Complete Gardening
Creating a bird-friendly garden is not only rewarding but also a step towards supporting local wildlife.
By choosing the right fruit and berry trees, you can attract a variety of birds to your garden, providing them with natural food sources while enjoying their vibrant presence.
In this blog post, we’ll explore twelve trees that are particularly loved by our feathered friends. Each one offers unique benefits and beauty to your outdoor space.
1. Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
The Serviceberry tree, known for its beautiful white blossoms in spring, is a bird magnet. Birds are particularly fond of its sweet, juicy berries that appear in late spring to early summer.
These berries are a delight for species like robins, thrushes, and waxwings. In autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant orange-red, adding seasonal interest to your garden.
Planting a Serviceberry ensures a year-round spectacle of color and activity. It thrives in well-drained soil and can adapt to various garden conditions, making it a versatile choice for bird lovers.
2. Elderberry (Sambucus)
Elderberry bushes are a haven for birds, producing clusters of dark purple berries that are highly attractive to many bird species. This fast-growing shrub thrives in moist, well-drained soil and enjoys full sun.
Birds such as bluebirds, orioles, and grosbeaks frequent elderberry bushes to feast on the rich berries. The elderberry’s white spring flowers are also a charming addition.
With its dual appeal to both birds and gardeners, the elderberry bush is a must-have for creating a lively and bird-friendly environment.
3. Hawthorn (Crataegus)
The Hawthorn tree is renowned for its striking red berries that persist into winter, providing a vital food source for birds during colder months.
Birds such as thrushes, blackbirds, and waxwings flock to hawthorn trees, drawn by the abundant fruit. The tree also offers excellent nesting opportunities with its dense, thorny branches.
It’s an ideal choice for gardeners looking to support wildlife year-round. Hawthorns thrive in sunny positions and can tolerate a range of soil types, making them a practical addition to any garden.
4. Crabapple (Malus)
Crabapple trees are a favorite among birds, offering small, tart apples that attract a variety of species. These fruits provide much-needed nutrition during the fall and winter months.
Birds like cedar waxwings, robins, and finches can often be seen enjoying the bounty of a crabapple tree. The spring blossoms are also a visual treat, adding beauty to your garden.
Crabapples are adaptable trees, thriving in different soil types and climates, which makes them an excellent choice for bird-friendly gardens.
5. Mulberry (Morus)
Mulberry trees are known for their delicious berries that attract birds in droves. The juicy, dark fruits ripen in early summer, providing a feast for birds like orioles, tanagers, and warblers.
The tree itself is robust and can grow in a variety of soil types, making it a versatile addition to any garden. Its lush foliage provides excellent cover and nesting opportunities.
By planting a mulberry tree, you’re ensuring a steady stream of avian visitors eager to enjoy its bounty. Mulberries are a fantastic way to support local bird populations.
6. Cherry (Prunus)
Cherry trees are not only beloved for their beautiful spring blossoms but also for the succulent fruits they offer. Birds such as robins, starlings, and waxwings are frequent visitors.
The fruits provide essential nutrients and are a delightful treat for birds. Cherry trees thrive best in well-drained soil and full sun, offering both beauty and functionality.
With their striking appearance and bird-attracting capabilities, cherry trees are a wonderful addition to any garden focused on inviting feathered friends.
7. Rowan (Sorbus)
The Rowan tree, or mountain ash, is celebrated for its clusters of bright orange-red berries that attract birds from afar. Thrushes, waxwings, and blackbirds are among its frequent visitors.
These berries persist into winter, providing a crucial food source during leaner months. The Rowan’s appealing aesthetic and bird-friendly nature make it a garden favorite.
It thrives in well-drained soil and can withstand harsh conditions, ensuring it remains a reliable food provider through the seasons.
8. Holly (Ilex)
Holly bushes are a festive addition to any garden, with their glossy leaves and bright red berries. These berries are a vital food source for birds like thrushes, blackbirds, and fieldfares, especially in winter.
The dense foliage offers excellent shelter and nesting sites, enhancing your garden’s biodiversity. Holly thrives in a range of soil types and can be grown in both sun and shade.
By planting holly, you’re not only creating a beautiful landscape but also supporting local birdlife, particularly during the colder months.
9. Dogwood (Cornus)
Dogwood trees are admired for their stunning white blossoms and clusters of red berries that appear in late summer. These berries are a favorite of birds like thrushes, cardinals, and waxwings.
The tree’s attractive foliage and structure also provide excellent shelter. Dogwoods flourish in well-drained soil and partial shade, making them a versatile garden choice.
Incorporating a dogwood tree into your garden is a great way to boost its appeal while offering sustenance and refuge to your avian visitors.
10. Viburnum (Viburnum)
Viburnum bushes are versatile plants known for their beautiful clusters of white flowers and dark blue berries. These berries attract a wide range of birds, including robins, bluebirds, and thrushes.
The viburnum’s dense growth provides excellent cover and nesting opportunities. It thrives in various soil types and sun conditions, adapting well to different garden settings.
By planting viburnum, you enhance your garden’s appeal and create a welcoming environment for birds, supporting biodiversity and ecological balance.
11. Juniper (Juniperus)
Juniper bushes are cherished for their hardy nature and the blue berries they produce. These berries are a staple winter food for birds like waxwings, robins, and sparrows.
The bush’s dense, evergreen foliage provides excellent shelter and protection year-round. Junipers are drought-tolerant and can thrive in poor soils, making them a resilient garden choice.
Incorporating juniper into your landscape not only adds visual interest but also ensures a steady food supply for your feathered friends during the colder months.
12. Aronia (Aronia)
Aronia bushes, also known as chokeberries, produce clusters of dark purple fruits that are highly attractive to birds. These berries are rich in nutrients, offering a vital diet component for species like thrushes and waxwings.
Aronia is celebrated for its vibrant autumn foliage and its ability to grow in a variety of soil types. It’s a low-maintenance plant that supports birdlife while adding beauty to your garden.
Planting aronia ensures a consistent supply of food for birds, contributing to a lively and engaging garden atmosphere.