Introduction to Backyard Management

PART VII: Backyard Management

INTRODUCTION TO BACKYARD MANAGEMENT

he area around your home, or fail to provide any one of these ing birds. Although wildlife can't including the backyard, is the components and wildlife will not survive in your backyard on food Tperfect location to enhance survive. These conditions put alone, you can attract migrant birds wildlife habitat. One reason is that wildlife at risk, including vulnerabil- and nearby resident species. The you are already managing the ity to predators, accidents, and ideal backyard plan supplies as property--growing and mowing starvation. Because some types of much diversity in food items as grass, tending to trees and shrubs, wildlife are not very mobile, local possible through plantings of and planting flower and vegetable populations may be easily lost shrubs, trees, flowers, and grasses. gardens. You can use these man- when habitat is destroyed. Also, Carefully choosing these plants can agement strategies to enhance different kinds of wildlife need dif- provide food directly in the form of wildlife habitat. Another reason the ferent combinations of food, water, fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, and backyard should be managed for cover, and space. nectar. Indirectly, they provide wildlife is that your backyard is habitat for other sources of food probably an edge to another type Your property may not be large such as insects, spiders, grubs, and of habitat such as a cropland, enough to provide all of the habitat worms. Features such as small grassland, woodlot, brushland, needs for the kinds of wildlife you ponds and piles of rocks, brush, fencerow, hedge, or other land wish to attract. However, you can and leaves improve both the variety boundary. With a little manage- offer one or more components of and quantity of available food. ment, wildlife that inhabit these habitat and still attract a variety of edges will most likely frequent your wildlife to your yard. Usually, a Wildlife need yard. Further, what better place to management plan with the widest water, for both drink- enjoy wildlife than in your own range of plantings and artificial ing and bathing. You backyard? Also, developing a structures and features will attract can provide water in a wildlife management plan for your the greatest assortment and num- birdbath, recirculating backyard can enhance the natural ber of birds, mammals, butterflies, waterfall, shallow dish, beauty of your home and actually moths, amphibians, and reptiles. or dripping hose. Most increase its value. Working with neighbors on an over- desirable is a small, shallow pond all management plan is a good way with an area large enough to sup- Before you can develop a man- to increase both of your properties' port plants that grow in water and agement plan, you should know appeal to wildlife. Patience is around the edge. The pond will what wildlife need to survive, and important because some wildlife become the center of activity for a thus what will attract them to your species may require several years wide range of wildlife species. yard. Wildlife cannot exist without to find the habitat and use it. Turtles and frogs will sun there and the four components that comprise make use of the pond's cover as a habitat: food, water, cover, and Backyard Habitat nursery area for their young. space. When their habitat is frag- Insects will use the pond for repro- mented or destroyed, these com- Components duction, greatly enhancing the food ponents become limited. Remove Food for wildlife is easy to sup- chain. ply. Besides planting natural foods, you can supple- Cover helps shield wildlife ment with a variety from harmful weather and protects of products, espe- them from predators. Different cially for seed-eat- kinds of cover serve the sheltering needs of different wildlife species. The greater the diversity of cover for mourning doves, chick- Rock piles or piles of wood, for habitat, the greater the variety and adees, and other songbirds. Gray example, help keep chipmunks safe number of wildlife species attracted dogwood and American mountain- from hawks and cats. to the habitat. Some of the best ash offer fall fruits to migrating Brush piles pro- backyard habitats are those com- birds. Tall oaks and hickories protect rabbits, prised of trees bordered by tall vide hard mast (nuts) to squirrels toads, shrubs and low shrubs, which are and blue jays in winter and cool and sala- next to wildflowers or native grass- shade on hot summer days. manders. Dense es bordered by a small amount of shrubs shelter lawn. Each border provides a dif- When choosing trees and chickadees and cardinals. Painted ferent kind of "edge". What fol- shrubs for your property, consider- turtles and leopard frogs hide lows is a summary of management ing color, texture, and height will under submerged logs when ideas for your property. Each con- help you to provide a pleasing land- threatened. Cavities in trees offer sideration is more fully explained in scape. Early blossoming shrubs safe places for squirrels. The far- the chapters in this Backyard such as crabapples, lilacs, and red- ther an animal must venture from Section. bud offer spring color. Silky dog- shelter, the more vulnerable it is to wood and red elder give summer predation, and that is why plants Trees and Shrubs color, and red elder, serviceberry, that provide both food and cover Trees and shrubs add color to and red-osier dogwood provide a are an important consideration. landscapes, provide shade in sum- palette of beauty in late summer Placing trees, shrubs, flowers, or mer, protection and early fall. Fall-fruiting shrubs grasses in clumps creates a natural from wind in and the leaves of maple, birch, community and provides diversity. winter, and aspen, and other deciduous trees Also, adding specific wildlife houses offer texture to furnish an array of color in fall. to your property may attract bats, the area Red-osier dogwoods show a strik- wood ducks, and a wide variety of around your ing red, and conifers give a pleas- songbirds. home. ing green to a bleak winter land- Planting trees scape. All wildlife need space and and shrubs in some species--in particular most your yard will Pyramidal-shaped American nesting birds--are highly territorial. reduce the area of lawn, which will mountain-ash and spruces, round- Space and territorial needs vary reduce mowing and maintenance shaped crabapples and dogwoods, with each wildlife species. By giving you more time to enjoy your and flat junipers all add different understanding how much space is property. In the long run it will also shapes and sizes to your property. necessary for each species, you can save you money as you will no The fine textures of hemlock, white learn what wildlife is attracted to longer need fertilizers, pesticides, pine, and serviceberry can be a your property. Bluebirds, for or irrigation. Plantings that serve a sharp contrast to rough-textured instance, are territorial and need dual-purpose--providing food for plants such as hawthorn and jack about five acres per pair. In con- wildlife and aesthetic beauty for pine. Trees and shrubs come in all trast, purple martins are not terri- your home, for example--increase heights. Choosing a variety assures torial, and need only small areas. in home value, and therefore nesting and feeding sites for birds You can create a larger area for deserve strong consideration in with strong preferences for specific those species that backyard planning. elevations,providing visual screens, are territorial by and adding to landscape diversity. working with The wildlife habitat compo- neighbors. nents that trees and shrubs create Grasses and include cover for nesting and rearing young, secure winter cover, and Ground Covers Mowed lawns require time and summer, fall, and winter foods. For money to maintain, and they pro- example, dense pines and spruces vide little habitat for wildlife. provide roosting sites and escape INTRODUCTION

Monocultures of weed-free grass k demand water, a re b fertilizers, herbi- d in cides, and fre- W Prairie quent mowing, Garden and they are Pond easily stressed by extreme Shade garden drought or wet Herb conditions. An garden Garage Canada wild-rye estimated 70 percent of pesticide use occurs on the nation's House lawns, but those with diverse wildflowers, groundcovers, and native grasses provide for a healthier, environmentally friendly lawn, which does not need chemicals. For these reasons, consider reducing the mowed areas in your yard Driveway to as little as possible. Shrubs

Areas with tall, unmowed, or Butterfly infrequently mowed grasses can Garden provide outstanding wildlife habitat such as nesting and brooding Wildflower Prairie areas, insect-foraging sites, and Plantings Garden green foraging areas for deer and rabbits. Brown thrashers, blue- A landscape providing the four wildlife habitat birds, pheasants, and wild turkeys components: food, water, cover, and space. are among several types of birds that also use such unmowed areas. These can be places where you let Ground covers offer an ideal viewing pleasure and attract cer- the grass go wild or where you opportunity to reduce the mowed tain kinds of wildlife. Butterfly, plant to a specific grass type to cre- lawn surface and to develop low- hummingbird, and native prairie ate a meadow, prairie, or wild- maintenance wildlife habitat. gardens are well suited to this pur- flower viewing spot. Mixing flowers Examples include wild ginger, win- pose. Besides adding beauty to with grasses is a good choice as tergreen,and bearberry. They pro- the landscape, gardens that are they will furnish a nectar source for vide nest sites for ground-nesting creatively designed and well-tend- bees, butterflies, and humming- songbirds, brood-rearing areas for ed can increase the value of your birds. pheasants and quail, and protective property. On larger properties cover for rabbits and chipmunks. these special-feature gardens Such plantings can provide more break up the monotony of your formal settings for wildlife land- lawn and reduce mowing time. If scaping projects. you do not own property, you can still enjoy a small-scale garden by Special Feature arranging planters and potted flowers on the balcony or deck of your Gardens apartment, townhouse, or condo- Everyone loves a garden. minium. Specialty gardens serve to enhance INTRODUCTION

Wildflowers attract woodpeckers, squirrels, screech Michigan has a wide variety of owls, and other cavity nesters. native wildflowers that offer spec- Restoring or protecting wetlands tacular color and are well-suited to helps furnish homes for waterfowl a number of locations. What better and other wetland birds, turtles, way to create beauty and wildlife snakes, frogs, toads, and salaman- habitat, along with contributing to ders. In addition to creating natur- our state's natural heritage, than al homes for wildlife, consider by planting native wildflowers on building nest boxes and feeding your property? Once established, stations and placing them in your wildflowers enhance the attractive- backyard to enhance viewing plea- ness of the landscape, help control sure. erosion, furnish food and cover for wildlife, and provide maximum In summary, your backyard is enjoyment with minimal care. An the ideal place to create wildlife increasing number of property habitat. Once established, you will owners are converting portions of reduce the amount of mainte- their large, high-maintenance nance, saving time and money. In lawns to plantings of wildflowers. addition, you will have attracted After the initial cost to establish many kinds of wildlife to watch and them, you will save money and enjoy. time by not having to fertilize, mow, and rake your lawn. Wildflower stands are also showing up in increasing numbers on public property, such as highway rights- of-way, corporate industrial parks, and various recreational areas.

Homes and Feeders for Wildlife Planting trees and shrub thick- ets give some birds roosting shel- ters, food sources, and places to build their nests. Leaving leaf litter, rotting logs, and fallen branches in FOR ADDITIONAL a woodland set- CHAPTERS CONTACT: ting provides Michigan United homes for salaman- Conservation Clubs ders and snakes. PO Box 30235 Standing dead or Lansing, MI 48909 dying trees (snags) 517/371-1041

Private Land Partnerships: This partnership was formed between both private and public organizations in order to address private lands wildlife issues. Individuals share resources, information, and expertise. This landowner’s guide has been a combined effort between these groups working towards one goal: Natural Resources Education. We hope this manual provides you with the knowledge and the motivation to make positive changes for our environment.

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART VII: Backyard Management

WILDFLOWERS

hat better way to create are easily grown from seed. On the the same intensive maintenance as beauty and wildlife habitat, contrary, all wildflowers require a lawn, you may want to plant any- Walong with contributing to specific soil and temperature condi- where you are simply tired of mow- Michigan's natural heritage, than tions, a considerable amount of ing. For best results, choose an by planting native wildflowers on early attention, and most of all area that is well-drained and that your property? Once established, patience. When converting grass has a limited population of weeds. wildflowers enhance the attractive- to wildflowers, you may have to till Weed seeds lie in undisturbed soil, ness of your landscape, help con- sod or perhaps, in the case of a and you should expect some weeds trol erosion, furnish food and cover well-established lawn, remove it. to germinate whenever the soil is for wildlife, and provide maximum Under ideal conditions, most native disturbed. If the area you have enjoyment with minimal care. An wildflower plantings take at least chosen is void of plants, chances increasing number of property two years to be fully developed. are it won't grow wildflowers either. owners are converting all or por- Therefore, you should not expect Be sure to pick a location that you tions of their large, high-mainte- to see blooms the first year, or even can water if rainfall is inadequate nance lawns to plantings of wild- the second year with some species. during germination and establish- flowers. Wildflowers can be estab- Most plantings take three to five ment. The size of the wildflower lished either from seed in larger years to become established firmly planting should only be a major areas or from plants in smaller gar- enough to reduce weedy competi- concern when time and expense dens. After the initial cost of estab- tion. But the reward is well worth are large factors. Whether or not lishment, these plantings will save the work and the wait. you have a large area or one or you money and time as you will not more small scattered areas, you have to fertilize, mow, and rake Expect to see lots of butterflies, can bring color, diversity, and that portion of your lawn. Also, moths, bees, and hummingbirds in wildlife to your backyard. they help to increase the value of the summer and many songbirds , your land. Wildflower stands are such as golfinches, in the fall. All plants have certain require- also showing up in increasing num- Enjoy the panorama of color in ments for sunlight, moisture, and bers on public property, such as spring, summer, and fall that you nutrients. Some species require a highway rights-of-way, corporate created through careful planning. great deal of sunshine, at least parks, and various recreational You can do this as you take a well- eight hours per day, while many parks, because people deserved break from your previous- other species will tolerate partial enjoy seeing them and ly manicured lawn maintenance. shade. Be aware that sun-loving maintenance costs of plants placed in shade will produce watering and frequent spindly plants with very few mowing are reduced. Where to Plant blooms. Common planting locations Wildflower plantings can be as include dry areas, moist to wet The hardest part of small as a few square feet of bor- areas, areas of moderate nutrition raising wildflowers der around the vegetable garden or and moisture, and in or at the is successful- as large as several acres. You may edges of woodlots. However, some ly establish- want to consider locations that are wildflowers will not grow well on ing them. difficult to mow on a regular basis, very compacted, wet clay or There is a such as ditches, around trees, near extremely droughty, infertile soils. common miscon- woodlots, or in wet areas. Because Therefore, it is essential that you coreopsis ception that a wildflower stand does not require determine the drainage and soil wildflowers type of the area where the wild- Wildflowers perennial. For best success and Tree Plantings may be annuals, greatest benefit, choose perennial perennials, or wildflowers native to Michigan. If biennials. possible, buy seed from plants

Garage Annual plants are actually grown in Michigan, and those that go even better, from a local seed from seed to source.

