I am looking to plant some small trees, shrubs next year that I would like to attract birds. Any suggestions?

Question

I am in zone 5.

Answer 1

You can attract birds with Dogwood & other flowering trees & shrubs with colorful berries, nuts & seeds.
http://www.wildaboutgardening.org/en/features/section5/dogwood/dogwood.htm
http://www.trimpines.com/treeoftheweek/floweringdogwood.htm

Winterberry shrub is an important emergency food source for wild birds when winter comes. Its bright red berries also bring color to an otherwise dreary landscape.
http://www.springvalleyroses.com/catalog/ilex-redsprite.html

Holly trees and shrubs are also attractive landscape plants, whose berries attract wild birds and provide them with cover from predators.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35318832@N00/559632942/
http://www.naturehills.com/new/product/shrubs_productdetails.aspx?proname=Holly+-+Berry+Nice
http://www.nwholly.org/facts.php

'Donald Wyman' Crabapple is a disease-resistant, flowering tree that grows to be 15'-25' tall, with a spread of 20'-25'. The berries persist throughout the winter, and wild birds eat them in February and March. The pink buds open to become single white blooms, which are fragrant. http://www.groundtradesxchange.com/plant_database/deciduous_trees/malus_wyman/malus-donald-wyman.htm
http://www.waverlyfarm.com/catalog-photo.html?photo=MLSHBDW-d

'Cameo' flowering Quince bushes (Chaenomeles speciosa 'Cameo') are compact, spreading flowering bushes, well-suited for a low border or hedge with double peach spring blooms. The edible reddish yellow berry, ripening in fall, can be used for preserves and jellies. Height 2'-4', spread 3'-5'.
http://www.tinytreasuresnursery.com/Plant%20Pages/chaenomeles%20speciosa%20cameo.htm
http://www.soonerplantfarm.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=plants.plantDetail&plant_id=905

Evergreens offer a good source of berries and seed-filled cones. They also offer year-round shelter, protection, and breeding sites.

Attract Eastern Bluebirds & Robins with Sumac shrubs which is an important food source for wild birds in late winter and early spring. It's gold, red and maroon fall colors add to the beauty of the landscape. Bluebirds and Robins count on eating this shrub's berries after all other food sources have dried up.
http://www.naturehills.com/new/product/shrubs_productdetails.aspx?proname=Sumac+-+Flameleaf

Creating a garden that welcomes songbirds & hummingbirds consists of supplying them with three basic requirements for survival: food, cover, and water. Plant an assortment of plant species that provides seeds, berries, nuts, or other food throughout the year. 10 Flowers Commonly Used for Attracting Hummingbirds:
Bee Balm
Red Columbine
Delphinium and Hollyhock
Butterfly Bush )
Catawba Rhododendron
Rose of Sharon
Trumpet Vine and Trumpet Honeysuckle
Cardinal Vine
Lantana and Fuchsia
Silk Tree
http://landscaping.about.com/cs/forthebirds/a/hummingbirds.htm

Think in layers in the landscape to attract birds. Provide several layers for different kinds of birds by planting clusters of shade-loving small trees, shrubs, and ground covers under taller trees.
http://www.howtoattractbirds.com/

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

Hello Whittaker:
You are in zone 5, well that pretty much opens up alot of plants for you! Why not try a good standard fuschia? Long lasting flowers starting late summer into late winter. Very pretty and attract birds easily. Are drought tolerant, shade loveing, can with stand cold to - 7.
Another shrub to look into would be cottoneaster. There are a large variety, many with large, bright berries that will attract birds. The shrubs are evergreen, and come in many different colors. Consult your local nursery for available variety for your localality. Good Luck.
Bertram

Answer 3

Crabapple, pears, & cherry trees get berries that will attract birds in the fall & winter. Plus they all get really nice flowers in the spring.

Answer 4

Whose survey are you using? All you need to do is show him your property line(he probably knows it anyway). Tell him the city has informed you that you can have his trees removed and then send him the bill. Actually, you can cut down, burn down or destroy anything that hangs over your side of the property. Be a good neighbor and be tactful it may or may not work.

Answer 5

wtf is zone 5? Anyway, bright colors attact birds. Birds LOVE honeysuckle and roses. The brighter, the better. Same goes for butterflies.

Answer 6

birds love my mom's lilac bushes.