2
as 35 per acre, but even one
family of foxes would feel
crowded in an area that size.
Be Different
One of the best ways to
enhance property for wildlife is
to offer as much diversity as
possible. When choosing plants,
strive for a variety of heights,
bloom times, food value (seeds,
nuts, fruit, twigs), growth
habits (dense, open), evergreen
and deciduous leaves.
The more choices you offer,
the more species you are likely
to attract. Getting your
neighbors interested in
enhancing their properties at
the same time will increase the
range available for larger
animals and offer additional
resources.
Go Native
WindStar emphasizes “native"
plants because they have
evolved with wildlife to become
highly suited to its needs. They
are also hardier, requiring fewer
chemicals to keep them healthy.
At the same time, there are
many nonnative species that
may attract your interest, and
your final design should reflect
your own taste and preferences.
We recommend, however, that
you do some research first.
“Exotic" plants may become
invasive and can get out of
control more easily when you
have a large property to
supervise. Once established,
they are very difficult to
eliminate.
Groups of plants are
generally more attractive to
wildlife than single specimens,
and with a large property you
have the opportunity to
landscape with clusters of
vegetation.
Evergreen windbreaks are a
good example. Planted in
masses, these trees are
striking in appearance
throughout the year, and offer
valuable winter cover for wildlife,
as well as seeds for birds.
As an extra bonus, they can
indeed block cold winds. Shown
in the sample plan are
groupings of Colorado blue
spruce (Picea pungens), white
pine (Pinus strobus), and red
cedar (Juniperus viginiana).
For the unspecified evergreen
screen near the house, consider
broadleaf evergreens like
American holly (Ilex opaca),
mountain laurel (Kalmia
latifolia), or Oregon grape
(Mahonia aquifolium).
Reduce Spraying
Trees for the fruit orchard
can be chosen to suit your
taste buds, but select cultivars
that have been bred to require
as little chemical treatment as
possible. Sprays can affect
birds and beneficial insects, as
well as those that you are
trying to eliminate.
Deciduous trees will lose their
leaves in winter, but provide
food, flowers, nesting sites in
spring, and shady relief from
the summer sun.
Keep in mind the mature size
of any selection, and whether it
will block a view or crowd a
structure.
Shrubs Produce Berries
There are also many kinds of
shrubs to choose from,
providing a lower layer of
vegetation. Those in our chart
are native plants selected for
their wildlife value. Most
produce berries, some of which
will persist into winter to supply
important cold-weather
nourishment.
With some acreage to work
with, you have the chance to
set aside large areas for the
meadows that wildlife
appreciates so much but has
less and less opportunity to
find. Whether filled with flowers
or grasses, meadows offer
plenty of cover and food. There
are wildflower seed mixes
available for all parts of the
country, and a variety of grains
and warm season grasses to
choose from.
Our design uses switchgrass,
millet, grain sorghum, clover,
and buckwheat. Warm season
grass selections can include
little bluestem (Schizachyrium
scoparium), blue grama
(Bouteloua gracilis), and Indian
ricegrass (Ozyzopsis
humenoides).
Songbirds Love Sunflowers
The areas set aside to be
planted with sunflowers will lift
your spirits every time you see
them in bloom, and delight
