/pexels-photo-1038258.jpg?resize=736%2C489&quality=52&ssl=1)

#### _Provide Food to Attract Them _

Animals like going to places where they know they’ll find food. Having a constant
[supply of food](https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/Food) for them can keep
them coming back. Some types of food you may want to consider having include: 

1. Nectar 

2. Sap

3. Fruits

4. [Seeds](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/02/open-sesame-does-tell-the-story-of-the-seeds/)

5. Berries

6. Pollen 

7. Suet 

8. Twigs 

9. Foliage 

If it’s difficult to provide natural sources of food for them, you can add supplemental
food sources. This can include putting up a bird or hummingbird feeder. There are
also squirrel feeders to consider as well. Some other types of supplemental foods
include black oil sunflower seeds, peanuts, safflower seeds, mealworms, and millet.

#### **_Create Shelter for the Wildlife_ **

Different animals require different types of shelters. Simply having trees can [provide shelter](https://naturalresources.extension.iastate.edu/wildlife/landscaping-wildlife)
for numerous types of creatures. You can also provide more shelters that can become
home to many other types of animals as well. To create the ideal shelter for wildlife,
you must be willing to leave a section of your yard untidy for them. A pile of brush
and large branches left on the ground can provide a good place for many types of
animals to seek shelter such as [mice](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/11/what-to-look-for-in-the-best-home-warranty-plan/),
toads, salamanders, and chipmunks. 

#### ![Different types of Animals for wildlife ](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/hyla-meridionalis-the-frog-amphibians.jpg?resize=150%2C150&quality=52&ssl=1)

Attracting wildlife doesn’t have to be a difficult task. It’s all about making sure
your space has water, food, and shelter. With these in place, you’ll likely end 
up seeing more and more critters coming by to visit. When you notice animals in 
your yard, it’s best to respect them and keep your distance or you’ll end up scaring
them away.