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e stems, and Common types that should do well n leaves of the on most sites (except in woodlots) plant die and are big bluestem, little bluestem, only dormant Indiangrass and switchgrass. seeds are left to These are clump grasses that pro- Sloping lawn regenerate the vide open spaces for wildflowers to following year, grow as well as good nesting, rear- most of which ing, and winter cover for wildlife. Ditch are not success- In backyard settings they add ful. Examples of beauty and diversity, especially in Wildflower Plantings annuals that are winter. For more information see beneficial to but- the chapters on Warm Season flowers will be planted. A soil sur- terflies, moths, Grasses and Prairie vey map can give you that informa- bees, and hummingbirds include Restoration in the Grassland tion and should be available at the marigold, scarlet petunia, tobacco Management section. Conservation District office in your flower, scarlet sage, and zinnia. county. This map indicates the soil These are exotic species, but they Biennials need two years to type and the percent slope of your are not aggressive and do not pre- complete their life cycle. First-sea- land, along with detailed explana- sent threats to the success of son growth produces a small tions. This information is impera- native plants. They are good sup- rosette of leaves near the soil sur- tive to a successful wildflower plements to your perennial garden face. During the second year the planting. If you wish to know the and as colorful borders. However, plant grows a stem, flowers, pro- pH of your soil, your county exten- you should incorporate only small duces seed, and then dies. sion office can perform a soil test to amounts of them to cut down on Biennials include sweet clover, measure pH and nutrient levels. In annual costs. mullein, curly dock, wild mustard order to receive this information (yellow rocket), shepherd's purse, you must remove soil from the area Perennials, such as butterfly- black mustard, foxglove, and the and take it to the extension office weed, tickseed, purple coneflower, thistles. Many of the species listed for analysis. For more details about and shasta daisy, live for many here are exotics and may present how to take a soil sample, refer to growing seasons, and keep their problems to wildflower plantings the chapter Knowing Your Soils roots year-round. When started for the first couple years. Because in the Habitat Planning section. from seed, perennial wildflowers they are biennials, they should die will not bloom until the second year off after the first two years and the after planting. After that, they will planted wildflowers will then be What to Plant bloom every year and you will not able to flourish. However, to Where you decide to plant the have to replace them as you do ensure success of your wildflowers, wildflowers will determine which annuals. However, depending on you can control them by spot treat- species to plant. Michigan has a soil and climate conditions, some ing with herbicides or cutting them wide variety of native wildflowers wildflowers act as annuals or by hand. that offer spectacular color and are perennials--for example, black- The accompanying tables of well-suited to a number of loca- eyed Susan behaves as an annual perennial, native wildflowers tions. in Louisiana but in Michigan is a should be helpful for choosing the WILDFLOWERS

Wildflowers for Moist to Wet Soils

Common Name Scientific Name Color Sunlight Needs Height Blooming Season Blue Vervain Verbena hastata Blue/Purple f - p 2 - 4 ft. July-September Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum White f - p 3 - 4 ft. July-August Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis Red f- p 2 - 4 ft. July-September Great blue lobelia Lobelia siphilitica Blue-Violet f - p 1 - 4 ft. August-Sept. Marsh marigold Caltha palustris Yellow f 1 - 2 ft. April-June New England aster Aster novae-angliae Rose/Purple f - p - s 1 - 4 ft. Sept.-October Prairie dock Silphium terebinthinaceum Yellow f 2 - 6 ft. August-September Spotted Joe-pye-weed Eupatorium maculatum Rose f 2 - 6 ft. July-September Swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata Lavender f 2 - 4 ft. June-August Sweet black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia subtomentosa Yellow/Brown f 2 - 4 ft. July-August Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa Lavender f 2 - 3 ft. June-July Wild iris Iris shrevei Purple f 2 - 3 ft. June f = full sun p = partial sun s = shade

Wildflowers for Dry to Moderate Soils Common Name Scientific Name Color Sunlight Needs Height Blooming Season Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Yellow/brown f - p 1 - 3 ft. June-August Butterfly weed Asclepias tuberosa Orange f - p 2 - 3 ft. July-August Common milkweed Asclepias syriaca Rose-purple f- p - s 3 - 5 ft. June-August Gray-headed coneflower Ratibida pinnata Yellow f 3 - 5 ft. July-September Hairy Beardstongue Penstemon hirsutus White/lavender f - p 1 - 2 ft. May-July Lance-leaved coreopsis Coreopsis lanceolata Yellow f 1 - 2 ft. May-August Leadplant Amorpha canescens Violet f 2 - 4 ft. June-July Maximillian sunflower Helianthus maximilliani Yellow f 2 - 5 ft. August-October Purple coneflower Echinacea pupurea Purple f - p 2 - 4 ft. July-August Rattlesnake master Eryngium yuccifolium White f 3 - 5 ft. July-September Rough blazingstar Liatrus aspera Purple f - p 2 - 4 ft. July-September Round headed bushclover Lespedeza capitata White f - p 2 - 3 ft. August-Sept. Showy goldenrod Solidago speciosa Yellow f 2 - 5 ft. August-Sept. Smooth aster Aster laevis Lavender f 2 - 3 ft. August-Sept. Stiff goldenrod Solidago rigida Yellow f 2 - 5 ft. August-Sept. Western sunflower Helianthus occidentalis Yellow f 1 - 3 ft. July-August Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa Pink-lavender f 2 - 3 ft. June-July Wild indigo Baptisia tinctoria Yellow f 1 - 3 ft. May-Sept. Wild lupine Lupinus perennis Blue/lavender f - p - s 1 - 2 ft. June-July Wild Senna Cassia hebecarpa Yellow f 3 - 5 ft. July-August f = full sun p = partial sun s = shade WILDFLOWERS

Wildflowers for Woodlands (shaded sites) Common Name Scientific Name Color Sunlight Needs Height Blooming Season Common milkweed Ascelepias syriaca Rose-purple f - p - s 3 - 5 ft. June-August Dutchman’s breeches Dicentra cucullaria White s 5-9 in. April-May Hepatica Hepatica spp. White, to blue p - s 4 - 12 in. March-May Jack-in-the-pulpit Arisaema triphyllum Green-purple p - s 12 - 2 ft. April-June Large-flowered trillium Trillium grandiflorum White-pink p - s 1 ft. April-June May-apple Podophyllum peltatum White s 1 ft. April-June Meadow-rue Thalictrum dioicum White s 1-2 ft. April-May Pale touch-me-not Impatiens pallida Yellow s 3 - 5 ft. July-October Spotted touch-me-not Impatiens biflora or capensis Orange p - s 2 - 5 ft. July-September Spring beauty Claytonia virginica White-pink p . s 1 ft. March-May Solomon's seal Polygonatum biflorum Yellow p - s 1 - 3 ft. April-June Squirrel corn Dicentra canadensis White s 6-12 in. April-May Turk's-cap lily Lilium michiganense Orange f - p 3 ft. July-August Trout lily Erythronium americanum Yellow p - s 4-10 in. March-May Violet Viola spp. Violet - blue s 4-6 in. April-July Wild bleeding heart Dicentra eximia Pink-red p - s 1 ft. May-Aug. Wild columbine Aquilega canadensis Red f - p 1 - 2 ft. May-June Wild ginger (low vine) Asarum canadense Purple-brown p - s 1 ft. March-May For woodland/grassland edges Butterfly weed Asciepias tuberosa Orange f - p 2 - 3 ft. July-August False Solomon's seal Smilacina racemosa White p - s 1 - 3 ft. April-June Fireweed Epilobium angustifolium Pink f - p 2 - 4 ft. July-August Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa Pink-lavender f 2 - 3 ft. May-July Wild columbine Aquilega canadensis Red f - p 1 - 2 ft. April-July Wild geranium Geranium maculatum Lavender p - s 1 - 2 ft. April-May Wild lupine Lupinus perennis Blue/lavender f - p - s 1 - 2 ft. June-July Woodland sunflower Helianthus divaricatus Yellow f - p 2 - 6 ft. July-September f = full sun p = partial sun s = shade best plants for your area. While three to five years. For small areas seedlings. For more information color and height are important, you you may wish to use plants instead refer to the chapter on should also consider the blooming of seeds. You can also fill in the Wildflower Planting in this sec- season. Spread your blooming area with a few annual plants until tion. season throughout the spring, the perennials bloom. Many wild- summer, and fall for the butterflies, flower suppliers offer annual mixes moths, bees, and hummingbirds for this purpose. Check these mixes that will feed on the pollen and carefully for weeds that may cause FOR ADDITIONAL nectar, the birds that will eat the serious problems, such as queen CHAPTERS CONTACT: seeds after bloom, and your per- Anne’s lace and chickory. However, Michigan United sonal viewing pleasure. you should expect a weed problem Conservation Clubs PO Box 30235 Remember, patience is impor- the first year. Avoid the temptation Lansing, MI 48909 tant as establishing a planting of to pull them because you may 517/371-1041 wildflowers from seed will take damage the fragile wildflower

Private Land Partnerships: This partnership was formed between both private and public organizations in order to address private lands wildlife issues. Individuals share resources, information, and expertise. This landowner’s guide has been a combined effort between these groups working towards one goal: Natural Resources Education. We hope this manual provides you with the knowledge and the motivation to make positive changes for our environment.

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART VII: Backyard Management

