Trees are Food Sources for Wildlife

Trees are crucial for the survival of many animals. Certain insects and mammals can only eat one specific type of tree, therefore we should consider the surrounding wildlife when choosing which tree species to plant.

Leaves, acorns, berries, and nuts are all important parts of the tree, eaten by various types of animal.

When vegetation is limited, particularly in the winter, deer, rabbits, and beavers may eat tree bark out of necessity in these harsher conditions.

Tree roots share sugars with fungi through mycorrhizal networks, which then support insects and soil organisms that feed birds and mammals!

Did you know that tree sap is a food source? It provides sugars and nutrients for insects, birds, and mammals like squirrels.

Dead trees are still "food" for fungi and insects, which then become food for birds, bats, and small mammals.

Wildlife is better adapted to feed on native tree species than non-native ones, making them vital for local ecosystems. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration that an arboretum does not exclusively include exotic species, to avoid damaging the local ecosystem.

Trees act as a "pantry" for some animals – squirrels and jays collect and store nuts from trees, helping them to survive through the winter.

Rotting trees are more nutritious than living ones – decaying wood has higher protein levels due to fungi and microbes, making it a richer food source for insects and woodpeckers!

Trees often produce huge amounts of seeds at once (masting) to overwhelm animals, ensuring that some seeds survive. Additionally, mild toxins in leaves or seeds discourage over-eating, ensuring animals don’t destroy the tree’s food supply entirely. An amazing example of the "intelligence" of trees!