Naturescaping Your Yard

by Bob Phreaner

As the days grow shorter we can expect the rainy season to return soon. Fall is the best time to plant native trees and shrubs to help birds on the Olympic Peninsula.

Doug Tallamy is a professor in the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware, where he has authored 97 research publications and has taught insect-related courses for 40 years. His first book Bringing Nature Home (2009) alerted us to the declining numbers of native plants. His solution is for homeowners and naturalists to plant natives for wildlife. In 2014 Tallamy co-authored The Living Landscape. His most recent book, Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard, is a blueprint for homeowners to eliminate lawns to improve the chance that birds survive climate change induced drought.

Let’s reconsider our lawns. In 2005 NASA satellite imagery determined that close to 2% of arable land in the US is turf-grass. How much gas is wasted mowing lawns? Fertilizer and glyphosate harm the environment when they enter our water system. Irrigation of lawns in the dry season when grass naturally goes dormant wastes water. Instead of a lawn could you grow a dry meadow to nurture pollinators? Or perhaps turn your lawn into a food producing garden? How about slowly replacing ornamentals with native plants?

Studies show that insect populations are in decline. Native plants have co-evolved with native insects. Native plants support the native insects that are vital for the protein young birds need to develop.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology has programs focused on turning some of the 40 million acres of lawns in the US into bird habitat by planting natives.

At our home, we have had success planting Red Flowering Current, Indian Plum, Serviceberry, Nootka Rose, and Oregon Grape in the Fall when they benefit from the coming rains. Browsing deer can damage young plants so we have placed fencing around our shrubs.

The Clallam Conservation District is an excellent resource for learning about native plants and the wildlife usage of these trees and shrubs.

Remember, bare root plants available in late winter and planted in the Spring require watering and mulching to survive our dry season. An alternative is to take advantage of our coming rainy season and start naturescaping your yard this Fall.