WILDFLOWER PLANTING

nce established, wildflowers the soil, picking the right method enhance the attractiveness and time of installation, controlling Oof your landscape, help con- weeds before and after planting, trol erosion, furnish food and cover and managing for long-term suc- for wildlife, and provide maximum cess. There is an important empha- enjoyment with minimal care. The sis placed on planting native wild- plantings can be as small as a few flowers. Native refers to those square feet of border around the species that historically occurred vegetable garden or individual naturally in an area (i.e. was not trees, or as large as several acres. introduced). These native species Even small areas of wildflowers, are important to the Michigan especially when coupled with grass, ecosystem and its continued exis- tree, and shrub plantings, can shel- tence. poppy ter chipmunks, and migrating birds sample to the county extension and can be used as a travel corridor office to find out the pH level and Site Consideration nutrient contents of your soils. For by many wildlife species. Many If the area you have selected is more information refer to the chap- landowners are saving money and capable of growing a healthy lawn, ter in the labor by converting their high- it will most likely support the estab- Knowing Your Soils Habitat Planning Section. As a gen- maintenance lawns to wildflower lishment of wildflowers. However, eral rule, adding topsoil or fertilizer plantings. you must match the wildflowers is not recommended as it will you choose with the type of soil increase weedy competition. This chapter explains how to you have, the soil moisture, and Topsoil usually contains dormant establish wildflowers on your prop- the amount of light that the area weed seeds, and heavy doses of erty and how to maintain them for receives. For wildflowers needing fertilizer will enable them to grow long-term wildlife habitat and view- direct sunlight, the location should and compete more heavily with ing pleasure. Key factors are care- receive a minimum of eight hours wildflowers. ful site selection, preparation, and per day. Also, be sure to pick a maintenance. This can include location for maximum viewing plea- Soil moisture is equally impor- choosing plants that are suited to sure. In sites with less sunlight, tant in deciding what wildflower such as wooded areas, you should species to plant. Moist soils have a look for plants that are tolerant of generous amount of water in the shade. subsoil throughout the growing season. Clues are periods of stand- Knowing your soil type is ing water in spring and fall. Dry essential for successful establish- soils include sandy and gravelly ment of wildflowers. Information soils that drain readily and never on soil types is available from coun- have standing water, even after a ty wide soil survey maps that are heavy rain. Moderate or mesic soils available at your local Natural include well-drained loams and Resources Conservation Service clays. These soils may have stand- and sometimes from your Michigan ing water for short periods after a State University County Extension hard rain. To see which types of purple coneflower office. You can also take a soil wildflowers grow best in which cide, and cultivate repeatedly until quent application of herbicide, environments, refer to the tables vegetation is controlled. work the soil all spring and sum- that accompany the Wildflowers mer. Once vegetation is fully chapter in this section. Converting Lawns removed, prepare the final seedbed One of the best ways to pre- by lightly tilling or discing, followed Site Preparation pare a lawn for wildflower planting by dragging or raking. Caution: It is very important to remove is to remove the top three inches of Do not plant wildflowers in fields all existing vegetation before plant- grass and soil, using a commercial treated with Atrazine within the last ing wildflowers. If this vegetation sod cutter on big sites and a hand two years because wildflowers can- is not properly eliminated, you will shovel on smaller sites. A second not tolerate this herbicide. A have limited success with your method is to apply herbicide in smother (or cover) crop of corn or plantings. There are many ways to spring or fall when lawns are sorghum will hold the soil from ero- eliminate existing vegetation, actively growing. In about two sion for a year and control unwant- either singly or in combination. weeks or after the area has turned ed weeds until the Atrazine breaks Smothering the soil surface with brown, cultivate once with a down. plywood, a thick layer of leaves, or rototiller or disc, taking care not to a sheet of black plastic will kill disturb the soil deeper than two On sites prone to erosion, do many existing plants if the covering inches (to discourage deeper-soil not leave the soil unvegetated for is left in place for one full growing weeds from sprouting). After one any length of time, and keep culti- season. This practice is commonly week cultivate again. If weeds vation to a minimum. Plant the site used for areas less than 1,000 continue to germinate after a as soon as it is ready or, if ready in square feet. For more aggressive week, you may need to spray the fall, plant a cover crop of oats species, such as quack grass and again. at the rate of 100 pounds per acre Canada thistle, you may have to or annual rye at the rate of one leave the covering for a longer peri- Converting Old Fields bushel per acre. When you are od of time. A low toxicity, non-per- Converting an old field to wild- ready to plant the wildflowers in sistent herbicide such as Roundup flowers requires at least one full the spring, till the cover crop under. is another efficient method. Be growing season to prepare the site. It is critical to use certified seed sure to read and follow all labeled Burn or mow in early spring to when planting cover crops so as to directions. A third technique is to remove the previous year's growth. not introduce more weeds. cultivate with a rototiller, plow, or Apply herbicide three times during disk. Commercial companies often the season: mid-spring, mid-sum- Seeding remove old grass with a sod cutter. mer, and early fall. This schedule Once you have the site proper- What works best depends on the allows you to attack different ly prepared, seeding can com- size of the area and the vegetation weeds which have peak growing mence. If the soil is loose, roll or currently growing there. The most activities at different times. press with an ordinary lawn roller effective way to remove existing Cultivate every two to three weeks to firm it up. Sow the seeds with a vegetation is to mow, apply herbi- to a depth of four or five inches. whirlwind mechanical seeder or Be very consistent because it is cast by hand. If you hand cast, important to rid the area of weeds consider mixing the tiny seeds with before planting, especially grasses a slightly dampened inert material such as quack grass and reed such as vermiculite, sawdust, or canary grass. peat moss so the seed will stick to it. For a planting of 1,000 square Converting Crop Fields feet, two-thirds of a bushel basket Good soils are more weed- of inert material is plenty. For an prone than poor soils. For existing area 1/10 acre in size (about 4,400 crop fields, spray with herbicide square feet) two bushel baskets either after harvest in fall or after will suffice. Mix the seed into the green up in spring. Similar to old inert material. Evenly spread half fields, using cultivation and subse- of the total mixture over the area, WILDFLOWER PLANTING then cast the other half while walk- after each pass with the correct ing in a perpendicular manner to amount of seed and oats. your first pass. Post-planting If the seed has not already Most native wildflower seeds been mixed by your supplier, con- take at least three weeks to germi- sider sowing each type of flower in nate. Do not expect to see blooms small clumps or drifts throughout the first or possibly even the sec- the area, which will mimic natural ond year. Supplementing your colonization. If planting in combi- planting with a few annual wild- nation with native grass, sow the flowers will give you a show of grass seed separately. Lightly rake color the first year. Many seed sup- and/or roll the site, taking care not pliers mix annuals with perennials black-eyed Susan to cover the seeds more than their for this reason. Be sure to check one foot or more. If you mow too average diameter (about 1/16th for aggressive exotic species in the late in the fall, you may destroy the inch). Therefore, expect some mix to avoid problems. seedheads of coneflowers and seeds to be visible. Mulching may coreopsis, which feed birds in win- be necessary on potentially erosive Expect a weed problem in the ter. Also, mowing too late in the slopes. If mulching, use only light first year. Avoid the temptation to season will remove vital nesting material such as clean oat or wheat pull the weeds, because the wild- cover for early spring, as well as straw and cover no more than half flower seedlings may be dislodged. remove the aesthetic value of snow of the bare soil. If necessary, water Instead, mow to a height of six to on native grasses and wildflower for four to six weeks, just enough eight inches throughout the sum- stalks in winter. By the third year to moisten the seeds with each mer and into early fall (wildflowers weeds should be minimal. application. do not usually grow taller than six inches the first year). This mowing Burning, which is also a valu- Follow the supplier's instruc- will remove the seed heads of able management tool for long- tions as to seeding rates. weeds before they are mature, term success, can be started at the Wildflowers are generally planted which will prevent them from beginning of the third growing sea- at the rate of four to five pounds regenerating. If the planting was son. Burning removes the accumu- per acre although some seed sup- supplemented with annuals, how- lated plant litter from the previous ply companies recommend rates of ever, mowing will sacrifice them year's growth and exposes the soil six to eight pounds per acre. When unless you wait until the blooming surface to warming rays of the sun. seeding with native grasses, you period has passed. Consider spot It also encourages the growth, may only need one pound wildflow- mowing problem areas or over flowering, and seed production of ers per acre, depending on the rough terrain with a stringed power native flowers and grasses. desired density of wildflowers. If weed trimmer. Mature establish- Conducting a burn right after using transplants, follow the suppli- ment of perennial wildflowers will snowmelt produces a slow, cool er's planting instructions. occur in three to five years. Weeds burn, which benefit wildflowers the should not be a problem by then. most. A mid-spring burn, from Consider a large broadcaster or three weeks after snowmelt to no-till grain drill for planting large Long-term about 60 percent greenup, is most areas. Because wildflower seeds beneficial to prairie grasses are so small, adding a bag of Management because it helps set back undesir- cracked oats to the drill will help In the early spring of the sec- able cool season plants that begin ensure even distribution of seeds, ond year, mow the planting to the their growth early in the season. which will settle below the larger ground and rake off the cuttings. If oats in the drill. Also, be sure to weeds remain a problem in the sec- Never initiate burning after new count the number of passes neces- ond year, mow again in late spring plant growth has reached one foot sary to cover the field and then or early summer. To avoid damag- or taller, and be sure to check with divide the seed into an equal num- ing desirable plants, do not mow local fire authorities for permits and ber of passes. Fill the drill hopper after new plant growth has reached WILDFLOWER PLANTING

other regulations. Plan to burn 2. Not enough weed control -- Thus, to ensure a successful every three to five years. Splitting before or after planting. planting, it is important to educate large parcels into thirds and burn- yourself about proper procedures. ing or mowing one-third each year 3. Disturbance of soil deeper Stick to the methods described will help provide habitat diversity. than two inches during site here and you should reap wonder- If you have more than one planting preparation. ful rewards. area, burn or mow one planting per year. 4. Planting at the wrong time of year (late summer or fall). Factors That Cause 5. Ignoring recommended seed- Poor Results ing rates. Nothing is more frustrating than spending money and time on 6. Covering the seed too deep establishing wildflowers only to beneath the soil surface. have the planting fall short of expectations. The following 10 fac- 7. Not enough sunlight. tors are common reasons why FOR ADDITIONAL some landowners experience poor 8. Inadequate rainfall after CHAPTERS CONTACT: results or, in some cases, failure. seed germination. Michigan United Conservation Clubs 1. Unsuitable site conditions 9. Extreme weather conditions. for the species of wildflowers PO Box 30235 being planted. Lansing, MI 48909 10. Impatience. 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART VII: Backyard Management

TREES & SHRUBS

rees and shrubs can help pro- shrubs mixed with perennial flow- vide a wide variety of back- ering plants can furnish color and Tyard landscape designs while serve as attractive foundation creating valuable wildlife habitat. plantings around the base of your Planting trees and shrubs offers a home, as well as backgrounds to variety of benefits to your home. formal flower plantings and borders They add color to landscapes, pro- around trees, fences, and other vide shade in summer, protection structures. from wind in winter, and offer texture to the area around your home. A mixture of deciduous plants These plantings reduce the size of (whose leaves drop in fall) and your lawn, which saves you time conifers (evergreens) is highly and money as you will not need as effective for creating shade, shel- much mowing, fertilizers, or pesti- terbelts or windbreaks, and visual cides. They may also increase the providing both food for wildlife and barriers. Locate them on the wind- value of your home. aesthetic beauty for your home, ward side of the area to be pro- deserve the strongest considera- tected and plant them a distance The wildlife habitat that trees tion. from your home of three to four and shrubs create includes sites for times the mature height of the nesting and rearing young, secure Landscaping Goals tallest plant. In other words, if the winter cover, and summer, fall, and Before deciding what to plant, tallest tree in the windbreak is 50 winter foods. For example, dense you must determine what goals feet, plant the windbreak 150 to pines and spruces provide roosting you have for landscaping. Are you 200 feet from your home. sites and escape cover for mourn- interested in creating a colorful ing doves, chickadees, and other backyard? Do you want to develop Wildlife Values songbirds. Gray dogwood and visual barriers from neighbors or You should also choose trees American mountain-ash offer fall sound barriers from a noisy street? and shrubs based on their value to fruits to migrating birds, and oaks Is providing shade important? Is wildlife. Food production and cover and hickories provide hard mast your goal to protect your home are the two most important values (nuts) to squirrels and blue jays in from winter winds? To help you that trees and shrubs have for winter and cool shade on hot sum- determine your goals, refer to the wildlife. Both of these habitat mer days. chapter Setting Goals and components are critical during all Considering Alternatives in the months of the year. There are four factors to con- Habitat Planning section. sider when choosing trees and Trees and shrubs provide shrubs for your backyard: (1) your Oaks, hickories, maples, and pollen and nectar in the spring and landscaping goals, (2) wildlife val- other large deciduous trees planted throughout the summer. ues of the trees and shrubs, (3) on the south side of your home can Butterflies, moths, and bees espe- their aesthetic characteristics provide relieving shade in summer cially rely on these trees and (color, texture, height), and (4) and allow the winter sun to furnish shrubs at these times as they play your landscape’s characteristics warmth. Conifers mixed with tall an important role for pollinating (soils, slope, location). Plants that and medium shrubs provide a pri- insects. Basswood and maple, for serve multiple purposes, such as vacy screen. Medium and short example, are key pollen sources in and cold weather may make them more desirable to wildlife later in the year. Black chokecherry, crabapples, snowberry, staghorn sumac, hawthorn, American mountain-ash, nannyberry, and American highbush cranberry all have persistent winter fruits. Maple, ash, white pine, and white cedar are important sources of winter browse for deer and rabbits. early spring. Crabapple, hawthorn, dogwoods, American mountain- Many of these species provide ash, and nannyberry have beautiful cover for wildlife. Conifers are springtime flowers that also pro- important sources of thermal and vide a pollen sources. Birches, nesting cover for many species of American Highbush Cranberry aspens, willow, hackberry, butterfly wildlife, especially songbirds. Red is a widely available viburnum that bush, and the various cherries and and white cedar, hemlock, balsam is an upright, tall (8 to 12 feet) oaks provide important food habi- fir, and the many kinds of spruce shrub adaptable to most soil types. tat for butterflies and caterpillars. provide crucial winter cover It fruits well on sunny sites and its Coralberry, snowberry, and spice- because of their dense boughs. All bright red berries remain on the bush are also valuable to moths. trees and shrubs can provide nest- bush well into winter. It is used for Cherries, apples, plums, peach, ing cover for some type of song- nesting by brown thrashers, cat- pussy willows, lilacs, coralberry, bird, but plants that offer high birds, and many other songbirds. snowberry, and wolfberry are criti- quality nesting cover include An excellent wildlife shrub on moist cal sources of pollen for bees. hawthorns, cedars, crabapples, sites, it will also grow on sandy soil, hemlocks, dogwoods, and spruces. although more slowly. Plantings that provide food in Cavity-producing trees such as summer help juvenile birds as well older beech and white oak provide Dogwoods are used intensively as early migrants to develop early homes for squirrels, screech owls, by wildlife. In Michigan, the most winter energy reserves. Wild plum, wood ducks, and many songbirds popular varieties include silky dog- serviceberry, red elder, hazelnut, including chickadees. Therefore, wood, gray dogwood, and red-osier mulberry, and the cherry species dead and dying trees (snags) dogwood. They all produce flowers (choke, nanking, and pin) all pro- should be kept, if possible. in the spring and fruits in the fall, vide important late-summer foods. and adapt to a variety of soils. The dogwoods (red-osier, silky, and The following shrubs and shrub Red-osier dogwood is so named as gray), winterberry, American families should be highly consid- its bark is a bright to deep red mountain-ash, hawthorn, crabap- ered as they are well adapted to when in full sun areas. It thrives on ple, nannyberry, bearberry, buf- Michigan's soil and climate condi- moist areas as well as sandy sites faloberry, and arrowwood are all tions and offer valuable year-round and can easily be used to form shrubs that provide valuable fall wildlife habitat components: dense hedges. fruits. Nut-producing trees such as oak, hickory, butternut, and black Elderberry is often overlooked walnut are also key fall foods for as a shrub for wildlife. Growing on both migratory and resident a variety of sites in both sun and wildlife. shade, it fruits best in sunny, moist areas to attract many songbird Shrubs and trees must have species in late summer and fall. persistent fruits in order to have Black elderberry is found on low- winter value. The better ones are land sites, while red elderberry is not palatable earlier in the year nor found on upland sites. are highly preferred. Winter thaws red oak sugar maple TREES & SHRUBS

