Landscaping for wildlife presents an opportunity for the people to conserve energies otherwise used for heating and cooling. In addition, wildlife landscaping conserves soil, provides habitats for kids, adds natural beauty, give an opportunity for photography and birdwatching, controls insects, provides food and generally adds to the value of the property. There are essentially eight basic principles involved in landscaping for wildlife. To attract wildlife, you must provide all four basic needs for each type of wildlife you hope to attract. Function Plants do more that exist and take up space.
Plants also provide the four basic needs of most wildlife.
Diversity High plant diversity leads to high animal diversity. High plant diversity can be achieved by planting many different types of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and grasses. In addition to plant diversity, structural diversity is also important to attracting wildlife. Structural diversity refers to non-plant and dead plant material such as dead trees, feeders, nest boxes, brush piles, rock piles and logs. For example, a feeder with no nearby shelter will serve little purpose.