Attract More Hummingbirds With A Garden Feature That Won't Cost You A Dime

If you want to attract more hummingbirds to your yard try this simple hack that doesn't cost a single penny. Don't rush to clean out a dead tree, also known as a snag. Leave it to give hummingbirds a place to rest and keep a look out. Think of it as a cheap and easy way to create a hummingbird-friendly garden this fall.

When a tree dies, you might want to remove it right away, but know there are certain problems caused by removing a tree. For one thing, you take away potential hiding places or homes to a variety of wildlife. And you could be removing the perfect place for a male hummingbird to call for a mate. Snags are typically hollow with good acoustics that give male birds a way to amplify their song during mating season. They also offer bare branches or twigs, the perfect place for a hummingbird to rest. Believe it or not, hummingbirds depend on perches because they can't actually walk or hop. Their feet are much smaller compared to their bodies than other birds. It's an evolutionary tradeoff, since not carrying the weight of heavier feet or legs means that they can fly faster.  

Hummingbirds don't need to walk when they can scoot along a bare twig perch. Standing is how they rest and digest any nectar they've eaten. The little birds also use dead branches as places to clean their feathers regularly, too, so that they can keep up flight speed and aerial agility. 

While snags offer great perches for hummingbirds, keep in mind that safety always comes first. If a snag or dead branch threatens to fall on a structure or person, or if it's up against your home, then it's best to remove it. However, consider saving some twigs or small branches. You can plunk a single branch vertically into the ground as a perch for hummingbirds. If you put it near your hummingbird feeder, some territorial males will no doubt love it – but this also could lead to fights between the birds.

You could also take a small twig from the salvaged wood and use it to attract hummingbirds to the garden with a charming swing you can DIY. The twig works as the swing's seat, with some jewelry wire as the frame of the swing. The best place to hang this is in a slightly shady spot with a nice view of the yard. Female hummingbirds prefer perches in more hidden locations under canopies, while male birds prefer perches out in the open. 

Leaving dead trees is right in line with the backyard rewilding trend, but there's a limit to how many of these snags can actually help wildlife. The rule of thumb is that you shouldn't keep more than three snags per acre. If you've got a problem with struggling trees, then look out for serious pests or disease. Either way, it's a good idea to call a certified arborist for any tree issues in your yard.