Try to use hedges instead of fences wherever possible. Hedges can provide food, cover and resting areas for all kinds of birds, insects and small animals. Whilst single-species hedges such as laurel or beech work well and provide great form; they can limit the biodiversity in your garden. By comparison, a mixed species hedge will encourage a broader range of wildlife and hopefully encourage birds, bees and butterflies to visit your garden regularly.
Check out our Mixed Hedge Packs to begin your garden. It’s a pre-mixed pack of different hedge species that work together to get your garden buzzing with a variety of wildlife.
Avoid pruning your hedges until late winter or early spring – this gives creatures like hedgehogs and other small animals more foliage to use as shelter in winter and avoids the summer nesting period for birds.
2. Plant plenty of trees
Planting a selection of native trees works well for enticing a furry or winged friend. Fragrant trees like wild cherry work well and are ideal for attracting butterflies, as are trees that flower fruit and nuts for wildlife to eat. Sweet chestnut is a favourite of squirrels.
Trees with thick foliage, like hawthorns, provide birds with plenty of protection. Smaller trees like rowans or crab apples are good for attracting birds if you're short on space. You must plant the right kind of tree to have the desired effect. It’s best to use native trees where possible, such as oak, beech willow or alder, wherever possible, as these will work best to attract the local wildlife.
Speak with a member of the team for more advice before you buy.
3. Pick the right time of year to plant your new garden
Whilst you can plant most of the year, November to March is the optimal time to plant trees and hedges to benefit wildlife. This season is known as ‘bare root planting’ - when a plant or tree is moved from the nursery to your garden during the plant’s resting or ‘dormant’ period. The plants can look a little odd in this state, and people are often surprised by this. However, planting in this bare-root state makes transportation easier and less damaging and encourages quick healthy growth when the season begins.
If you want to plant something outside these months, you can always plant a container tree – though these require a little more care and maintenance. Try to avoid planting in July or August when the risk of failure is higher, and the need for support and maintenance is a lot greater.
We have a diverse selection of hedge plants, shrubs and trees ideal for creating your wildlife wonderland. Our product pages now have a set of Wildlife Icons to show you which plants are best for birds, bees or butterflies. To learn more about how to care for your plants and the best way to encourage healthy growth, call the team on 01404 8122229 or email us at contact@bowhayestrees.co.uk.