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Creating a Wild Backyard - Brush Piles
What are Brush Piles?
A brush pile is a pile is a deliberate collection of brush or branches,
sticks, and other plant parts placed over a supporting base or foundation.
Why are Brush Piles Important?
When naturally sheltered places are removed for crops or for
construction, brush piles can help to replace them and can serve many of
the needs that wild animals have for dense cover. All wildlife need
dense cover throughout the year for several reasons.
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Animals run for cover when being chased by a predator.
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They need shelter from severe weather.
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They need to rest in places that are cool and well concealed.
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Small animals, like quail and chipmunks, use dense cover near the ground
to move from one place to another without attracting attention to
themselves.
Where Should Brush Piles be Built?
Though brush piles will be used by wildlife almost anywhere, there are certain areas where they are most helpful to the animals:
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Forest edges and forest openings
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Field corners and edges
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On the margin between a stream and a marsh
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Near land that is being cleared
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Near forests that are being thinned
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Partially submerged along pond edges
In areas cleared of natural wildlife cover, it is best to build at least three
or four brush piles per acre.
To help conceal wildlife traveling along woodland borders, place a brush pile
every 200 to 300 feet.
How to Build a Brush Pile
A finished brush pile should be at least ten to 15 feet wide and 25 feet
long. It should be dense enough to protect the animal while still
allowing wildlife to easily run inside.
However, smaller brush piles can be of benefit to birds, lizards,
chipmunks, and other small animals.
A brush pile has two parts:
Supporting Base
The base is formed from two layers of logs, evenly spaced, to allow easy
access. Within the base, you can also put drainage pipes, or tiles,
cinder blocks, or tires with holes cut along the tread. Animals may use
these as dens.
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Build the base of the brush pile over stones, tires, cinder blocks or
other durable material to slow the decay of the log base.
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Place alternate layers of logs at right angles to one another to form the base. These logs should be at least six inches in diameter and spaced six to ten inches apart.
If possible, use rot-resistant logs. like those from cedar or locust
trees.
Pile of Plant Material on Top
The “brush” part of the pile can be made from a variety of plant parts,
including old Christmas trees.
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Place the small trees, branches, and other brush over the base using enough material to form a tepee or mound-shaped pile about five feet tall.
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Pile the brush on the base so that the center is very dense, but the edges are loose. This will shelter the animals and still allow them to easily come and go.
Take note: Though they are tremendously
beneficial to wildlife, brush piles attract woodchucks, skunks, and snakes, all
of which may become household pests. Because of this, you may wish to keep brush
piles away from your home. Brush piles may also conceal predators. Keep them
away from bird feeders located on or near the ground.
For Additional Information, Contact:
Wild Acres Program
Maryland Wildlife and Heritage Service
Attn: Marilyn Mause
Gwynnbrook WMA
3740 Gwynnbrook Ave
Owings Mills MD 21117
410-356-0941
E-Mail:
customerservice@dnr.state.md.us
Invite Wildlife to Your Backyard... |
