Did you know that regular tree care can promote garden wildlife, as well as improve the look of your outdoor space? In this article, the expert arborists at Branching Out Tree & Garden Services list how their work benefits nature.
The sad fact is that green space is under threat in the UK. New homes, transport infrastructure and industrial developments are all swallowing up wildlife habitats across the UK. According to media reports, the pace of construction projects looks set to increase as councils are being told to surrender parts of the green belt to meet new government housing targets.
The government wants to build 1.5 million homes over five years, with local authorities being forced to review green belt boundaries. So called ‘grey belt’ land, described as low-quality green belt, will be targeted under the new planning policy.
Not surprisingly, property developments are having a negative effect on garden wildlife. According to the RSPB, the number of house sparrows, starlings and skylarks is in steep decline. Since 1980, one in every six birds has been lost – a total 600 million breeding birds over 40 years, according to a 2021 study from the RSPB, BirdLife International and the Czech Society for Ornithology.
From birds and bees to squirrels and insects, discover how trees provide shelter, food and breeding grounds for many species.
Providing safe habitats
Regular tree maintenance, such as pruning and deadwood removal, ensures trees remain structurally sound while preserving important habitats. Improving the general health of a tree will ensure that it remains a valuable habitat for garden wildlife for many years to come.
Experienced tree surgeons understand that dead branches, hollow trunks and other cavities often become nesting sites for birds, bats and small mammals. Professional arborists can assess these features and, where possible, keep them intact when they do not pose a threat to the tree’s health.
- Birds: many species, including woodpeckers, owls and crows rely on trees for nesting and roosting.
- Bats: mature trees with hollow spaces offer ideal roosting spots for bats.
- Insects: log piles and other deadwood provide a haven for beetles, woodlice and other insects that provide food for birds.
Promoting pollinator activity
Arranging professional tree care encourages the growth of flowering trees and shrubs that attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Pollinators play a crucial role in garden wildlife, such as plant reproduction and supporting ecosystems.
Look around your garden and try to spot native flowering trees such as hawthorn, blackthorn and crab apple. Pruning correctly will encourage healthy flowering and fruiting, providing a reliable food source for pollinators.
Ground-dwelling garden wildlife
One of the many benefits of regular tree care is the production of natural byproducts like wood chips and logs that can be repurposed to support garden wildlife. Keeping log piles and brushwood offers vital shelter to hedgehogs, frogs and other animals. Spreading mulch made from tree cuttings enhances soil quality while also supporting insects and microorganisms.
Planting native tree species
Where tree removal is necessary, we always recommend replanting with native species that will thrive in your garden. Native trees will support a diverse range of wildlife and contribute to the ecological balance in the local environment.
For example, hazel, rowan, and willow provide food for birds and small mammals. Alder and birch attract caterpillars and support butterfly populations.
Need garden wildlife advice?
Investing in professional tree maintenance is a commitment to protecting the long-term sustainability of your garden wildlife. Healthy trees are more resilient to pests and diseases, providing stable habitats for many years to come. Professional tree care services, including inspections, help extend the lifespan of trees by spotting the early signs of diseases.
Whether you live in Biggleswade or Shefford, Branching Out Tree & Garden Services is the team you can trust for every aspect of tree care. Contact us today to learn more about how our services can benefit garden wildlife.