“Can you recommend one tree species that’s been a game-changer for attracting birds to your garden? What makes it stand out from other trees you’ve tried?”
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) really stands out in my garden for attracting birds. It’s a local plant that brings a lot of benefits for wildlife. In spring, the flowers bring in pollinators, but the real action happens in autumn when the bright red haws come in. I’ve spotted blackbirds, redwings, thrushes, and even some waxwings coming by for a snack.
What sets it apart from other trees I’ve tried is that it offers good cover along with food. The thorns provide a safe spot for smaller birds from predators, so I often see robins and wrens making their homes nearby. If you want a garden that’s both pretty and helpful for the environment, hawthorn is a great choice. Just make sure to give it some space since it grows quickly and wide.
Andrew Griffith, Founder, Garden Furniture
Dogwood trees
Dogwood trees would definitely be what’s worked best for me when it comes to attracting birds. Not only will they provide shelter, they also produce fruit that’s very popular among local bird populations, so it’s a pretty busy spot for feathered friends! I like dogwood versus other options too because it’s a fairly quick grower, meaning you won’t be waiting decades to attract birds like you might with something like an oak tree.
Ryan Farley, CEO, LawnStarter
The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
The Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) has been a game-changer for attracting birds to my garden. This native tree stands out from other trees I’ve tried because of its unique characteristics that make it a favorite among many bird species.
One of the main reasons why the Eastern Red Cedar is so effective at attracting birds is because it is a native species in North America. Native plants have evolved with local wildlife and provide essential resources for their survival. Birds are naturally drawn to familiar food sources, making this tree an attractive option for them.
Moreover, the Eastern Red Cedar is highly adaptable and can thrive in most soil types and conditions, including drought and flood-prone areas. This makes it a valuable plant for creating bird-friendly habitats in a variety of environments.
Geremy Yamamoto, Founder, Eazy House Sale
The Pirul tree (Schinus molle)
The Pirul tree (Schinus molle) has been an absolute game-changer in our garden near Mexico City — and surprisingly, it’s become a quiet magnet for birdlife in our region. I first planted it as a way to create shade for one of our private driver rest areas outside the city, but within weeks, it became a landing pad for hummingbirds, finches, and even a pair of motmots.
What sets the Pirul apart is its fragrant pink berries and wispy foliage, which not only provide food but also shelter. Unlike other ornamental trees I’ve planted — like jacarandas or citrus — the Pirul creates a layered habitat that mimics the native brush birds actually nest in.
From a business perspective, it’s added value too. Guests waiting for their airport pickup have often asked about the birds singing overhead, and it sparks conversations that make the service feel more local and connected to nature. One family even booked an extra day just to explore the countryside after chatting about the birds. That’s the kind of detail that turns a ride into a memory.
Martin Weidemann, Owner, Mexico-City-Private-Driver.com
Wild cherry tree
Plant a wild cherry tree in your garden. This native North American tree has been a game-changer for attracting various species of birds to my backyard. Wild cherry trees are known for their beautiful white flowers which bloom in early spring. These blossoms attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, which in turn bring more birds to the area. The flowers also produce small dark cherries that mature in late summer or fall, providing a food source for birds during migration.
Zach Shepard, Principal, Braddock Investment Group Inc
The Eastern Red Cedar, or Juniperus virginiana
The Eastern Red Cedar, or Juniperus virginiana, is a medium-sized tree native to eastern North America. Its conical shape and evergreen foliage make it a favorite for landscaping, but its benefits go beyond appearance.
One major advantage of having an Eastern Red Cedar is the shelter it provides for birds. Its dense foliage protects against harsh weather and predators, making it an ideal nesting spot. Birds like cardinals, blue jays, and woodpeckers often call these trees home.
Eastern Red Cedars also help improve air quality. They absorb pollutants like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, common in urban areas. Adding one to your yard can reduce air pollution and support a healthier environment.
Michael Yerardi, Founder & CEO, Turning Point Home Buyers
Native oak trees
Native oak trees have been absolute game-changers for bird attraction, supporting over 500 species of caterpillars that provide essential protein for nesting birds, much like how strategic grant partnerships create multiple pathways for program success. What sets oaks apart is their year-round value proposition: spring caterpillars feed baby birds, summer foliage provides nesting sites, fall acorns sustain migrating species, and winter structure offers shelter during harsh weather. This mirrors effective grant writing, where the strongest proposals demonstrate multi-season impact rather than short-term fixes.
Unlike ornamental trees that offer limited ecological value, native oaks create entire food webs that support diverse bird populations, similar to how comprehensive grant programs address root causes rather than surface symptoms. The key insight is that oaks require patience—they grow slowly but provide decades of increasing returns, just like how sustainable nonprofit programs build community capacity over time rather than delivering quick wins. Smart conservation, like smart fundraising, focuses on long-term ecosystem health rather than immediate visual appeal. That’s how impactful grants fuel mission success.
Ydette Macaraeg, Part-time Marketing Coordinator, ERI Grants
Eastern Red Cedar
One tree that’s been a game-changer for attracting birds to my garden is the Eastern Red Cedar. Unlike other trees I’ve tried, it’s a great year-round habitat for a wide variety of bird species. The dense, evergreen foliage provides shelter and nesting sites, while its berries offer food in winter when other sources are scarce. I’ve noticed an increase in species like cedar waxwings and robins since planting it. What sets the Eastern Red Cedar apart is its resilience to different weather conditions—it thrives in both dry and wet soil, which makes it low-maintenance and perfect for a variety of climates. It’s also native to my area, which means the local wildlife is naturally more drawn to it. It’s been a great addition to my garden and a reliable haven for birds throughout the year.
Nikita Sherbina, Co-Founder & CEO, AIScreen
Western Redbud
When I moved into my current home in Marin five years ago, I had no idea the Western Redbud would completely change the game for attracting birds to my pretty standard suburban yard. I picked it mostly because it’s native to California and can handle drought, but honestly, I was floored when it turned my yard into a bird hotspot—hummingbirds in the spring, then finches and chickadees hanging around all summer and fall.
The Redbud stands out for its “four-season value.” In early spring, those magenta flowers pull in hummingbirds. By summer, the heart-shaped leaves host insects, which chickadees seem to love.
Come fall, the seed pods feed the finches. Even in winter, the tree’s branching gives birds a place to perch.
Last April, I counted 12 different bird species in one afternoon while working in my home office, just looking out at that tree. Before planting it, I’d spot maybe an occasional crow—what a difference.
If you want your garden to buzz with birdlife, start with native trees. Local birds and plants have evolved together, so it just makes sense—they give birds what they need, right when they need it.
I’m convinced now: the real trick isn’t about one resource or another. It’s about growing a living ecosystem where birds can find food, shelter, and nesting spots all year, not just for a few weeks.
Joe Hawtin, Owner, Marin County Visitor