Junipers and cedars provide Popular species of trees and shrubs to consider planting in your backyard. good cover, nest sites, and food for songbirds. Scattered among SPECIES SOIL MOISTURE SUN-SHADE HEIGHT deciduous shrubs, they enhance S=sand D=dry S=sun Sh=shade S=small habitat diversity and can be L=loam M=moist M=medium used effectively in windbreaks C=clay W=wet T=tall and other strip covers. One M=muck drawback is that eastern red SHRUBS cedar is the alternate host for Crabapples S-L-C-M D-M S S-M cedar-apple rust, which results in blemishes on the fruit and Hawthorn L-C D-M-W S-S, Sh S-M leaves of apple, crabapple, and Dogwood L-C-M M-W S-S, Sh S hawthorns. For this reason do Highbush-cranberry L-C-M M-W S-S, Sh S not plant it close to apple Nannyberry L-C-M M-W S-S, Sh S orchards. Elderberry L-C-M D-M-W S-S, Sh S American mountain-ash L-C D-M S-S, Sh M Hawthorns are small thor- CONIFERS napple trees that bear persistent White Spruce S-L-C D-M S-S, Sh T fruits and are excellent nesting Balsam Fir S-L-C D-M S-S, Sh T sites for songbirds. Washington Hemlock L-C-M M-W S-S, Sh T Hawthorn is a common variety. Although difficult to transplant, White Pine S-L D-M S T hawthorns survive well on White Cedar S-L M-W S-S, Sh T upland and lowland sites. They DECIDUOUS TREES do best when planted at regular, White Oak S-L-C D-M S-S, Sh T well-spaced intervals among Red Oak S-L-C M S-S, Sh T other low-growing trees and Am. Beech S-L-C D-M S-S, Sh T shrubs. Red Maple L-C-M M-W S-S, Sh T Quaking Aspen S-L-M M-W S-S, Sh T Crabapples come in many Black Cherry S-L D S-S, Sh T varieties from nurseries and Shagbark Hickory S-L D-M S-S, Sh T grow from 10 to 30 feet tall. Like hawthorns, they provide nest sites for robins and other Wild plums are growing in pop- deciduous trees to consider planti- songbirds. They also have stunning ularity among wildlife biologists as ng in your backyard. flowers in the spring and fruits in an alternative to planting exotic the fall that are persistent through species. They have showy flowers Aesthetic winter. If possible, choose disease and produce fruits that humans resistant varieties. may also use. They spread by suck- Characteristics ers to form clumps. When choosing trees and shrubs for your property, consider- Nannyberry is a tall shrub or ing their characteristics such as small tree that is used as an orna- color, texture, and height, which mental for its attractive flowers. It will help you to provide a pleasing provides fruits in the fall for many landscape. Early blossoming species of wildlife. This shrub shrubs such as crabapples, lilacs, spreads by suckers and may be dif- serviceberry, and redbuds offer ficult to control near lawns and gar- spring color. Silky dogwood and dens. red elder give summer color, and red elder, sumac, and red-osier See the accompanying panel dogwood provide a palette of beauty in late summer and early fall. American mountain-ash for popular species of conifer and TREES & SHRUBS

Fall-fruiting shrubs and the leaves Landscape Another thing to remember of maple, birch, aspen, and other Characteristics with location is the height that the deciduous trees furnish an array of Another important factor to trees and shrubs will grow. Be care- color in fall. Red-osier dogwoods consider before selecting trees and ful that they will not grow too tall show a striking red, and conifers shrubs is the characteristics of your and encroach on other backyard give a pleasing green to a bleak property, which may include soil projects. For instance, a tree is winter landscape. types and locations of your planti- planted in a spot where it is not ngs. Before planting, it's a good currently shading a garden. Pyramid-shaped American idea to determine the pH and avail- However, if the height of the tree is mountain-ash, tamarack, and able nutrients in your soil. For not checked, in a few years it may spruces, round-shaped crabapples example, you should not plant a cast a much larger shadow than and dogwoods, and flat junipers all shrub that is needs moist, acidic expected. Therefore, be sure to add different shapes and forms to soils on a dry, sandy site. Even plant the trees and shrubs far your property. The fine textures of though the shrub may fit all of your enough from each other and any hemlock, white pine, and service- landscape goals (color, texture, other areas where they may cause berry can be a sharp contrast to wildlife value), it may not fit in with problems. rough-textured plants such as your landscape characteristics. hawthorn and jack pine. Therefore, it will most likely not In summary, there are many grow on your property and you will trees and shrubs that can not only Trees and shrubs come in many have wasted your time and money. create valuable habitat for wildlife, heights. Choosing a variety of For a nominal fee your county's but also enhance the value of your heights assures nesting and feed- Michigan State University Extension home. When selecting trees and ing sites for birds with strong pref- office will analyze soil samples from shrubs for your yard, it is important erences for specific elevations. It your yard. Refer to the chapter to consider your landscaping goals, also provides visual screens and Knowing Your Soils in the the wildlife values and aesthetic adds to landscape diversity. To Habitat Planning section for more characteristics of the plants, and develop a "feathering" or "stair- information. the characteristics of the current case" effect, which is highly benefi- landscape. With these in mind you cial for wildlife, plant oaks, hicko- Another thing to consider is will create a beautiful landscape ries, and tall conifers at property the location of your planting. You that will also benefit wildlife. Refer borders. As you move closer to may not want a nut producing tree to the chapter Tree & Shrub your home, add serviceberry, in an area where the nuts will be a Planting in this section for more American mountain-ash, and medi- problem, such as near a pool. information. um-height shrubs such as dog- Another example of location prob- woods and crabapples. Low-grow- lems is seen with mulberry trees. ing shrubs such as bearberry and These trees should be planted coralberry, will complete the stair- along property boundaries and case effect to your lawn. Beyond away from porches, decks, and this, you may want to plant grasses cars because its fruit and droppings FOR ADDITIONAL or wildflowers to further increase from birds eating mulberries will CHAPTERS CONTACT: your yard’s value to wildlife. stain. Michigan United Conservation Clubs PO Box 30235 Lansing, MI 48909 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART VII: Backyard Management

TREE & SHRUB PLANTING

rees and shrubs are an impor- ery, public library or Michigan State tant part of Michigan's natural University Extension offices will Tecosystem. About 50 percent have information on specific plant of the state is forestland. The requirements. plants that make up our forests provide food in the form of fruits, Site preparation includes reduc- berries, and hard mast (nuts) for a ing weedy competition and any log- wide variety of wildlife; browse for ging debris, and improves soil con- rabbits and deer; nectar and pollen ditions for tree growth. Most plant- production for bees and butterflies; ing failures can be traced to poor and leaves for caterpillars and weed control, so this step is very other insect larvae. They also offer important. Because weeds com- critical cover for wildlife to nest, pete directly with seedlings for rest, hide from predators, and seek water, nutrients, and sunlight, they shelter from heat, cold, and mois- must be controlled before (and ture. after) planting. In the fall before planting, place a weed-barrier cloth The Trees and Shrubs chap- Trees and shrubs produce food and or apply a general emergent herbi- ter in the Backyard Management cover for a variety of wildlife. cide like Roundup. Be sure to read section explains the wildlife value and follow all label directions. of key plant species, and considers Conservation District. For best suc- Individual planting sites should be landscaping goals and site selec- cess, plan in the spring or summer 36 inches across. When planting in tion. The Knowing Your Soils before planting (including soil test- rows, prepare a 36 inch wide strip. chapter in the Habitat Planning sec- ing), prepare the site for planting in All vegetation within the area must tion will help you understand how fall, order stock in winter, and plant be killed. If weeds are growing to identify soil types and to know upon arrival in early spring. Place again in spring when it is time to what plants will grow best on your your order early or you may have plant, apply an emergent herbicide property. This chapter focuses on to choose from leftover stock or once again. "Emergent" herbicides how to purchase healthy trees and receive your seedlings past prime kill only those plants already grow- shrubs, plant them properly, and planting time. Lack of planning is ing. Mechanical treatments such as manage them successfully. one of the main reasons why some disking or plowing will also help to Considerations include site selec- landowners fail to grow healthy control weeds. Many tree planters tion and preparation, plant selec- trees and shrubs. Select plant even scrape the sod off the planti- tion and pre-planting care, planting species that are adapted to the soil ng site at the time of planting to techniques, and post-planting care. texture, drainage, and amount of reduce weed competition. shade at your site. Do not plant a shade intolerant tree in the shade Site Selection and of other trees as they will die. Plant Selection and Preparation Slopes greater than 6 percent, odd- Pre-Planting Care The decision to plant shrubs shaped fields, ditch banks, proper- You may purchase trees and and trees should be made months ty boundaries and wetland and for- shrubs as transplants or seedlings. in advance of their arrival at the est edges all make ideal shrub- Transplants are plants that were nursery or at your local county planting sites. The local uprooted and planted in another Conservation District office, nurs- Seedlings can be one, two, or healthy poor healthy poor three years old and are designated as 1-0, 2-0, or 3-0 stock. Transplants are usually three to five years of age, and the last number in the sequence tells how long they have been in the transplant beds. For example, stock designated as 2-1 is three years old total, the last year of which was spent as a transplant. In addition to age, some seedlings and transplants are sold by height class, which has the advantage of establishing a planta- The trees you choose should tion that should develop uniformly. Choose trees that appear have at least six lateral roots Seedling sizes may range from six healthy, with evenly distributed that are equal in length to the to 12 inches. Buy the biggest or oldest seedlings you can afford. branches. stem. Avoid small, spindly stock less than ence of mold on needles or stems, six inches tall. Hardwood saplings broken stems or stripped roots, and location, while seedlings are young should have a trunk diameter (also containers that are ripped or plants grown in one location. Both called a stem caliper) of at least 3/8 crushed. are available in bare-root form or inch and at least six vigorous later- come with soil either in containers al roots that should be equal in Bare-root plants, regardless of or balled and burlapped. Seedlings length to the stem. Avoid hard- whether they are seedlings or are less expensive when bought in wood stock with a single large tap- transplants, need to be kept moist large amounts. They are also eas- root. before and during planting. Keep ier to plant with a tree planter the shipping package moist or because of their small roots. How stock is handled at the place the plants in a pail with an Transplanted stock is more expen- nursery and in transit often deter- inch or two of water (over-watering sive than seedlings, but survival mines its health. Signs of mishan- can kill the plants). The best and growth rates after planting are dling include dry roots, white- option is to mix peat moss, dirt, often better. In addition, larger tipped roots, excess soil on the and water in a pail to make a slur- transplant stock grows more quick- roots, swollen or burst buds, pres- ry. Put the little trees or shrubs in ly into recognizable trees or shrubs. the slurry and When only a small keep them in a number of trees cool place (35 and shrubs are degrees Farenheit needed, purchas- if possible) until ing them with soil you are ready to attached is a good plant, which idea because plant- should be within ing success rates 48 hours. are higher due to decreased shock Plants sold to the plant. If in containers possible, it is best should have soil to choose plants and roots joined that were grown tightly. Pruned from a local When planting bare root stock, make the hole large enough to spread roots should be source. the roots out naturally; add soil around the roots; fill hole completely; cut cleanly and be tap firmly to fill in air gaps. no wider than an TREE & SHRUB PLANTING average finger. Check for the absence of large, circling roots by feeling down into the top 3 or 4 inches of the pot. Stock that has been balled and burlapped should have a firm root ball near the trunk. Size of the ball should be about 1 foot for each inch of trunk diameter.

Planting Techniques It is best to plant in early spring or late fall when the plants are dormant. However, in heavy soils such as clay, planting in fall is discour- aged as the plants may be frost When planting trees and shrubs with soil attached to the roots, slope heaved from the ground before roots can become established. the sides of the hole away from the plant and dig deeply around the When planting, keep the young hole to prevent excessive shock to the plant. plants moist and out of direct sun, from the plant and dig or deeply debris and vegetation. Others have if possible. If the roots of the trees rototill to a depth of 12 inches spray attachments for applying her- were not pruned to an eight-inch around the hole. Before placing bicide. Check with your county length at the nursery, do so with plants in the hole, loosen the roots Conservation District office or nurs- clippers or a sharp ax. Root prun- from the soil. This extra prepara- ery for availability. ing makes planting easier and tion will lessen the shock of trans- increases survival rates. The depth plant and give roots a chance to One person can plant 40 to 60 of the planting hole and length of spread in a wide periphery while in trees or shrubs per hour by hand or roots should be about the same but softer soil. How wide an area to 200 to 300 per hour with a machine not less than 8 inches, and the root dig depends upon the amount of planter. Hand planting may be the collar (small swelling where the space available, whether roots of only method on steep or rough ter- ground level was at the nursery) other trees will be damaged, and rain, and it is better for walnut and should be an inch deeper than the soil compaction (the more dense various oaks, which have long tap- new surface. the soil, the wider the area). The roots. If you are planting conifers, usual range to consider is two to the typical rate is 600 to 1,000 When planting bare root stock five times the diameter of the root trees per acre. Hardwoods are typ- by hand, use a shovel to dig a hole ball. Wet the bottom of the hole ically planted at 300 to 500 trees large enough to spread the roots in before planting, place the tree or per acre. Windbreaks of hard- a natural, uncrowded way, add soil shrub upright, pack soil firmly, and woods and/or conifers should have around the roots to the root collar, water if possible. at least three staggered rows. Tree and tap firmly to exclude air. You spacing to reach these recom- can also use a planting bar, or dib- Planting machines are usually mended densities is included in the ble, to make a vertical slit in the soil used when planting large numbers and to repack the soil around the of trees or shrubs. Bare root stock Distance Apart Number of trees tree after planting. Be careful not is usually used. The planting per acre to crowd the roots, and make sure machine makes a slit in the soil 6 X 10 726 the soil is firmly replaced. If possi- where the operator places the tree. 7 X 7 889 ble, water the trees after planting. The machine then closes the slit 7 X 10 622 and packs soil around the roots. 8 X 8 681 When planting trees and Typically pulled behind a tractor, 9 X 9 538 shrubs with soil attached by hand, some planting implements have a 10 X 10 436 slope the sides of the hole away furrowing attachment to clear away 12 X 12 302 TREE & SHRUB PLANTING accompanying panel. Do not plant within a 3-foot circle for a period of stems and rows too close together. at least three years. Hand pulling Eight to 10 feet apart is usually suf- weeds, hoeing or relying on a ficient. This may look like a long selective herbicide are all good way when the stems are 10 inches methods whether applied singly or tall, but when they are eight feet in combination. Using weed tall you will know why you should whackers or whips is not a good plant them with ample space. idea because they can injure young plants. Mowing is not usually effec- Post-planting Care tive weed control either. Pruning Watering at intervals will help may also be needed annually to newly planted trees and shrubs to help growth. become established and grow successfully. Mulching with bark, peat In summary, successful tree moss, or straw retains soil moisture and shrub planting requires thor- and holds down competing weeds ough planning, careful selection or grass. Support stakes and wires and planting, and proper mainte- will help taller trees if necessary. nance. Poor maintenance may Protect the tree from browsing by delay the growth of your trees and deer or rabbits, if necessary, by cause them to die or require installing plastic tubes or wire replanting. However, if done cor- cages. rectly the reward is added beauty to the landscape and invaluable After the first year, some main- habitat for wildlife. tenance is usually needed. Eliminate competing vegetation

FOR ADDITIONAL CHAPTERS CONTACT: Michigan United Conservation Clubs Keep a watchful eye out for PO Box 30235 Lansing, MI 48909 wildlife eating your new plantings 517/371-1041 for lunch.

