Cedar Timber: A Winter Meals Supply for Wildlife

By Mary-Jane Pilgrim, Grasp Gardener

In February of 2023, I wrote an article about cedar bushes; their botanical household, the medicinal historical past and their use by the early pioneers of our area.

Though the article alluded to its use as a meals supply for critters, that wasn’t the primary goal of the article. On this weblog, I’d wish to broaden on that preliminary description to offer extra info on the significance of the tree to our principally four-legged associates and planet co-habitants.

The jap white cedar (Thuja occidentalis), frequent in forests and alongside shorelines, supplies a dependable meals supply for a lot of animals when different choices are scarce throughout our harsh winters. I’ve a row of cedars behind my lot principally for wind management nevertheless it supplies different capabilities for native wildlife.

Deer are among the many most frequent shoppers of cedar throughout winter. When snow covers floor vegetation, deer browse on cedar foliage, which is wealthy in vitamins. This evergreen tree helps maintain deer populations, particularly in areas with restricted winter meals. Nonetheless, over-browsing can harm younger cedar bushes and have an effect on forest regeneration.

Different animals additionally depend on cedar. Snowshoe hares feed on cedar bark and twigs when their most popular meals sources, like shrubs, are unavailable. Porcupines chew on cedar bark for nourishment. Even small birds, equivalent to chickadees and finches, eat the seeds present in cedar cones.

Cedar bushes present shelter. Their dense, evergreen foliage presents safety from wind and snow, creating heat habitats for birds and small mammals. This shelter could be as essential as meals for survival in winter.

For those who personal land with cedar bushes, think about their worth to wildlife. Defend younger bushes from over-browsing through the use of boundaries or planting extra cedars in areas the place they’re closely used. Sustaining wholesome cedar stands can help native ecosystems and supply essential sources for animals throughout winter.

Along with cedar, deer and different wild animals depend on a wide range of different bushes, shrubs, and woody crops for meals. These sources are essential when grasses, inexperienced crops, and different floor vegetation are buried underneath snow. Under are some examples:

Timber Consumed by Deer

Aspen and Poplar (Populus species): Deer usually browse the twigs and bark of those bushes, particularly youthful specimens.
Maple (Acer species): Deer will eat twigs and buds from sugar maple and purple maple bushes.
Birch (Betula species): Twigs and bark of birch bushes could be a winter meals supply.
Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis): Jap hemlock is a favourite winter meals, with deer shopping its delicate, inexperienced needles.
Willow (Salix species): Willows close to wetlands present twigs and bark for deer and different animals.
Oak (Quercus species): Acorns, if not consumed within the fall, stay an essential power supply for deer and squirrels throughout winter.

Different Timber and Shrubs for Wildlife

Alder (Alnus species): Twigs and catkins are eaten by small mammals and birds.
Pine (Pinus species): Seeds from pine cones are consumed by squirrels and birds, whereas deer typically nibble on needles.
Dogwood (Cornus species): Crimson osier dogwood is a standard browse species for deer and rabbits.
Sumac (Rhus species): Deer eat sumac twigs and fruit clusters through the winter.
Apple and Crabapple (Malus species): Wild or deserted apple bushes present fruit, twigs, and bark for wildlife.

Conservation Ideas

To help wildlife throughout winter, sustaining numerous tree species in forests and pure areas is essential. Planting native shrubs and bushes that produce berries or nuts may also assist maintain wildlife via the chilly months.