Keep in mind that wildlife considerations can be included in the design without sacrificing aesthetics. When it is time to decide what you want to plant and where, the following factors should be taken in to account to determine the species that are the best choices for your area. Consider them throughout the planning process to ensure that your backyard habitat is healthy and pleasing to the eye. At this point in the planning process you should also consider the amount of time that you are willing to spend to get your backyard habitat started and maintain it, as well as what your budget is. How you arrange your plants is almost as important as what you plant.
Wildlife tends to congregate where two different habitats meet.
Therefore, try to design your yard to alternate plant masses with open areas. This will result in an edge effect, which can encourage species diversity. Shrubs and trees should be planted in clumps or hedgerows to provide a dense habitat and protection for a variety of wildlife. You might also consider planting deciduous trees on the south side of your house to provide shade in summer and allow sunlight through in winter. Trees also help to slow global warming, not only by helping to reduce energy consumption of fossil fuels, but also by naturally absorbing carbon dioxide through the process of photosynthesis.