If you’re like most well-meaning gardeners, you might think twice about planting “correct” plant nourish Pollinators and other wildlifeContains nectar, pollen, seeds, and fruits. But have you ever thought about the habitats of these animals?
In addition to nutrition, beneficial insects and creatures require a safe home to rest, hide, reproduce, and pupate.
One important area for their life cycle is around the base of the tree.
“We talk about the importance of (native) trees in producing the caterpillars that power the food web.” Doug Tallamy, entomologist and bestselling author You told me about “Nature’s Best Hope” and “Bringing Nature Home” the last time we spoke.
“But those caterpillars fall off the trees and pupate on the ground. And how we landscape under those trees will determine whether those caterpillars survive or not,” he said.
Give the caterpillar a “soft landing”
So how do we landscape under our trees? Raise your hand if the grass has grown up to the trunk.
Instead, Tallamy says, “We want uncompacted areas where we don’t walk on them. That means planting beds around trees. If you mow or walk under them, you’re crushing all the caterpillars.”
Caterpillars feed birds, but provide pest control services In our gardens, we feed thousands of insects each year to their larvae. Caterpillars are also an important food source for reptiles and spiders. And they themselves feed on garden pests such as aphids.
Later in life, they transform into moths and butterflies and become important pollinators of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Providing habitat for native bees, fireflies, beetles and other beneficial insects while creating what is called a “soft landing” for them is essential to a healthy ecosystem. It’s easy to do in two easy steps.
manner
First, let the leaves rest directly under the tree where they fall. The pupating caterpillars are cozy in the blanket of nature and can take a break from collecting bears.
Next, plant ground covers and other plants under the tree canopy. The crown of a tree is the overhead area that extends along the width of the tree from branch tip to branch tip. “Choose plants that support the food web and share the most energy with other organisms,” Tallamy advises.
That means choosing ferns, woodland phlox, sedges, and other native groundcovers, shrubs, and perennials.
postal code National Wildlife Federation Native Plant Finder Tallamy’s research lets you know which plants are best suited for your area.
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Jessica Damiano writes a weekly gardening column for The Associated Press and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here Get weekly gardening tips and advice.
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