How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Landscape in Tulsa

Creating a wildlife-friendly landscape in Tulsa is a great way to support local wildlife while also making your yard beautiful. By choosing the right plants, adding water features, and providing shelter, you can attract a variety of animals, from birds and butterflies to small mammals. Here are some simple steps to help you create a wildlife-friendly landscape in your Tulsa yard.

1. Choose Native Plants

Native plants are essential for a wildlife-friendly landscape. They are adapted to the local climate, making them easier to grow and maintain. They also provide the right kind of food and shelter for local wildlife. In Tulsa, you can plant species like purple coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and blue sage. These plants attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which are vital for the ecosystem.

2. Provide Food Sources

Wildlife needs food, and your garden can be a great place to offer it. Native plants produce seeds, berries, and nectar that attract birds, insects, and small mammals. You can also add bird feeders filled with sunflower seeds or suet to provide extra food for local birds, especially during the winter months when natural food sources are scarce.

3. Add a Water Source

A water feature, like a birdbath, pond, or small fountain, can make your yard more attractive to wildlife. Birds, butterflies, and other animals need water for drinking and bathing. Make sure the water is clean and refreshed regularly. If you add a pond, you can also create a habitat for frogs, turtles, and beneficial insects.

4. Create Shelter and Safe Spaces

Wildlife needs safe places to hide from predators and sleep. You can provide shelter by planting dense shrubs or creating small brush piles. These areas offer cover for animals like rabbits and small birds. Trees with hollow spaces or thick branches also provide shelter for birds and squirrels. Adding a few birdhouses or bat boxes can give animals a place to nest.

5. Avoid Pesticides

Using fewer chemicals in your yard is important for keeping wildlife safe. Pesticides and herbicides can harm insects, birds, and other animals. Instead of chemicals, try natural pest control methods, such as attracting beneficial insects like ladybugs or planting pest-repellent plants like marigolds.

6. Create Layers in Your Landscape

A layered landscape provides various types of shelter and food. By planting a mix of tall trees, medium-sized shrubs, and low-growing plants, you create different environments for different kinds of wildlife. For example, tall trees might attract woodpeckers and owls, while bushes and ground cover can provide homes for smaller animals.

By following these simple steps, you can create a wildlife-friendly landscape in Tulsa that supports local animals and provides a peaceful, natural space in your own yard. Your efforts will help preserve local wildlife and create a beautiful, sustainable environment.