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© WindStar Wildlife Institute
Managing Trees and
Shrubs in a Habitat
I
nevitably, the trees and
shrubs that you planted will
grow, expanding their canopies
and coverage.
They will also reproduce
through seeds or root
propagation, becoming more
crowded and competing for
sunlight, moisture, and
nutrients.
Consumers such as insects
and fungi – including some
disease organisms – will take
advantage of the food sources
provided by the plants.
Food chains will develop as the
ecosystem becomes established.
Deer browsing could control or
diminish plants in the
understory.
Newcomers that were not
included in your original habitat
plant may take root.
How Do You Manage
Your Wildlife Habitat
Over Time.
First, give your trees a healthy
start. Plant them properly by
digging ample holes and providing
plenty of loose soil. Do not
fertilize at planting time. Be sure
to prune dead and dying
branches and roots as you plant.
You have selected
appropriate plants for
your wildlife habitat and
arranged them with
sufficient space and light
in your habitat plan...
How do you manage your
habitat over time.
