Landscape designer Doug Scott offers tips for maximizing back yard
space for local wildlife
BEATRICE, Neb.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–lt;a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/DIY?src=hash” target=”_blank”gt;#DIYlt;/agt;–Few things compare to the sound of birds singing while you relax on the
deck with the sun shining on your face, but many homeowners don’t know
how to make their yard a haven for local wildlife.
According to landscape designer, Doug Scott, of Redeem
Your Ground in Atlanta, Georgia, it doesn’t matter whether you live
in the city or country, the steps to creating inviting habitat are
relatively easy to do. And while it may take a few years for the full
beauty of your work to be realized, the long-term results will be well
worth the effort.
“When you’re working to create a more natural back yard, it helps to
start with a plan.”
Scott has partnered with Exmark
on a new ‘Done In A Weekend’ video, Inviting Nature, which helps
homeowners map out and implement an effective wildlife habitat plan for
their yard.
“The Cornell Lab of Ornithology has a great new resource called Yard
Map, which you can use to see what plants and habitats are best for
your area. Using the information it gives you will help you develop an
overall wildlife habitat plan and choose the best, most logical
progression of steps to implementing it in your yard.”
According to Scott, having a plan is also helpful in keeping projects
manageable from cost and time investment standpoints.
“With your plan as a roadmap, you’ll be able to focus on the individual
tasks, with less of a chance of feeling overwhelmed by the project as a
whole.”
Next, Scott says homeowners should designate a section of the yard to be
used exclusively as a wildlife garden. Regardless of the amount of space
available, it’s easy to find plans for creating a wildlife garden online.
“Even if the space you have is small, you can make it more inviting for
birds, butterflies and other wildlife by incorporating planters filled
with native plants and flowers.”
Other things homeowners should consider when planning a wildlife garden
include:
-
Eliminate harmful weeds – Visit the USDA
website to view the list of Introduced, Invasive and Noxious
plants, and see which invasive species are common to your area.
Whenever possible, Scott advises replacing invasive species with
native plants, since they are almost always well suited to sustaining
local wildlife. -
Replace grass areas – Since traditional turf grasses have very little
nutritional or cover value for wildlife, Scott says replacing sections
of turf with native or ornamental grasses will help bring nature
closer. -
Support Butterflies’ full life cycle – Scott says butterflies are easy
to attract with nectar-rich plants, but it’s also important to support
their full life cycle by planting host plants for eggs and caterpillar
habitat. -
Reduce pesticide use – When the goal is to increase wildlife activity
in your yard, Scott says it makes sense to reduce the number of
pesticides you use.
Finally, Scott recommends engaging neighbors, family and friends in your
plans to create a more inviting natural space for wildlife.
“By getting neighbors onto the same page with your plans, you increase
the chances of them wanting to work with you toward common goals in
their yard.”
Visit WeAreExmark.com/DIY
to view each of the DIY videos in Exmark’s 2019 ‘Done In A Weekend’
series.
About Exmark
Exmark Manufacturing was incorporated in May
1982 as an independent manufacturer of professional turf care equipment.
Today, it is the leading manufacturer of commercial mowers and equipment
for the landscape professional. Exmark mowers are trusted 2-to-1 over
the next best-selling brand of zero-turn mowers by landscape
professionals. In addition to designing, building and marketing quality
turf care equipment, Exmark’s goal is total customer satisfaction. All
Exmark products are designed to help customers increase productivity
while delivering unmatched quality. Products are sold to distributors
and dealers who share the company’s commitment to customer service and
quality products. Learn more at Exmark.com.
Contacts
Matt Gersib
(402) 314-2150
[email protected]
