Who doesn’t love experiencing a touch of nature in their backyard? Attracting wildlife to a xeriscape yard in Utah can be
accomplished by providing food, water, and shelter for various species, as well
as selecting native plants that are drought-tolerant and adapted to the local
climate. Here are some ways to attract wildlife to your xeriscape yard:
1.
Native plants: Choose native plants that are
adapted to Utah’s climate and provide food, shelter, and nesting materials for
local wildlife. Some examples include serviceberry, sagebrush, rabbitbrush,
penstemon, and yarrow.
2.
Water features: Provide a source of fresh water
for wildlife by adding a small pond, birdbath, or shallow dish to your yard.
Keep the water clean and fresh. Consider adding a small heater during
winter months to prevent freezing.
3.
Nesting sites: Offer natural nesting sites and
materials for birds and other wildlife by leaving dead trees or branches,
installing birdhouses, or adding brush piles and rock piles for small mammals
and reptiles.
4.
Feeders: Set up bird feeders to supplement the
food available in your yard. Choose feeders appropriate for the types of birds
you wish to attract, and provide seed mixes, suet, or nectar, depending on
their dietary preferences.
5.
Pollinator-friendly plants: Include flowering
plants that attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Some examples are bee balm, goldenrod, and butterfly bush.
6.
Minimize chemical use: Avoid using chemical
pesticides and herbicides in your yard, as these can harm wildlife and disrupt
the natural ecosystem.
7.
Diverse plantings: Plant a variety of native
species with different blooming periods to provide food and shelter throughout
the year.
8.
Ground cover: Use native ground covers, such as
sedum or creeping thyme, which provide shelter for insects and small animals.
9.
Maintain a wildlife-friendly yard: Regularly
clean and maintain your bird feeders, water features, and nesting sites to keep
them safe and welcoming for wildlife.
By incorporating these strategies, you can create a thriving
xeriscape yard in Utah that supports the local ecosystem and attracts a variety
of wildlife to your outdoor space.