Decorating an outdoor tree for wildlife is a delightful way to enjoy nature up close while helping local birds, squirrels, and other creatures find food and shelter, especially during the colder months. By creating a tree that doubles as a food source, you can offer much-needed sustenance while creating a beautiful, living display for your garden. Here’s a guide to creating a wildlife-friendly holiday tree that benefits both you and the animals.
1. Choose the Right Tree
Pick a tree in your yard that’s easily accessible for hanging decorations, preferably one visible from a window so you can enjoy watching the wildlife come and go. Evergreen trees like spruces, pines, or firs work well because they provide natural cover and shelter for animals during winter. However, any sturdy outdoor tree will work.
2. Gather Wildlife-Friendly Supplies
You’ll want to use natural and edible materials to ensure the safety of your animal visitors. Here are some popular options that are both festive and nutritious:
- Birdseed and Peanut Butter: Perfect for making pinecone feeders.
- Dried Fruit: Apples, oranges, and cranberries are attractive to birds.
- Nuts: Unsalted peanuts and almonds are popular with both birds and squirrels.
- Popcorn: Unsalted and unbuttered popcorn strings can add a festive touch.
- Suet Cakes: Ideal for providing fat and energy for birds in cold weather.
- Honey or Coconut Oil: Use in small amounts to help adhere seeds to certain decorations.
3. Make Wildlife-Friendly Ornaments
With your ingredients ready, it’s time to create ornaments that both decorate and nourish:
Pinecone Bird Feeders
- Collect pinecones from your yard or local park.
- Spread peanut butter over the pinecones, making sure it gets into all the crevices.
- Roll the peanut butter-coated pinecone in birdseed.
- Attach a natural fiber string to the top and hang it from the branches.
Fruit Garlands
- Thread a sturdy needle with natural jute or twine.
- Alternate dried fruits like apple slices, orange slices, and cranberries on the string to create a colorful, festive garland.
- Hang the garland on the tree, securing it to branches at various points.
Popcorn Chains
- Use plain, unsalted popcorn for this garland.
- Thread popcorn onto a string or fishing line, alternating with dried cranberries or nuts if desired.
- Drape the popcorn chain around the tree.
Suet Ornaments
- Purchase or make suet cakes, which are a great energy source for birds in winter.
- Use cookie cutters to shape the suet into festive forms like stars or hearts.
- Poke a hole through each ornament and tie a string to hang it from the tree.
4. Be Mindful of Placement
Place the ornaments at various heights to attract different species. For example, hang larger items like suet cakes and pinecones closer to the trunk or lower branches where squirrels can reach them, while lightweight items like fruit garlands and popcorn chains can be placed higher up for birds.
5. Keep an Eye on Weather
Check your tree regularly to see if any of the decorations need replacing. Heavy rain or snow can dampen and spoil the decorations, so it may be necessary to refresh them throughout the season. Choose a day with mild weather for setting up, and avoid hanging decorations when storms are expected.
6. Consider Adding Water Sources
Adding a water source like a shallow bird bath near your wildlife tree can encourage even more visitors. Place it nearby but not directly under the tree to avoid falling seeds and debris.
7. Safety Tips for Wildlife-Friendly Decorating
- Use Natural Fiber Twine: Avoid plastic or synthetic materials, as they can be hazardous to wildlife.
- Secure Decorations Well: Make sure decorations are tied securely to avoid falling and injuring animals.
- Limit Salted or Seasoned Foods: Foods with added salt, spices, or artificial flavorings can harm wildlife.
- Avoid Chocolate and Processed Sweets: These can be toxic to many animals, so stick with natural treats.
8. Watch and Enjoy!
Once you’ve decorated the tree, you can sit back and enjoy watching the wildlife flock to this festive feast. You’ll likely see various types of birds, squirrels, and perhaps other curious animals stopping by for a bite. This display can be a great family activity, introducing children to the beauty of nature and the importance of supporting wildlife.
Creating a tree for wildlife is a heartwarming way to celebrate the season while giving back to nature. This simple gesture helps support local wildlife, provides enjoyment for the whole family, and adds a natural, festive touch to your garden.