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Attracting Wildlife to Your Back
Yard
A Guide to Increasing Wildlife Diversity
and Aesthetic Value Around Your Home
Landscape Planning
5. Maintaining Your
Plan
Maintenance is the most
important part of a new landscaping plan and could make the
difference between success and failure.
New shrub and tree plantings should be watered
sufficiently after planting. A weed barrier material, wood chips or
tilling should be used during the initial years to get plants going.
Don't be surprised if little growth takes place the first couple of
years. This is normal, especially with slow growing species.
As discussed with native grass and wildflower
plantings, site preparation and the proper control of unwanted
grasses and weeds after planting is crucial. Take the time to pull
weeds by hand, babying the site for the first few years.
Other components such as feeders, nest boxes and
ponds will also require maintenance annually. Preparing an annual
maintenance plan could be a family activity and distribute the
duties to make less work for one person.
NOXIOUS WEEDS
Noxious weeds are of particular concern within both
rural and urban settings. They can be native species but most often
are exotics introduced from other areas. Unlike most plants that
fill a small, specific niche within a habitat, these can quickly
spread taking over habitat used by wildlife for food and cover.
Recognizing these species is the key to their
control. If they are found on your property, you should take steps
to eliminate them. Also, notifying neighbors of their presence and
educating them about damages they cause may help get them under
control. State regulations actually mandate the removal of noxious
species by the landowner.
The following are three of the more commonly
occurring species that must be controlled:
Other noxious weeds
requiring control are: Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle, Hemp, hoary
cress, Musk thistle, Perennial sowthistle, Russian knapweed, and
Spotted knapweed. More information on weeds and their control can be
obtained through County Weed Officers, NDSU County Extension Agents,
USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service District Conservationists
and local nurseries and greenhouses.
Previous Section -- Landscape
Planning 4. Choosing and Planting Components
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