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART VII: Backyard Management

GRASSES & GROUND COVERS

awns are practical and accept- ment consideration. This chapter able landscapes that beautify explains how to manage and main- robin Lhomes and provide pleasure to tain mowed and unmowed areas of homeowners. However, recent lawn as well as how to develop building trends that have resulted alternative ground covers of higher in larger homes on larger proper- quality for wildlife. ties give cause for concern. In increasing numbers, Michigan Mowed Lawns landowners are moving from small- Mowed lawns require time and er lots to residential sites to rural money to maintain. Monocultures An estimated 70 percent of estates of 10 to 40 acres in size. of weed-free grass demand a large pesticide use in the United States Lawn sizes have also increased dra- amount of water, fertilizer, pesti- occurs on the nation's lawns. You matically. This increase in rural cides, and time. They provide less can help reduce this number by estates contributes to habitat frag- wildlife habitat than do unmowed planting diverse forbs and other mentation. This presents a problem lawns, and they are easily stressed plants to provide for a healthier, for wildlife as extensive lawns of by extreme drought or wet condi- environmentally friendly lawn, mowed grass have much less ben- tions. efit to wildlife than an area of simi- which needs few or no chemicals. Although weeds such as dande- lar size with a diversity of plants. To maintain your lawn in a less- lions, plantain, black medic, However, some wildlife can benefit intensive and more environmental- spurge, orange and yellow hawk- from small amounts of mowed ly friendly manner, consider accept- weed, and white clover are not lawns. Cowbirds, flickers, and ing a variety of grasses and non- acceptable to some landowners robins forage in the short grasses grasses, or remove weeds by hand that strive to create a uniform for food. Canada geese, moles, instead of using herbicides over the lawn, such plants attract a variety and 13-lined ground squirrels also entire lawn. Instead of fertilizing, of wildlife. Rabbits and deer love frequent lawns, but can create nui- leave the clippings, which will pro- clover and will frequent lawns that sance problems with their drop- vide nitrogen. Mowing at heights contain it. Birds use dried stalks of pings or burrows. of 2 to 3 inches helps protect roots weeds and other plants to build from summer heat and promotes nests and feed on the seeds of There are many important rea- better grass growth. Another tip: some common weeds. sons to have as small a mowed keep mower blades sharp so they lawn as possible. Pesticides and cut the grass cleanly and do not How much lawn you mow fertilizers used to grow grass can tear the plants. contaminate ground and surface should depend on the size and water killing valuable plants and shape, and uses of your property. insects. Excessive mowing takes For example, if you need an area extensive time and fuel. Also, for playing ball or exercising a other alternatives to mowed dog, a long rectangular area may grass may be better for the envi- suffice. However, if the only ronment and provide more valu- activity on portions of your lawn able wildlife habitat. Therefore, is mowing, consider converting having a smaller mowed lawn is those areas to an unmowed par- an important wildlife manage- cel or wildlife-friendly planting. A wet area, for example, can be brown thrasher Grasses such as timothy, sparrows; feeding areas for song- orchard grass, red top, or blue birds and wild turkeys, and winter grass can be planted to develop a cover for resident wildlife. The grass meadow two to five feet in wildflowers offer brilliant colors in height. Adding clovers such as summer and fall, and the stiff ladino, alsike, white, or medium- stems and golden-to-rust colors of red will increase the wildlife value the prairie grasses make for attrac- and decrease the overall vegetative tive winter gardens. For additional height. Clovers help to promote information please refer to the fol- healthy lawns as they are able to lowing chapters: Wildflowers and fix nitrogen. Planting clovers will Wildflower Plantings in this sec- restored to a wet meadow or develop a meadow that is one to tion, and Warm Season Grasses wildlife pond. Mixing in areas of three feet in height. They will cre- in the Grassland Management sec- trees, shrubs, perennial and annual ate a green open space and allow a tion. flowers, unmowed grasses, and pleasing view to the edge of your prairie grasses will not only add property. Once a year in late Ground Covers wildlife value but will help con- August, mow the mix of grasses Ground covers offer an ideal tribute to a beautiful landscape that and clovers to help maintain the opportunity to reduce the amount requires less upkeep. Another way stand and to check the invasion of of mowed lawn surface and to to improve value for wildlife is to woody plants. For additional infor- develop low-maintenance wildlife keep the lawn in an irregular mation please refer to the chapter habitat. They provide nest sites for shape, which will provide more on Cool Season Grasses in the ground-nesting songbirds, and pro- edge than a square or rectangular Grassland Management section. tective cover for rabbits and chip- design. munks. Such plantings can provide Another alternative is to plant a a more manicured appearance Grasses part of your yard to prairie grasses while increasing habitat value and Areas with tall, unmowed or and/or wildflowers. Because native reducing maintenance. infrequently mowed grasses can prairie grasses (big bluestem, little provide outstanding wildlife habitat bluestem, Indiangrass, and switch- A wide variety of species can be such as nesting areas, brooding grass) have deep root systems and used. Preferred plants will depend areas, insect-feeding areas and for- short underground stems (rhi- upon the soil type and the amount aging areas for songbirds, game- zomes), they help water to perco- of sun or shade the area birds, and rabbits. You can create late through the soil. The process receives. Shaded areas on places where you let the grass go of percolation is important for clay soils, for example, wild or where you plant a specific recharging ground water and sup- call for one grass type to create a meadow, plying plants with adequate water. type of ground cover, prairie, or wildflower viewing spot. A manicured lawn, for example, will while dry areas with The flowers will furnish a nectar stop percolating after a half-inch of all-day sun will source for bees and butterflies. rain. On the other hand, a native need a different prairie will percolate up to six inch- kind of ground es of rain per hour. cover. Native shade-tolerant white clover Mixing wildflowers in with the species include prairie grasses adds diversity. wild ginger, win- Wildflower types to plant include tergreen, and coneflower, black-eyed Susan, bearberry. There are leadplant, coreopsis, aster, and many other species of blazing star. Prairie grasses and groundcover that are forbs provide forage for deer, rab- often seen in backyards bits, and woodchucks; nesting sites such as spotted nettle, for pheasants, bobolinks, and field lily of the valley, vinca, little bluestem GRASSES & GROUND COVERS

myrtle, crown Quality's (DEQ) Land and Water herbicide to con- vetch, birds- Management Division before mak- trol aquatic plants foot trefoil, and ing alterations. Maintain aquatic or algae, check euonymus. vegetation in all or a portion of the with DEQ's Land However, these water frontage. Although control and Water Manage- species will aggres- of purple loosestrife, Eurasian ment Division to sively spread into watermilfoil, and other aggressive see if a permit is adjacent areas and exotic plants may be necessary, re-quired and al- wild ginger will need extensive retain a mixture of submerged, ways follow prod- management and floating and emergent plants such uct label direc- cattail control to reduce their impact to as wild celery, pondweeds, tions. To protect adjacent sites. Therefore, they waterlilies, cattails, and pickerel- water quality and reduce the likeli- must be used with caution. weed. These plants also help to hood of excess algae and plant reduce toxins in the water and growth, do not dispose of grass Plant ground covers around increase oxygen and provide the clippings, leaves, charcoal bri- homes, trees, swimming pools, and structure and greenery to support quettes or ashes, or other refuse in other fragmented habitats. Readily snails, insects, and other aquatic the water. In addition, it is impor- available from nurseries as plugs or food organisms important to fish, tant to use little or no fertilizer on plants, they are usually listed by turtles, snakes, salamanders, frogs, your lawn, or switch to a phospho- their scientific names, which are and toads. If you plan to use a rus-free or low phosphorous brand. included in the accompanying table. Common Name Scientific Name Origin Sunlight Height (ft.) Wet Areas If your property includes Wildflowers frontage on a lake, river, pond, Aster Aster spp. Native Full 4 or wetland, special habitat con- Rough blazing star Liatris aspera Native Full/Partial Shade 3 siderations apply. Leave a Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta Native Full/Partial Shade 3 buffer strip of unmowed vege- Purple coneflowers Echinacea purpurea Native Full/Partial Shade 4 tation between your lawn and Tall coreopsis Coreopsis tripteris Native Full 3 the wetland or water's edge Lead plant Amorpha canescens Native Full 3 100 feet or more in width. The Warm season grasses buffer will filter out sediments Big-bluestem Andropogon gerardi Native Full 8 and lawn fertilizers before they Indiangrass Sorgastrum nutans Native Full 6 enter the water, and it will pro- Little-bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium Native Full 3 vide important niche habitat for Switch grass Panicum virgatum Native Full 5 a variety of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. To Cool season grasses beautify the buffer strip and Canada wild-rye Elymus canadensis Native Full 4 enhance wildlife habitat, plant Redtop Agrostis gigantea Native Full 4 wildflowers and grasses, or add Orchard grass Dactylis glomerata Not Native Full 4 trees, shrubs, and ground Timothy Phleum pratense Not Native Full 3.5 cover. Legumes White clover Trifolium repens Native Full/partial 0.5 If you use your lake or Ladino Trifolium var. Not Native Full/partial 0.5 pond for swimming, clear an Alsike Trifolium fucatum Not Native Full/partial 0.5 area only large enough for this purpose. Remember, removing Ground Covers or adding soil, sand, or gravel Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Native Full/partial 0.5 may be subject to regulation -- Wild Ginger Asarum canadense Native Full/partial 0.5 check with the Michigan Wintergreen Gaultheria procumbens Native Full/partial 0.5 Department of Environmental GRASSES & GROUND COVERS

20 acres yourself. These diverse plantings improve critical wildlife habitat that lake front attracts songbirds, chipmunks, rab- trees & shrubs trees & shrubs bits, squirrels, toads, frogs, snakes,

Existing features and turtles.

Road clover House Stream mowed lawn clover

Habitat projects

NWSG Native warm season grasses WG Wintergreen ground cover WG Mow clover annually Mowed lawn should be less than an acre

wet meadow NWSG & wildflowers

This map is an example that demonstrates the many management options discussed throughout this chapter. The option(s) you choose should depend not only on your goals, but the location, condition, and present use of your land.

Trees along the waterfront provide Leave dead trees (snags) that nesting, resting, and feeding areas do not create a safety hazard to for birds and small mammals. humans, for woodpeckers and When trimming trees, leave squirrels. Remember, that logs, enough branches to maintain stumps, and fallen branches are wildlife habitat and privacy for your critical wildlife habitat for amphib- home while allowing a view of the ians and reptiles. See the chapter water. Enhance the waterfront’s on Frogs, Turtles and Snakes in habitat value and aesthetic appeal the Species Management Section by planting flowering and fruiting for more details. shrubs as well as ground cover at the base of trees. Grasses for moist In conclusion, by using a vari- FOR ADDITIONAL areas include redtop, switchgrass, ety of vegetative types such as tall CHAPTERS CONTACT: and prairie cordgrass. Attractive grasses, ground covers, trees, and Michigan United wildflowers that grow in moist shrubs, you can create a beautiful Conservation Clubs PO Box 30235 areas are cardinal flowers, blue yard and reduce your work load. Lansing, MI 48909 lobelia, and Jack-in-the-Pulpit. You will also create a better envi- 517/371-1041 ronment for a variety of wildlife and

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART VII: Backyard Management

SPECIAL FEATURE GARDENS

Butterfly Gardens nities. The best location is one that North America is home to more receives sun from mid-morning to than 700 species of butterflies. At mid-afternoon because adults gen- least 200 of them occur in Michigan erally feed only in the sun. If sunny and the Midwest including swallow- spots are limited in your yard, con- tails, skippers, satyrs, sulphurs, and sider planting a small area of your cabbage butterflies along with the vegetable garden to herbs. Many monarch, painted lady, comma, of the best bee and butterfly plants red-spotted purple, and red admi- are herbs, including borage, hys- ral. Adult butterflies are most sop, lavender, lovage, lemon balm, attracted to red, yellow, orange, sweet marjoram, rose-mary, sage, pink, and purple flowers that grow dill, winter savory, parsley, thyme, in sunny locations and that offer an and the mints. easy source of nectar. Butterfly caterpillars will use at least 175 esides adding beauty to the kinds of Midwest plants, nearly 50 landscape, gardens that are of which are also excellent for Bcreatively designed and well- attracting bees. Several kinds of tended can increase the value of moths, including hummingbird property. Some gardens provide clearwings, night- and day-flying food for the table and others fur- sphinx species, prometheas, and nish cut flowers for indoor enjoy- cecropias, are also regularly ment. On larger properties these attracted to butterfly gardens. special feature gardens break up the monotony of lawn and reduce A butterfly garden can quickly mowing time. Blending your gar- become the prize feature of your

e den into the surrounding landscape yard. Options include developing g a will also help to minimize habitat the garden around a theme like S

ia fragmentation effects. un t native prairie wildflowers or native t o Pe g ild a W rm woodland wildflowers. There are e B

