Do you want to attract squirrels and give the little rodents a home in your garden? Then you've come to the right place! Squirrels are not only cute creatures, but also play an important role in nature. In particular, they transport seeds and help to spread native plants.
Fortunately, you can create a safe, welcoming environment for them in your own home with a few simple but effective measures, sustainable garden create.
In this article, I will therefore introduce you to the most important tips and tricks you can use to attract squirrels and help them. You'll learn which plants and structures they love - and what else the popular garden animals need. Let's go!
25 Plants: Which plants provide food for squirrels in the garden?
If you want to introduce squirrels to your own greenery, you must of course offer the foxy red or dark brown rodents exactly the plants that are suitable for them. valuable food sources represent.
Squirrels prefer native plants and feed mainly on Nuts, kernels, grains, seeds, fruit and vegetables - but also from Blossoms, mushrooms and buds.
As the squirrel (Eurasian squirrel; Sciurus vulgaris) is not considered endangered in Europe, I have picked out some of the most important garden plants that provide both food and habitat for squirrels, as well as also has a high ecological value for countless birds and insects have
So you are automatically also making a important contribution to biodiversityif you have the following Trees, shrubs and berries in your soon to be squirrel friendly Natural garden planted.
Buying tip: You can find almost all plants in well-stocked garden centers and nurseries - or even here online at the Horstmann nursery*.
Trees for squirrels
- German oak (Acorns)
- Common beech (beechnuts)
- Hazel (hazelnuts)
- Real walnut (walnuts)
- Common pine (Pine seed)
- Fruit trees (apples, pears and cherries)
- Common spruce (seeds from cones)
- Field maple (Wingnuts)
- Sweet chestnut (chestnuts)
- Mountain ash (rowan berries)
Shrubs and berries for squirrels
- Common juniper (juniper berries)
- Sloe (sloes)
- One- and two-ribbed hawthorn (apple fruit)
- Wine-Rose (Rose hips)
- Common weeping cherry (Weeping cherry) (ATTENTION: Select "Prunus padus")
- Apple rose (Rose hips)
- Sea buckthorn (berries)
- Cornelian cherry (Cornelian cherries)
- Red honeysuckle (berries)
- Raspberry (raspberries)
- Blackberry (Blackberries)
- Velvet rose (Rose hips)
- Cranberry (cranberries)
- Blueberry (blueberries)
- Common privet (privet berries)
10 tips: How else can you attract squirrels to your garden?
The ideal A squirrel's habitat naturally consists of more than just food plants. The agile animals also need structures, water sources and a natural, safe environment.
In the following, I would therefore like to the promised tips that you can use to support the squirrels in your area, even if you don't choose the right plants.
1. find out how squirrels live
First of all, you need the necessary knowledge to Viewing the garden from the perspective of a squirrel and its needs.
Squirrels are diurnal solitary animalswhich are up to jump two meters can. They are always on the lookout for food - and need safe nesting siteswhich they have obtained from Leaves, twigs and moss build.
In addition, contrary to what many people believe, they do not hibernate, but Hibernation. This means that they leave their cage for an hour or two every day to feed.
2. make water sources available
So that the small rodents with the typical white-colored belly also Take in sufficient fluidsyou should offer them water points.
This can be, for example, a flat bowl that you fill up with fresh water every day. Also a Small, shallow pond can be used by the squirrels in your garden to drink and even cool off.
3. create structures for climbing and hiding
Squirrels are really skillful climbers thanks to their fingers and toes. With Trees, shrubs, natural stone walls or high piles of dead wood you can provide them with the climbing facilities they need.
However, these structures are not only fun for the animals, but also help them to protect themselves from predators (including Weasels, owls, hawks and cats) to safety.
Tip: Deadwood piles, for example, are also an important element in a bee friendly garden. You can find out what else is involved in the linked blog post.
4. plant even more trees
Always try to keep your garden as close to nature as possible to design. The closer to nature, the more likely you are to attract squirrels. A garden with as many trees as possible increases the probability immensely. Because more trees mean more natural habitat and more food sources.
Particularly tall trees give squirrels the Ability to move freely and hide from predators. So plant as many trees as possible if you want to help them.
5. set up a feeding box
With a attached to a tree or high up on a pole (self-built) feeder, you can offer squirrels food at any time of year. The animals will quickly learn how to use it.
Fill the box with, for example Hazelnuts and walnuts, natural raisins, dried corn kernels and Pumpkin seedsif you want to attract the cute mammals to your garden.
For example, I can recommend This feeding house made from FSC-certified wood*.
6. renouncing the use of pesticides
Squirrels eat too Ants, snails, insects and their larvae. It is therefore clear that a squirrel-friendly garden can do without the use of pesticides. Ultimately, contact with such environmental toxins can even lead the animals to an agonizing death.
So let nature take its course and rely on garden animals insteadwho do their job as natural pesticides exercise.
7. leave branches, twigs and leaves lying around
Piles of brushwood and leaves not only provide a good hiding place, but also the Ideal material for nest building represent. In addition they attract insects which are an additional source of food for squirrels.
So leave leaves, branches and twigs lying around, instead of having them removed by the city or municipality. This is another way to do the squirrels a big favor.
8. offer a nesting box
Not every garden has suitable knotholes for squirrels to nest in. By installing a special nesting box for squirrels on a tree or garden shed, you can still provide the animals with a nesting place. protected space to withdraw and raise their offspring.
If you want to attract squirrels, I can recommend this squirrel house*. It can be used for rearing young animals as well as for hibernation.
9. eliminate potential hazards in the garden
For this tip, it is again important to evaluate the garden from a squirrel's point of view. Some objects can become absolute death traps for the little animals. Full, large rain barrels or watering cans for example. Therefore, always try to cover them or put them to one side.
In the same way you should sharp-edged objects, plastic waste (not biodegradable), Wires, cords and also Toxic chemicals from your garden. They also pose a great danger to squirrels.
Also important: If you ever have to cut down a tree, you should always check it carefully for possible burrows beforehand. This is another way to help the squirrels in your garden.
10. ensure peace and quiet
Squirrel are very sensitive to noise and disturbance. Therefore, avoid loud noises and also keep pets such as dogs and cats that might chase squirrels under control. A quiet environment will ultimately make your garden even more attractive to squirrels.
Attract unicorns and give them a home in your garden!
By attracting squirrels to your garden, you are not only bringing joy to the animals and yourself, you are also making a valuable contribution to the fight for the environment. Biodiversity. Now you also have the right tips and tricks at handto successfully implement this project and create a welcoming environment.
"In the smallest things, nature shows its greatest wonders."
Carl von Linné (more at Nature Quotes)
I hope that my suggestions will inspire you to turn your garden into a Valuable refuge for squirrels to transform. Always be aware that any positive change, however small, can make a real difference to wildlife in your garden.
Do you have any questions, suggestions or can you think of any other tips for attracting squirrels? Then I look forward to your comment!
Be always kind to animals,
PS: Watching squirrels is simply fun! But sometimes even natural soundsto increase our well-being. Next, I'll explain which sounds are particularly valuable for our happiness in the linked article. Have fun!
