If You Want More Owls In Your Yard, Plant These These Types Of Trees

With 19 species of owl in the U.S., these amazing birds of prey can be found all over the country, from the sun-soaked hills of California to the dense forests of Vermont. However, although they exist everywhere, these elusive creatures are notoriously hard to spot. They tend to stick to themselves, only coming out at night to hunt. It is almost as if they live on a different plane of existence — one of magic, wisdom, and enchantment. But no, they live with us, and you can attract owls to your yard and hopefully catch a glimpse of these wonderful creatures by creating an environment that suits them. One way you can make your garden owl-friendly is by planting the right trees. Owls tend to enjoy larger trees, such as coniferous trees like pine, and deciduous trees like oak and beech. So, coniferous and deciduous trees are the two kinds you want to plant in your yard.

When planting trees to attract owls into your yard, it is useful to be aware of why owls actually like the trees. A lot of owls will nest in cavities of larger, tall trees, enjoying the shelter of the foliage and the height. They enjoy secluded and private areas where they feel safe. Owls also use tall trees for roost spots, which provide them with a place to rest or hunt from.

Owls are usually attracted to large, mature trees, so planting saplings will not bring them into your yard straight away. However, by adding trees now, you will be creating an owl-friendly garden for future years. To pick the right tree, look into what owls are found in your state and what they prefer. You should also consider what trees may grow and thrive in your garden in terms of sunlight, your USDA Hardiness Zone, soil composition, and weather. 

If you live east of the Rockies, you may be able to attract Eastern Screech Owls into your yard. This species is often found in suburban areas and tends to prefer deciduous trees, such as boxelder, bur oak, and the American elm. However, they are less picky than other owls and nest in a wide range of trees. As this owl usually nests at least ten feet off the ground, ensure you plant trees that will reach this height. If you live in the North and Pacific Northwest, Barred Owls like coniferous trees. For those living on the west side of the U.S., you can try to attract Western Screech Owls into your garden, as this species of owl is often found in residential areas. These owls nest in a variety of deciduous trees, such as black cottonwood, water birch, and trembling aspen. 

Attracting owls into your yard does not just happen overnight. It takes a while to select the right trees, plant them, and wait for them to grow big enough to be a safe space for owls. However, once you begin spotting these majestic birds of prey in your yard, the hard work and wait will be worth it.