If you do not own property, you four key factors to creating a suc- e in b fly m er lu t o ut can still enjoy a small-scale garden cessful butterfly garden: (1) loca- C B ed t e o W g by arranging planters and potted d tion, (2) plant composition/nec- il a m W r e e B in t flowers on the balcony or deck of tar sources for adult butter- up an L pl ad your apartment, townhouse, or flies, (3) caterpillar habitat, Le w g ro n r zi condominium. Specialty gardens and (4) avoiding insecticide Ya a t l r se B a ne t f o S a B attract certain kinds of wildlife, use. le w o ia r w n e r o u in a d which serve to enhance viewing t p N a e u e P L b M ru h pleasure. Butterfly, hummingbird, S 1. Locate the garden er w o fl n and native prairie gardens are well in a spot that facili- t u t n S o la t n g e a P lli e a d s i suited to this purpose. This chap- g ld e tates maxi-mum a i m a im k r e n x c S o o W e L a h B B M lly ter will offer suggestions on how to viewing opportu- o H create them. BUTTERFLY GARDEN BACKSIDE OF GARDEN BACKSIDE OF GARDEN essential to a successful butterfly hummingbirds also use a wide garden. Most butterfly caterpillars variety of other flowers. Thus, you R os der em do not cause the leaf damage asso- can add both diversity and color to ven ary La ciated with moth caterpillars. your yard while providing excellent Hyssop Oaks, aspens, birches, boxelders, sources of nectar and small insects Sw e ee m M t and spice bushes can provide the for hummingbirds. Incidentally, hy ar T jor am Dill feeding habitat that butterfly cater- because orioles use many of the pillars need. Some species feed same plants as hummingbirds, your Mint Savory Sage Borage specifically on certain plants. For hummingbird garden may provide example, monarchs use milkweed additional habitat for them and BUTTERFLY HERB GARDEN for both stages of life --adults visit increase your viewing pleasure. 2. Plant perennial plants that the flowers for nectar and caterpil- provide excellent sources of nectar. lars feed on the leaves. The larvae Unlike butterflies, humming- Perennials will lessen your overall of mourning cloaks eat nettles, and birds find sources of food regard- cost as they do not need to be black swallowtails feed on parsley. less of sun or shade. However, the replaced each year. When choos- plants themselves can have specif- ing plants, consider their blooming 4. Most insecticides are lethal ic sunlight requirements. So, when season, and select some that to butterflies in both larvae and planning the location of your hum- bloom early and others that do not adult stages. Avoid use of insecti- mingbird garden, consider the sun- bloom until late summer or fall. cides in or near the butterfly gar- light requirements or limitations of However, for earliest results and to den and on key caterpillar habitat. the plants you wish to highlight add diversity to the garden, plant a Pesticide use has had a major there. You may also want to con- few annual flowers. Also consider impact on butterfly numbers in sider visibillity. Because humming- the mature height of plants and recent years. birds are highly territorial, you place the taller plants toward the might want to locate plants back and work down in height Hummingbird Gardens throughout your yard, in addition to toward the front. For open gardens Hummingbirds pollinate more the specialized garden. that will be seen from all sides, than 160 native North American establish the tallest plants in the plants. Because of their extremely You may also want to supple- center and work downward with high metabolism, hummingbirds ment natural nectar with humming- the smallest plants at the edge. If consume daily up to one-half their bird feeders near the garden and you are using climbing plants be body weight in food and as much around the house. Place feeders in sure to use a climbing structure as eight times their body weight in the shade and change the mixture such as a lattice, fence, or building fluids. Besides feeding on flower of one part sugar (do not use for backdrop. nectar, the ruby-throated hum- honey) to four parts boiling water mingbird (the only hummingbird every three to five days. Cool the Plants with a flat-topped tower- species found in Michigan) also mixture before filling the feeder, ing head, like stiff goldenrod and eats small insects. Usually and store the excess in the refrig- zinnias, are excellent butterfly attracted to red, tubular flowers, erator. If the mixture in the feeder plants because the nectar is richer and more easily accessible. See HUMMINGBIRD GARDEN BACKSIDE OF GARDEN the accompanying table for a list of plants that will provide good to Trumpet Creeper Trumpet Creeper Blazing Blazing Coral excellent sources of nectar for but- s Star rk’ Fireweed Star Tu ily berry terflies, bees, and moths. Latin p L Ca Bee names are included to help you find Coral Yarrow Sage Balm stock at nurseries and garden cen- Bells Cardinal ia Flower tun ters. Petunia Pe Columbine Columbine 3. Providing habitat for caterpil- Tobacco lars as well as adult butterflies is Flower SPECIAL FEATURE GARDENS

Plant Species for Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens Common Name Scientific Name Type¹ Origin Sunlight² B/H Height² Blooming Season² American columbine Aquilega canadensis P native F/P B/H 1-2 ft May-June Bee Balm Monarda didyma P native F/P H 3 ft June-July Blazing Star Liatrus spp. P native F/P B/H 2-4 ft July-Sept. Boneset Eupatorium perfoliatum P native F/P B 3-4 ft July-Aug. Butterflybush Buddleia davidii P exotic F/P B 3-8 ft* June-Aug. Butterflyweed Asclepias tuberosa P native F/P B 2-3 ft July-Aug. Cardinal flower Lobelia cardinalis P nativc F/P H 3 ft July-Sept. Coral bells Heuchera sanguinea P exotic F/P H 2.5 ft May-July Coralberry Symphoricarpos orbiculatus S native F/P B/H 3 ft Fireweed Epilobium angustifolium P native F/P B/H 2-4 ft July-Aug. Foxglove (Gerardia) Agalinis pediculana P native F/P H 3-5 ft June-July Gaillardia (firewheel) Gaillardia pulchella P native F B/H 3 ft June-Aug. Hollyhock Althaea rosa P native F/P B/H 5-8 ft June-Aug. Joe-pye-weed Eupatorium purpureum P native F/P B 2-6 ft July-Sept. Leadplant Amorpha canescens P native F B/H 2-4 ft June-July Lupine Lupinus perennis P native F/P B/H 2 ft June-July Maximillian sunflower Helianthus maximiliani P native F B/H 5 ft Aug.-Sep. Narrowleaf meadowsweet Spirea alba S native F B/H 4 ft June-July Oxeye sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides P native F B/H 2.5-3 ft July-Sept. Purple conefower Echinacea purpurea P native F/P B/H 2-4 ft July-Aug. Scarlet petunia Petunia spp. A exotic F/P H 1 ft through summer Scarlet sage Salvia spendens A exotic F/P H 2.5 ft until frost Swamp milkweed Asclepias incarnata P native F/P B 2-4 ft June-Aug. Tobacco flower Nicotiana sanderae A exotic F H 1-2 ft through summer Trumpet creeper Campsis radicans V native F/P H climbing July-Aug. Turk’s cap lily Lilium michiganese P native F/P H 3 ft July-Aug. Western sunflower Helianthus occidentalis P native F B/H 2 ft July-Aug. Wild Bergamot Monarda fistula P native F B/H 2 ft June-July Yarrow Achilea millefolium P native F B 2 ft June-Aug. ¹A = annual; P = perennial; S = shrub; V = vine ²F = full sun, P = partial shade; Sun requirements, height, and blooming season may vary with individual cultivars. *Butterflybush will die back in the winter B = for butterflies H = for hummingbirds has spoiled (a black fungus or very In addition to sunlight require- ing season as much as possible. cloudy water are clues), clean it ments, be aware of other charac- Adding a few annuals to the variety with a small amount of vinegar teristics of your plant choices. of early- to late-blooming perenni- mixed with water, then allow to dry Trumpet creeper, for example, is an als will give the garden a head thoroughly before refilling. attractive plant to hummingbirds, start. Refer to the accompanying Because they are migratory but it requires a fence or other list of plants that will provide both species, you only have to keep the structure on which to climb. Place nectar and insects for humming- sugar solution available from April vines and shrubs to the back, work- birds. Also, realize insecticides not to September. ing down in height toward the front only kill the small insects that hum- of the garden. Spread your bloom- mingbirds use for food, but large SPECIAL FEATURE GARDENS

prairie and curly dock, swamp milk- Plant Species for Prairie Gardens weed, native impatiens, sedges, Common Name Scientific Name Type Height Blooming Season and mints. A nursery expert should be able to help you with your plant Big bluestem Andropogon gerardii G 3-6 ft selections. Indian grass Sorghastrum nutans G 3-5 ft Little bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium G 2-3 ft Switchgrass Panicum virgatum G 3-5 ft American columbine Aquilega canadensis P 1-2 ft May-June Black-eyed Susan Rudbeckia hirta P 1-3 ft June-Aug. Gray-headed prairie coneflower Ratibida pinnata P 3-5 ft July-Sept. Maximillian sunflower Helianthus maximilliani P 5 ft Aug.-Oct. New England aster Aster nova angliae P 1-4 ft Sept.-Oct. Prairie blazing star Liatrus pycnostachya P 4 ft August Prairie coreopsis Coreopsis palmata P 1-3 ft July Prairie dock Silphium terebinthinaceum P 2-6 ft Aug.-Sept. Prairie milkweed Asclepias sullivanti P 2 ft June-July Purple coneflower Echinacea purpurea P 2-4 ft July-Aug. Wild bergamot Monarda fistulosa P 2 ft July-Aug. Wild indigo Baptisia tincitoria P 3 ft June-July Yarrow Achilea millefolium P 2 ft June-Aug.

¹G = Grass; P = Perennial doses of insecticides can be direct- gardens mentioned above, reduce ly lethal to the birds themselves. mowing time and add visual enjoyment, even in winter as the grass- Native Prairie Gardens es stand up to snow. Some wild- Native prairie grasses and wildflowers, such as coreopsis, provide flowers are a shrinking resource in winter seed for goldfinches and Michigan, and they attract a large other birds. number of wildlife species. In fact, there are many species that can Because most native grasses only survive on native grasses and and wildflowers do best on upland wildflowers. Wildlife benefit most sites, locate this garden in a sunny when the mixture of warm season to partly shaded, well-drained loca- FOR ADDITIONAL grasses and wildflowers occurs in tion. The accompanying panel is a CHAPTERS CONTACT: stands of 40 acres or more. list of good plants to consider. If Michigan United However, even small plantings in the site you have in mind is moist, Conservation Clubs backyard gardens can help wildlife big bluestem and switchgrass will PO Box 30235 and are also attractive. Native likely establish without problems Lansing, MI 48909 prairie gardens, as well as the other but you might also want to add 517/371-1041

FOR ADDITIONAL ASSISTANCE: CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CONSERVATION DISTRICT PART VII: Backyard Management

