Let's make like a tree and leave them!
We have had a really spectacular year for blazing, autumnal colours, branches festooned with berries and a plentiful supply of nuts and seeds. In ecological terms, this is known as a mast year. The trees have decided to maximise their potential for producing seedlings. It's a great survival strategy, and it has implications for our feathered friends too.
All this abundance means there is a plentiful supply of natural food for the birds and other wildlife. However, not all land managers and gardeners consider the importance of this food source when they are going about their everyday tasks. Cutting hedges and pruning trees at the wrong time of the year can remove this vital resource. Leaving the hedge trimmers alone and putting those secateurs down until February will do the plants no harm at all and leaves the food, and shelter intact just when it is needed. A quick tidy up and shaping before the birds start to build nests will encourage more dense coverage for them too.
It's a win, win all round.
This time of the year is perfect for planting trees though. Deciduous trees (ones that drop their leaves in Autumn) have a dormant period now. They conserve their energy whilst the light levels are low and focus all their activity under the ground. This is when they put their effort into root growth. Roots have many different roles.
Roots:
anchor the tree into the ground which also stabilises the surrounding soil.
draw moisture and nutrients from deep in the earth, bringing them up to the surface, making them available to the local environment.
link with fungal mycelium in the soil to form a web of communication and support. Did you know that trees do actually talk to each other? It's an incredibly fascinating phenomenon which I could talk about for hours - but not today. However, if this is something which fascinated and intrigues, I can highly recommend reading Entangled Life by Merlin Sheldrake.
Evergreen trees are also more focused on root growth. They shouldn't be pruned in winter because they are still photosynthesising - making energy from sunlight.
Many deciduous trees are available as bare root plants now, between leaf drop and bud break. Bare root means this tree has been grown in a field, where it is lifted to order, without soil around the roots. Usually reserved for whips (a slender, unbranched sapling) and young trees.
Whips make great hedges, but they can take a long time to give you a tree of any stature. Buying a small, bare root tree gives you a few years head start. These are often available in different size up to about 1.2m. It's also a very economical way to buy a tree and they do tend to establish very quickly.
Any tree will benefit bird life, but some score more highly on the top trees list than others.
What are the different ways that trees can benefit garden and urban bird populations?
For us, a tree can give so much. And that's besides attracting all the wonderful wildlife for us to enjoy.
Trees evoke a sense of calm, and it has been proven that being able to see a tree has a measurable, positive effect on our nervous systems and our ability to concentrate.
Trees give a garden and outdoor space height. They draw the eyes upwards and help us to appreciate the wider view.
What would our seasons be without the march of time beautifully depicted in the changing colours and appearance of our wonderful trees?
Most growers and garden centres are now quite savvy to the fact that we would like our gardens to play more of a role than simply being pretty to look at. Online shops, catalogues and labels are now fairly well labelled with how a tree can benefit wildlife. If you're not sure, why not have a read of the RSPB post Best Trees for Birds and Wildlife. A word of warning regarding labelling though. The height given on a label is often what the plant will reach after 5 years. Do make sure to do your research or ask the garden centre/nursery staff before you buy.
If space is limited, you could consider a small or dwarf tree cultivar, a tree that responds well to hard pruning practices such as coppicing or pollarding or growing in a pot or as a hedge.
Some of my particular favourite garden trees for wildlife are Rowan, Hawthorn, Holly, Crab Apple (there are some gorgeous cultivars now with amazing leaf and fruit colour).Amelanchier lamarkii and Euonymus europaeus.
Of course, one final point, tress also make a great place to hang your RSPB bird feeders! Have a read of how to attract birds to your garden page here.
Sarah
Goldcrest and robin by Jo, plants by Wes and Sarah