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Get It Growing for 11/07/25
Lots of people are interested in attracting wildlife to their landscapes. Whether you are an avid bird-watcher or simply delight in seeing squirrels frolic in the trees, there are things you can do to make an area more enticing to all sorts of animals.
Food, shelter and water are the bare necessities for any life — and to draw in wildlife visitors, you need to provide all three of these elements.
Jessie Hoover, an LSU AgCenter horticulture agent based in the Feliciana parishes, has advice on how you can transform your backyard or another piece of property into a wildlife haven.
“The first thing that I recommend is that you plant diverse plants in your landscape,” Hoover said. “So, you want to look for things with berries, seeds, acorns and nuts that will attract all different types of wildlife.”
Trees are wonderful producers of wildlife food, and fall is a great time to plant many species. One of Hoover’s favorite trees is red mulberry, which is native to Louisiana.
“It is great because it provides an early spring food source for songbirds, squirrels, lots of different critters,” she said. “Deer even browse on red mulberry.”
Mayhaw is another native species that feeds wildlife.
“That’s a great native tree that provides a berry that is a food source for a lot of songbirds,” Hoover said. “I’ve even seen box turtles eating mayhaws that fall to the ground.”
Hollies are great choices, too. They provide wildlife with food throughout the winter, and with a wide range of cultivars on the market, there’s a holly tree or shrub to suit practically any landscape.
Native shrubs such as American beautyberry and elderberry also are food sources for wildlife. And don’t forget to include nectar-rich flowers for hummingbirds and other pollinators.
When choosing plants for wildlife food, think about what time of year their fruit and flowers mature. Try to create a year-round buffet that will serve a variety of animals.
For wildlife to feel comfortable on your property, they need places to hide, rest and nest.
“That can be a tree, or you can use manmade shelters,” Hoover said.
Do a little research on what kinds of shelter are preferred by the species you’re interested in attracting. You may want to build some birdhouses and bat boxes. Some animals like to hole up in piles of brush and logs.
Many types of wildlife — along with the insects they feed on — appreciate dead plants. Some take advantage of past-their-prime plants and leaf litter for shelter. Birds and small mammals weave the material into their nests. As plants in your landscape turn brown this winter, consider leaving them — they’re still providing a valuable service.
Out of the three essentials for life, water is arguably the most critical.
You can supply fresh water in birdbaths or other containers. Just keep in mind that stagnant water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and algae — so be sure to regularly clean and refill water dishes or use some sort of pump or agitator.
Moving sources of water like fountains are best. Animals’ ears perk up at the sound of flowing water, and the movement helps keep the water fresh.
LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Jessie Hoover joins Jason Stagg to talk about ways you can attract and support wildlife.
Red mulberry trees are native to Louisiana. They produce berries in the spring, making them a great source of food for wildlife. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter
LSU AgCenter horticulture agent Jessie Hoover examines fruit on a red mulberry tree. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter
Mayhaws, which mature in the spring, provide food for wildlife. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter
Trees, like these mayhaws, not only provide food but also serve as shelter for a wide variety of animals. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter
Water sources help attract wildlife. Photo by Olivia McClure/LSU AgCenter