BIRD AND OTHER WILDLIFE FEEDERS

ildlife can not exist without refer to the chapter on Homes for nuthatch the four components that Wildlife, and the other chapters in Wcomprise their habitat: this section. food, water, shelter, and space. Your property may not be large Wildlife feeders can provide an enough to provide all of the habitat opportunity to view wildlife from needs for the kind of wildlife you the comfort of your home. The wish to attract. However, you can most popular types of wildlife feed- offer one or more of these habitat ers are those for backyard birds. components, even in a small back- Because this is the most common yard environment. Providing a type of wildlife feeding, there are a predators and winter winds. Placing variety of feeding stations will give wide variety of feeders to choose a discarded Christmas tree near the wildlife, both residential and migra- from. However, feeders can also be feeding stations may help with this tory, added incentive to visit your provided for other species such as winter component. It is best to property. The more habitat compo- pheasants, bobwhite quail, white- place hanging bird feeders on a nents you provide, the more tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks, metal pole rather than on a tree wildlife species you will likely rabbits, raccoons, butterflies, and limb, as this will help you to deter attract. Wildlife feeders provide a moths. When food supplies are squirrel problems. Locating feed- supplement to the natural foods scarce, such as in the very early ing stations in several areas in the already available from nearby spring or during bouts of severe yard reduces crowding and lessens trees, shrubs, and flowers. weather, wildlife will rely more on the chance for avian diseases that Therefore, planting trees, shrubs, your feeders. Do not worry that can kill birds. Providing a water grasses, wildflowers, and ground- the animals will become dependent source in addition to feeders will covers will increase the chances on your feeders. If you have to also help to attract birds to an area. that wildlife will frequent your yard. stop feeding for a month or so, Water that is dripping or splashing For example, a bird feeder that is they will find alternate sources. is especially attractive to birds. next to a sheltering evergreen There is no best time to start feed- shrub will attract more species than ing birds. Once food is presented one that is not. This chapter Backyard Birds and the birds find it, they will visit Location explains how to provide feeding year-round. The combination of habitat stations for wildlife in your back- diversity and the quality of avail- yard. For information on providing Feeders and Food able food are what will attract and cover for wildlife in your backyard Bird feeders are made of many keep songbirds at your backyard different kinds of materials. They feeders. Pick a location that can be range from the simple disposable seen from your house, where the bag feeders to elaborate steel, seed hulls and bird droppings won't plastic, or glass feeders. be a problem, and that you can Disposable feeders are made of easily access year-round for filling cloth, nylon, vinyl, and metal net- and cleaning. If possible, locate ting. These feeders are inexpen- the feeders near shelter such as sive, but they do not protect the evergreen or deciduous shrubbery seed from the elements. Other that will provide protection from more durable feeders are made of cardinal materials such as plastic siskins. Adding a tray to tubes; ceramic and terra bottom suet this feeder will attract larg- cotta; woods such as red- feeder er species that can not wood, cedar, birch, pine, perch on the small feeding and plywood; metal sheets, holes, such as cardinals, glass tubes, and bottles. jays, crossbills, mourning Most of these will keep doves, and white-throated seed dry, but you should and white-crowned spar- make sure that there are rows. A tube feeder con- holes in the bottoms to taining Niger thistle seed seed feeders ensure drainage. If the wire mesh with a tray will attract feeders have trays, look for with peanuts goldfinches, chickadees, shallow trays that will catch redpolls, pine siskins, pur- the seed but not collect ple and house finches, water. Ultimately the feed- white-throated sparrows, er that you choose will song sparrows, and dark- depend on the types of eyed juncos. In addition, if birds you want to attract. the tube feeder is an up- side-down feeder (has You should begin by feeding holes below the determining which species perches), only goldfinches are likely to frequent your tube feeder will use it. When filled with yard. This is based on the peanuts, a tube feeder with type of habitat that sur- a tray will attract cardinals, rounds your house. What chickadees, grackles, house you feed and how you pre- nectar feeder finches, titmice, house sent it will determine what sparrows, starlings, mourn- kinds of birds, and how TRAY OR PLATFORM FEEDERS ing doves, white-throated many, will visit your feed- sparrows, jays, and juncos. ers. You can offer a variety of preferred foods based on Tray or platform what species you want to feeders are open feeders attract. Offering commer- that can either be on the cially prepared mixed bird ground or raised up on a seed is not as effective as stand, and have a lip preparing foods customized around the edges to help to the birds you want to hold seed on the tray. This attract. Most seeds in com- type of feeder provides mercial mixes get thrown with orange halves with seed easy access for many out of the feeder as the species of birds. When birds search for their favorite seed. a description of the more specific filled with black oil sunflower seed This favorite is the black oil sun- types of feeders and foods, along it is a very general feeder and will flower seed. It can be used in with the species that each would attract most backyard bird species. commercial feeders, tray or plat- attract. When filled with millet the platform form feeders, and tube feeders. It feeder will attract doves, house is generally a safe choice as it is the Tube feeders are cylindrical sparrows, blackbirds, juncos, cow- favorite of most birds that visit tubes with several slots for feeding. birds, towhees, chipping, field, and these types of feeders. The most When filled with black oil sunflower tree sparrows, and white-throated effective way to attract the largest seeds, the tube feeders will attract and white-crowned sparrows. variety of birds is to provide sepa- goldfinches, chickadees, purple and When filled with corn the platform rate feeders for each food. Below is house finches, woodpeckers, nut- feeder may attract starlings, house hatches, titmice, redpolls, and pine BIRD & OTHER WILDLIFE FEEDERS downy attract woodpeckers, junkos, thrushes, kinglets, wrens, starlings, woodpecker goldfinches, cardinals, jays, and monopolizing, the bluebirds. Suet feeders with access feeders. Squirrels only through the bottom will make are the biggest cul- it difficult for starlings to feed as prits when it comes they can not hang up-side-down to taking over bird very well. feeders, as they scare off birds when they are Nectar feeders are glass and at the feeders, and blue jay plastic feeders that contain a sugar often end up destroying water solution that can be made at the feeder by gnawing sparrows, grackles, jays, juncos, home (four parts boiling water to right through it. The sim- doves, white-throated sparrows, one part sugar), or purchased com- plest solution to the squirrel prob- bobwhite quail, pheasants, and mercially. These feeders are most lem is to place the feeder on a pole grouse. When filled with peanuts popularly used to attract humming- away from houses and nearby tree the platform feeder will attract the birds. However, other birds that limbs, and place a baffle on the same species as those attracted to have been known to feed on nectar pole. A baffle is a smooth metal a tube feeder of peanuts men- include orioles, tanagers, cardinals, sleeve or cone that prevents climb- tioned above. Adding grit to plat- finches, woodpeckers, and thrush- ing. The most effective squirrel- form feeders will aid birds in diges- es. These birds will not eat out of proof feeder is the pole-mounted tion as they use it in their crop for feeders made specifically for hum- metal house type with a perch that grinding food. mingbirds, as they need larger closes the feeder when something perches. However, there are also as heavy as a squirrel sits on it. Suet feeders contain suet feeders made with these perches. You may also want to place feeders cakes that are made from animal specifically for squirrels among fat generally derived from beef, Many birds will feed on fruit, your other feeders, as this will pork, or deer. It can be set out as such as an orange half, if it is sim- deter them from the bird feeders. just suet, or mixed with seed, dried ply placed out on a ledge or Other seed snatchers include chip- fruit, or other foods. Suet is most speared on a tree limb. Birds that munks, rats, and mice. Reducing commonly used in the winter as it are attracted to fruit are orioles, seed spillage under the feeder by is a high energy food used in those tanagers, mockingbirds, thrashers, avoiding mixed bird seed will deter times when food is the most bluebirds, cardinals, woodpeckers, them. Also, storing your seed in scarce. There are several ways of jays, starlings, thrushes, cedar metal garbage cans will eliminate displaying suet. It can be placed in waxwings, and yellow-breasted consumption of stored food. a simple hanging bag such as an chats. These birds may also eat old onion or potato sack. Or, it can grape jelly if it is placed out on Another problem encountered be placed in a feeder that is rec- small trays. Feeding with fruit is at feeders is that of predators. tangular and has a grid-like pattern usually done in the summer. Avoid placing the feeders in an area across it for feeding access. This that has a lot of ground cover as feeder can either be laid out, or Potential this provides good places for mam- suspended. Suet feeders will malian predators to hide. Cats attract chickadees, downy wood- Problems pose a serious threat to backyard After you peckers, hairy woodpeckers, red- birds, especially to nestlings, fledg- have set up your bellied woodpeckers, white- and lings, and roosting birds, as they feeders you may red-breasted nuthatches, and are not natural predators. When a find that you have pileated woodpeckers. A hanging cat is present in your yard you are unwanted guests. suet feeder will also attract wrens, not likely to see many birds at your One such problem kinglets, thrashers, creepers, cardi- feeders. If possible, keep cats is that of other ani- nals, and starlings. A feeder con- indoors, or use a belled collar to mals eating out of, taining peanut butter suet will warn birds. Other predators that oriole and sometimes BIRD & OTHER WILDLIFE FEEDERS you may see that do not present a their yards. Squirrels can be fed by brew calls for mashed fermented problem are the Cooper's hawk and placing ears of corn on spikes that peaches and sugar. Another such the sharp-shinned hawk. These are fastened to trees or platforms. brew calls for four pounds sugar, birds are natural predators and play If the ears are not attached, the one bottle of stale beer, and some an important part in the natural squirrels will carry them away. cheap rum. A third recipe consists community. Do not be concerned Pheasants and deer may also use of fermented bananas, dried apri- about the occasional kill these birds this type of feeder, especially if you cots, and brown sugar. Checking may make. Observing all birds in live near agricultural land. the trees at night with a flashlight their natural behaviors is one of the will allow you to spot the moths. joys of feeding them. Log and Stump Feeders A log or a large diameter In summary, the more habitat A serious problem encountered branch laid horizontally, either on components you have available in at many feeders that can easily be the ground or slightly raised can be your yard, the more wildlife species avoided, is that of avian diseases. used as a feeding station for squir- you will attract. There are many When feeders are not properly rels, chipmunks, raccoons, deer, ways that you can add the impor- maintained they become havens and various birds. One way to pre- tant habitat component of food to for bacteria. Several precautions sent food on this feeder is to create your yard. To supplement the nat- can be taken to ensure that the hollowed spots on the top side of ural food components in your area, birds visiting your feeders remain the log and fill them with seed, you can add wildlife feeders to your healthy. Avoid crowding the birds corn, peanuts, or suet. Other yard. These feeders, if properly in a small space, as overcrowding options include placing spiked corn implemented and maintained, will facilitates the spread of diseases. cobs or fruit on the top of the log. provide you with the opportunity to Keep the feeders clean of waste These methods can also be used in view wildlife and learn about their and food droppings. Feeders the same way on the top of a tree natural behaviors. should be cleaned once or twice a stump. Drilled holes on the side of month with a mixture of warm a dead tree that are filed with suet soapy water and a capful or two of may attract woodpeckers. household bleach. Clean more often during humid summer Butterfly and Moth Feeders months and cool, wet weather to You will attract many butterflies avoid food spoilage. and moths by planting wildflowers. However, supplimental feeders will Other Wildlife Feeders increase the likelihood that they Spike Corn Feeders will frequent your area. Butterflies Many people view can be fed by simply placing a squirrels as a nuisance small plastic kitchen sponge in a to their bird feeders. sugar solution in a shallow bowl. They will land on the sponge and However, there are FOR ADDITIONAL lap the solution through the holes those that enjoy CHAPTERS CONTACT: just as they would from a flower. their playful Michigan United Moths are slightly more difficult to antics and Conservation Clubs would like feed. There are several "brews" PO Box 30235 to see more that when painted on a tree at Lansing, MI 48909 of them in night will attract moths. One such 517/371-1041

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HOMES FOR WILDLIFE

ildlife depends on four the homes described here. Refer to large hardwoods that decay slowly habitat components for the chapter on Bird and Other such as sugar maple, elm, black Wsurvival: food, water, Wildlife Feeders for information and white oak, hickory, and butter- cover, and space. Depending on on how to provide the habitat com- nut. Soft snags have softer exterior the species, the amount and type ponent of food to your backyard. wood, and usually have no limbs. of each of these components These snags usually make good varies. This chapter will focus on Vegetative Homes foraging sites for insect-eating one of these components, that of There are many types of natur- birds, as well as nesting sites for cover. Cover types could vary from al homes that you can provide for woodpeckers, chickadees, and woodlands to grasslands to wet- wildlife on your property. In addi- nuthatches. Trees that often form lands. After assessing what cover tion to planting trees, shrubs, and soft snags have short life spans, types are available on your proper- grasses that provide a variety of and rot quickly. These too are ty, you can determine what species wildlife with places to nest, seek important to wildlife as they pro- you will be able to attract. If cover shelter, and raise their young, there duce cavities more quickly than is not present, but other habitat may also be other natural homes harder wood, as well as habitat for components for a species are, then that could be created on your land many insects that provide food for adding cover may make your yard that also provide cover for wildlife. birds, mammals, amphibians, and more attractive to certain species reptiles. Coniferous snags do not of wildlife. By planting trees, Snags usually last as long as hardwoods, and are usually not used for den shrubs, grasses, and flowers, you Snags are standing, dead, or trees. One exception to this is can provide cover and attract even dying trees, which provide excel- northern white cedar, as it makes more wildlife. In doing so, you will lent natural homes for a variety of an excellent cavity tree. Other provide a more diverse habitat, and wildlife. Wildlife that inhabit these conifers, such as white pine and increase the likelihood of attracting snags, such as woodpeckers, tamarack, make excellent nest and wildlife by meeting all four of the nuthatches, bluebirds, squirrels, perch sites for eagles and osprey habitat components. and raccoons, are called cavity when located next to water. nesters. The type of wildlife that Providing homes for wildlife will inhabit these snags will In general, regard- help fulfill their cover requirements. also depend on the kind, less of the kind of Wildlife homes can be either vege- size, and location of the snag, the larger it is tative (grasses, shrubs, trees) or snag. structural (stones, underground the more wildlife it can support. The dens, brush piles, nest boxes, cylin- There are two basic best den trees, live or ders). These homes offer protec- kinds of snags: hard or dead, are over 15 tion from not only predators, but soft. Hard snags have inches diameter at also weather elements such as cold rotten centers with a breast height (DBH) winter winds or hot summer days. solid exterior and a few with a den opening of Birds use these homes for shelter, limbs. These usually four inches or more. nesting, and brood rearing. This make the best den trees Keep an eye out for chapter explains what homes can as the center can be eas- trees that appear to be provided for wildlife to enhance ily excavated to form a be potential snags. the cover on your property. The home. Trees that usually These trees have supplemental chapter Homes for form good cavities are Wildlife II provides the plans for large, sprawling branches, and often are fruit and several years to become suitable nut producers. Missing or bare for wildlife. Therefore, you may branches, fungal growth, wounds, want to create structural homes for and discolored bark are all signs of wildlife that may be more quickly a dying tree. Also, look for wood- occupied. Structural homes are pecker holes, which usually indicate those that are not grown, but are a rotting core. instead arranged in some manner to create cover for wildlife. This If you do not have any snags could mean that the structure was on your property, consider creating arranged naturally, such as a natur- some. Remember that it will take a al brush or rock pile. Providing while before newly created snags structural homes will help to diver- outs. Snags in open fields will pro- will be suitable for wildlife. vide lookouts for some types of sify your yard, as it will supply a Therefore, to speed up the process, hawks and owls, and homes for ready-to-use home for wildlife. try to pick trees that appear to be flickers, kestrels, and eastern blue- dying, and that are over a foot in birds. A snag in a backyard setting Brush Piles diameter. With an axe, cut away a will provide homes for house Brush piles, which consist of two inch band of bark around the wrens, black-capped chickadees, dead limbs and brush, will provide entire circumference of the trunk, red-bellied woodpeckers, and flying many species, such as rabbits, removing the bark and cutting into squirrels. chipmunks, ground-nesting birds, the sapwood. This is known as amphibians, and reptiles, with girdling, and will kill the tree as it escape cover. Brush piles are most disrupts the flow of nutrients. To Fallen Logs Fallen logs are snags that have beneficial when placed along habi- simply create a den, cut off a four tat edges and near food sources. toppled over or healthy trees that to six inch limb about six inches However, do not place a brush pile were felled, usually by windthrow. from the trunk. This will wound the at the base of a snag, as this will Once these trees fall to the ground, tree and allow the decaying promote predation. The base of the they do not lose their value to process to start, eventually forming brush pile should consist of larger wildlife. On the contrary, they are a cavity where the limb was cut. materials such as logs or rocks, so highly beneficial. Fallen logs in or as to provide tunnels and openings near water provide cover for vari- The kinds of wildlife your snag at ground level. The pile should be ous species of fish. Male ruffed will attract will also depend on six to eight feet tall and at least 15 grouse use fallen logs in their where it is located. Snags are most feet wide. "Living" brush piles can attempts to attract females with commonly associated with forests. their springtime courtship drum- be constructed by cutting into Many forest mammals, such as ming. Chipmunks use fallen logs as small, trees and shrubs so that the bats, bobcats, bears, pine martens, tops fall to the ground, while runways through the forest. porcupines, red squirrels, and gray enough of the tree is uncut so it Hollow logs will be used by a num- foxes, use snags for dens and look- remains alive, forming a base for a ber of species for dens, especially outs. Forest birds also frequently larger brush pile. A brush pile that in the winter. If the log is big use these snags; woodpeckers are is buried underground forms a enough, foxes and even bears will usually the primary excavators. hibernation mound for snakes. use it for this purpose. As the log Other birds, such as the saw-whet Refer to the chapters on Rabbits, becomes more decayed it becomes owl, black-capped chickadee, and Frogs, Turtles and Snakes home to salamanders, moles, nuthatch, and great-crested fly- for further information. shrews, earthworms, and many catcher, move in once the home is kinds of insects. Eventually, these vacated. A snag located on a fallen logs will regenerate the for- Rock Piles waterway or wetland will attract a est as they return to the soil, pro- Rock piles provide another form different variety of wildlife. Wood viding rich nutrients for new plants of cover for several species. Rock ducks, hooded mergansers, com- to grow from. piles near wet areas or in gardens mon goldeneyes, and buffleheads are especially appealing to those use cavities for nesting, while species that require moist, shaded herons, egrets, eagles, and osprey Structural Homes areas such as frogs, snakes, sala- use tall snags for nesting and look- Vegetative homes may take HOMES FOR WILDLIFE

