30 Sep How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden with Native Scottish Trees
Your garden is a special area of your home – a place where you can relax and connect with nature. But you can make it even more special by transforming it into a haven for wildlife.
By planting native Scottish trees, you can support local biodiversity and invite a variety of birds, insects, and other wildlife into your outdoor space. These trees provide food, shelter, and nesting opportunities, making your garden a vital part of Scotland’s natural environment.
However, creating a wildlife garden doesn’t have to be difficult. By choosing the right trees and planning carefully, you garden can be a natural refuge where you can enjoy and unwind any time of the day.
Whether you’re looking to cultivate your own native trees or need help with tree care and garden maintenance, TTS Tree Surgery is here to guide you every step of the way!
Choosing the right native trees
Choosing the right trees for your wildlife garden is key to creating a thriving habitat for local species. Native Scottish Trees can perfectly adapt to the local environment and provide essential resources for wildlife.
Here are some Scottish Native Trees that can help you build a flourishing wildlife-friendly garden:
Scottish trees that support wildlife
Pine tree
Scotland’s national tree, pine trees are a great addition to any wildlife garden. Scots Pine can provide a safe and perfect habitat for some wildlife like:
- Scottish wildcat
- Red squirrel
- Pine marten
- Pine hawkmoth
- Capercaillie
And aside from being home to many wildlife, did you know that Scots pine timber is considered as one of the strongest softwoods? These trees can also live up to 700 years! Pine trees are truly remarkable and beneficial not just for people but most importantly for the wildlife.
Alder
Alder can be found in moist areas, usually near rivers and lakes. This tree is also common in wetlands, since its roots can help prevent soil erosion.
When you include this tree to your wildlife garden, you can expect caterpillar of several moths such as alder kitten, pebble hook-tip, and blue-bordered carpet moth feeding on this plant.
Catkins, the flower of Alder trees, provide nectar and pollen for bees, while the seeds benefit different birds like siskin, redpoll, and goldfinch.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a small, sturdy tree known for its beautiful spring blossoms and wildlife-friendly benefits.
This tree can provide food to a range of wildlife. Like Adler, Hawthorn is also a foodplant for caterpillars of moth and provide nectar and pollen for insects.
Its flower is food for dormice while its fruit, called haws, are food for migrating birds because of its rich antioxidant content. Some birds that you will see are:
- Redwings
- Fieldfares
- Thrushes
*All information about trees came from: https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/.
Planning and planting your wildlife garden
A successful wildlife garden needs careful planning to guarantee that your space looks beautiful while being a safe environment for local species.
While trees form the backbone of any wildlife garden, integrating them with other plants will help you create a balanced and biodiverse habitat.
Integrating trees with other wildlife-friendly plants
To maximise the potential of your wildlife garden, it’s important to pair your chosen trees with a variety of other plants that benefit wildlife.
When you layer different types of plants such as shrubs, flowers, and groundcover, you can offer various resources for birds, insects, and small mammals.
- Shrubs and hedges: Plant native shrubs like blackthorn or holly beneath your trees to create additional shelter and nesting sites for birds. These shrubs also produce berries that provide food for wildlife during the colder months.
- Wildflowers: Introduce native wildflowers such as bluebells, foxgloves, and cow parsley around your trees. These flowers offer essential nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Wildflowers also create a natural and visually appealing transition between trees and other parts of your garden.
- Groundcover: Plant groundcover like ivy or woodruff at the base of your trees to create an additional habitat for insects and small animals. Groundcover plants help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and provide food and shelter for species such as hedgehogs and amphibians.
Tips for maintaining a wildlife-friendly garden
Once you’ve planted your trees and created a thriving wildlife garden, the next step is to maintain it in a way that continues to attract and support local wildlife. With a little knowledge and a few key strategies, you can ensure your garden remains a haven for nature all year round.
- Cultivate healthy soil
Healthy soil is essential for a thriving garden. Composting organic material like leaves and garden clippings is a great way to enrich the soil, providing vital nutrients for plants and supporting earthworms and other soil-dwelling creatures.
- Conserve water
Water conservation is crucial in maintaining a sustainable wildlife garden. Consider installing a rain barrel to collect water for your garden, or use mulch around your plants to help retain moisture in the soil. Drought-tolerant plants, particularly native species, can reduce the need for excessive watering while still providing a rich habitat for wildlife.
- Encourage pest predators and parasites
Encourage beneficial insects like ladybirds and hoverflies, which are natural predators of common garden pests. Birds, frogs, and hedgehogs also play a role in pest control. Providing a welcoming habitat for these creatures ensures they help keep the pest population in check, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Minimise or eliminate chemicals
To maintain a truly natural garden, it’s important to minimise or avoid using chemical pesticides and fertilisers. These products can harm pests and beneficial insects and animals that your garden needs. Opt for organic fertilisers or use homemade compost to feed your plants.
- Control pets
While pets like dogs and cats bring joy to the household, they can disrupt your wildlife garden if not managed carefully. Cats, in particular, may pose a threat to birds and small mammals. Consider keeping them indoors during peak feeding and nesting times or install features like bird feeders and nesting boxes in areas that are out of reach of pets.
Ready to create or maintain your wildlife garden?
At TTS, we’re passionate about helping you cultivate a thriving wildlife garden. Whether you need expert advice on tree care, planting native species, or maintaining your garden’s natural balance, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for professional tree maintenance, hedge trimming, and all your gardening needs. Let’s work together to create a beautiful, sustainable environment that benefits both you and local wildlife!