Attracting Wildlife with Soft Landings
By Laura Brewster, Anoka County Extension Master Gardener Intern
Many gardeners work hard to attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, and if we are lucky enough to play host to a keystone tree species, we have a valuable resource to assist us in this endeavor. Considered vital to an ecosystem’s survival, recognized keystone trees for our area include oak, willow, cherry, pine, and poplar. With the help of keystone trees, gardeners can create a welcoming habitat for pollinators with “soft landings.”
Keystone trees are important hosts for hundreds of species of moths and butterflies within the order Lepidoptera. When Lepidoptera enter the pupa stage of their life cycle, they need a safe habitat beneath keystone trees, either in the leaf litter or under the roots. Most gardeners don’t realize that cleaning up leaves and digging out ‘weeds,’ around trees can create a hostile environment for the very visitors they want to attract. In addition to a safe habitat, Lepidoptera also need a nearby native plant food supply. Gardeners can create this friendly environment by installing soft landings.
Soft landings are native plantings under keystone trees that include leaf litter and other plant debris to improve soil structure and create places for insects to hide or sleep. They support beneficial insects such as moths, butterflies, bumblebees, beetles, and fireflies. Additionally, there are many animals, such as songbirds, who rely on these insects for food; by creating a soft landing, we can also improve the biodiversity of our yards and support the larger food chain.
A common misperception is that the dry shade under trees doesn’t support desirable plants. Fortunately, in Minnesota we have many native options such as ostrich fern, wild ginger, Virginia waterleaf, false Solomon's seal, Virginia bluebells and Pennsylvania sedge. When planning, consider bloom times, spacing, mature plant height and width, and wildlife value. Here are some tips for soft landings:
Protect tree roots from damage when installing a soft landing. Rather than digging, smother the planting site in the fall with cardboard covered in leaves and sticks. When spring arrives, plant small specimens or plugs starting approximately three feet from the trunk of the tree.
Avoid adding soil or placing raised beds on top of tree roots, as oxygen is essential to healthy trees. Do not use landscape fabric, as this will prevent some pollinator species from being able to pupate.
Water new plants thoroughly and check soil regularly to prevent drying out. Water as needed until plants are established, which takes about a year.
Use leaves as a mulch to prevent evaporation and smother weeds. Pull weeds by hand, and if you mow, be careful to avoid damaging the tree’s roots.
Maybe you don’t have a keystone tree on your property. There is a Chinese proverb that says, "The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second-best time is now." Your efforts will be rewarded with visits from thankful insects and wildlife.
You can find more information about creating soft landings and shade plantings here:
https://extension.illinois.edu/news-releases/give-caterpillars-chance-soft-landings-under-trees https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/gardening-shade
https://www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com
Join us in person for our "Plant and Insect Diagnostic Clinics" every Wednesday, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., June 1 - August 10 at Bunker Hills Activities Center in Andover. Bring in samples for identification or diagnoses of common insects, diseases, or other plant problems. Visit anokamastergardeners.org to learn more about our free classes, events and projects.