sized houses for winter dens. Northern flickers nest in Beware that this may prevent birds farm groves, orchards, woodlots, from using the house when they and in urban areas. They will use 1 return in the spring. Black- nest boxes made of 1 ¼2 inch capped chickadees will nest in thick boards that are filled to the these boxes in areas that have top with saw dust. The sawdust mature trees. Their nest boxes simulates the soft interior of a dead should be mounted 5 to 10 feet tree and will be excavated by the manders, and insects. In areas high in areas that have both sun flicker. The entrance hole should be near habitat edges, species such as and shade, have an entrance hole 2 1¼2 inches in diameter. The saw- rabbits and chipmunks will use the of 1 1/8 inch diameter, and should dust will need to be placed in the piles as escape cover. not have a perch. White-breast- box every year before April 1 to be ed nuthatches will nest in areas ready for the flicker's arrival. Nest boxes similar to that of the black-capped Artificial houses provide nesting chickadee. These boxes should be Bats, those beneficial mosqui- sites for many species of birds and placed in wooded areas about 12 to to catchers, will live together in mammals. These nest boxes are 20 feet above ground. They require communities in bat houses near usually wooden rectangular boxes an entrance hole of 1 1¼4 inch wet areas. Bat houses can be var- of various sizes. Different species diameter. This box will also be ious sizes, but the common feature also require different sized used by flying squirrels. is a bottom entry made by several entrance holes. Making the house slats placed one inch apart. The for a specific species will lessen A box that is about 5 1¼2 x 10 inner surfaces of the house should competition for nesting sites. A inches in size, and with an entrance be roughened to facilitate climbing, hinged side or roof should be pro- hole that is oblong in shape (1 3/8 and rough outer surfaces are also vided, as it will allow for easy inches x 2 1¼4 inches), will be used helpful. Bat houses should be kept access for cleaning. Also, avoid by tree swallows and bluebirds. at a temperature of about 80 to 90 houses made of metal as they These boxes should be placed in degrees. This can be done by cov- overheat in warm weather, killing pairs approximately 25 feet apart ering the top with tarpaper, or by bird eggs. Do not use birdhouses to reduce competition between painting the house black. The with perches as this promotes inva- these two species. The entrance to houses should be placed on a tree sion by exotic bird species such as the box should be placed so that it trunk, metal pole, or the side of a house sparrows and starlings. is facing east. These species will building, preferably facing east, These birds are not federally pro- nest in areas comprised of a mix of about 10-12 feet above the ground. tected, and should be removed hardwood forests and grasslands, If placed on a tree, it should be a whenever possible as they will kill and tree swallows are more abun- fairly isolated one with a sheet of native birds and take over nest dant near water. These boxes are tin around the tree and under the boxes. often placed on fencerows, and can house to deter raccoons. actually be made in a fence post. Otherwise, the bats will be heavily 1 A nest box that is 5 ¼2 x 11 Refer to the chapter on Bluebirds preyed upon. Refer to the chapter 1 ¼2 inches in size will attract house in the Species Management section on Bats in the Species wrens, black-capped chickadees, for information on how to build this white-breasted nuthatches, mice, type of nest box. and flying squirrels. House wrens nest in wooded, shrubby habitats Purple martins will nest in and are one of the most common community houses, as they are not backyard birds. Their nest boxes territorial species. This house is are best placed five to 20 feet large, with many housing compart- above the ground, and in a tree or ments in it. The entrance holes are under the eaves of a building. The located on all sides of the house, entrance should be one inch in and an empty central space is diameter. Wren houses can be free important. These houses should be hanging and should not have a eight to 10 ft high and placed at perch. Mice will also use these least 30 feet from trees. HOMES FOR WILDLIFE

Management section for informa- placed on an isolated tree or post will facilitate use by these species. tion on how to build a bat house. 16 feet high, and with a tin sheet secured under the house to prevent Other structures Boxes that are larger, about 9 x squirrel use and raccoon predation. An underground den for rabbits 15 inches, will house squirrels and Watch for starling occupation in can be made by placing a wooden kestrels. Squirrels are abundant these boxes, and remove any sus- box with two side entrances into in back yards, woodlots, and farm pect nests. the ground and covering it with groves. The entrance to a squirrel brush. Each entrance should have box should be three inches in diam- Shelves and baskets three to four field tiles that lead eter and is located on the side of Robins, Barn swallows, and above ground. This den should not the box instead of in the front. A Eastern Phoebes will utilize nesting be placed in areas that are not well piece of wood can be nailed inside shelves. These shelves are open to drained. the box just below the entrance the front, but covered on the sides hole to provide an observation and top. Robins are often seen in A squirrel den can be made perch. Squirrel boxes should be backyards, and their shelves can be from discarded automobile tires. placed facing either east or south placed about six to 10 feet above The tire den should be placed 15 to at least 15 feet above ground in ground on a wall by a window or on 30 feet above ground in a tree with trees at least 10 inches in diameter. a tree trunk. Barn swallows are the entrance hole facing the trunk. Kestrels are abundant in agricul- common on farmsteads, and usual- This is not as aesthetically pleasing tural areas with scattered trees. ly use a mud nest stuck to the sides as wooden boxes, but it is highly Kestrel houses are the same as of a building. Therefore, nesting functional and a good way to recy- squirrel houses except for the shelves should be placed on a cle your tires. entrance hole placement. These house or barn at least 10 to 20 feet houses should be placed on a 10 to away from doorways. Eastern In summary, there are many 30 feet high post or tree that is phoebes are the most common ways to add the habitat component near grassy areas. They should shelf nest builders. Their shelves of cover to your property. Providing have a sheet of tin secured around should be placed under the eaves homes, either vegetative or struc- the tree under the house to prevent of houses near lakes, rivers, or tural, is a good way to help fulfill squirrels from using it. most wooded areas. this requirement in your backyard. Observing the wildlife that use the Raccoon houses are large (12 Mourning doves and mallards homes you have provided is not inches x 24 inches), with an will nest in baskets. These baskets only fun, but educational. entrance hole of 4 1¼2 inches in can be made of wire mesh formed diameter. This box should be into a cone. Both baskets are sim- placed on live or dead trees of at ilar, but vary in size. Mourning least 12 inches in diameter, at a doves will nest in a basket that is height of 10 to 20 feet. 12 inches in diameter and placed in the crotch of a tree limb six to 16 FOR ADDITIONAL Wood duck houses have feet above ground as far from the CHAPTERS CONTACT: greatly benefited this species. trunk as possible. Mallards will Michigan United These houses are 9 1¼4 x 18 inch- nest in larger baskets. Their bas- Conservation Clubs es with an oval entrance hole that kets have a 26 inch diameter, and PO Box 30235 is three inches high and four inches are placed over water on a seven to Lansing, MI 48909 wide. This hole will exclude most eight foot support pipe. Placing 517/371-1041 raccoons. These houses should be nesting materials in these baskets

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HOMES FOR WILDLIFE II PLANS

t is essential to provide wildlife with the habitat components of Icover, food, space, and water. Providing homes will help provide cover and will aid in attracting a variety of wildlife to your backyard. House Wren, Black-capped Chickadee, This chapter furnishes plans for the Nuthatches, Flying Squirrel, Deer Mouse, previous Homes for Wildlife White-footed Mouse Nest Box chapter. Most of the plans here are for birds, but there are also structures for squirrels and rabbits. The plans for the bluebird house and 1 1/8” x 1” hole bat house can be found in their

respective chapters in the ” Species front side (2) Management section. All bird- 8 ¼ “ houses are made from 3¼4" wood; holes do not use metal. Also, to prevent rain from seeping into the cracks enclose the floor with the sides 5 ½ “ 5 ½ “ 5 ½ “ instead of nailing the sides to the top of the floor. Attach birdhouses

to a support post, building, or tree. ”

floor 4 All nest boxes should be predator- ”

proofed to prevent threats from roof back climbing predators such as house- 8 ” 1

cats, raccoons, and squirrels. In 1 most cases this can be done by placing a metal cone or a sheet of tin on poles or around trees under- neath the nest box.

Two “pivot” nails, one top front and one top back, allow side to swing out for cleaning. Use one nail or screw at bottom to hold side closed. Nuthatches and flying squirrels require an entrance hole that is 1 ¼” in diameter. Also, remember that a hole larger than 1 1/8 “ in diameter will admit house sparrows.

Flying Sqirrel Northern Flicker Wood Duck

¼ “ holes 3” x 4” diameter hole

“ side (2) 0 2 ¼ “ holes front “

floor 4 11 ¼ “ 11 ¼ “ 7 ¼ “

2 ½ “

“ top 1 diameter 1 hole

“ back “ 8 4 side 11 ¼ “ 2 2 front “

¼ floor 9

7 ¼ “ 7 ¼ “

Hinge roof for cleaning, and use

“ a wire to keep box shut.

roof 0 1

back “

2 American Robin, Barn Swallow, and 3 Eastern Phoebe Nest Shelf ”

” ½

top

7 floor 8

Hinge roof for cleaning, and use a wire to keep 8” 8” the box shut. Place body of box 5” from the top of the back. Fill the box to the top with sawdust. side (2)

6” ” ” 3 8 ” 1 back 3” 6 3¼” 4½“

9 ¼ “

Place body of shelf 2” from Wood Duck top of back. HOMES FOR WILDLIFE II

¼ “ holes American Kestrel, Gray 3 “ Squirrel, Red Squirrel, diameter and Fox Squirrel hole

front ”

6 side (2) 1 front

9 ¼ “ 9 ¼ “ ”

floor 7

9 ¼ “ ” 2 2 back ”

2 top 1

9 ¼ “

Hinge roof for cleaning, and use a wire to keep box shut. Place 3” of sawdust in bottom of box. For a squirrel box, place entrance on side of box instead of front.

Mourning Dove and Mallard Nest Basket ”

” ½

2 2 1

12”

Cut with tin snips to form a circle. Cut out a pie shape, and wire edges together to form a cone. Place onto tree limb with wire. A mallard basket can be made in the same way using 36" x 36" wire mesh, and placing on 2' 2" basket pipe above water. Vegetation for nesting is placed in the mallard basket and secured with soft wire. HOMES FOR WILDLIFE II

Squirrel Tire Den E.

D. B.

A. C. F.

Old tires can be reused to construct a squirrel den. Use a regular, non-steel belted, tire. A) remove the bead from both sides of the tire, and cut the tire in half. B) cut a 3” triangle from each corner of the bottom of the tire. C) In the same end, cut a 3” diameter semicircle (this is the entrance hole). D) Cut 3” flaps in sidewalls about 1/3 distance up from the bottom of the tire. E) Punch holes into the sidewalls as shown. F) Fold the short end of the tire into the long end, and secure with roofing nails and washers. Hang with heavy wire or metal rod.

Rabbit Den

FOR ADDITIONAL Dimensions of the burrow are not critical. A bottom is not necessary, as CHAPTERS CONTACT: it will sit on the ground. Use durable lumber for the box, and bury it at Michigan United ground level. Two semicircles should be cut on opposite ends at the bot- Conservation Clubs tom of the box. The tile should fit snugly into these holes. Bury the tiles PO Box 30235 at about 45 degree angle from the surface of the ground to the bottom Lansing, MI 48909 517/371-1041 of the box.

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