Instead of dragging branches to the curb as yard waste, stack them in a discreet location, such as behind a garage or shed to build a brush pile that will give pollinators some much-needed natural habitat.
Providing natural nesting habitat is one of the most important and joyful things a gardener can do. Natural nesting features: protect pollinators and other beneficial insects, limit the spread of diseases and parasites and break down naturally over time better than store-bought options.
Brush piles are commonly used by overwintering butterflies, like the mourning cloak pictured above. The bare soil below is ideal for ground nesting insects like native bees. Other beneficial insects, such as ground beetles, may use the brush pile and are a valuable food source for songbirds, such as black-capped chickadees.
To build an effective brush pile:
- Create a sturdy base of at least 60 centimetres high and one metre wide by placing large branches and logs on the ground approximately 10 centimetres apart. Alternative or in addition to branches, use stones, rocks or cinder blocks.
- Stack smaller branches on top, layering them crosswise and maintaining gaps for air circulation. Insects can fit through very small spaces but leave a few larger gaps (approximately 10 centimetres wide) for birds to fit through.
As your brush pile settles, add newly trimmed branches on top. To keep your pile hidden and attractive, plant native wildflowers in front or allow a native vine to grow overtop.
Main photo by David D’Entremont.