How To Properly And Safely Mount A Birdhouse To A Tree

Birdhouses are a wonderful and functional addition to any yard, providing a place for birds to nest, stay safe from predators, and stay out of the elements. With so many birdhouse styles available, like these adorable birdhouse kits that homeowners are loving, you may be wondering how to choose the perfect birdhouse for your yard. Consider the birds that visit your yard and the ones you want to attract before you choose. Determine the perfect size hole for your birdhouse and the overall size and design of the house, and try to choose one that works for several different-sized birds. Once you have decided on the birdhouse you want, you will need to properly and safely mount it to a tree somewhere in your yard.

There are several things to consider when it comes to hanging your birdhouse. Where you place it and how it is mounted can make a big difference in whether birds actually choose to use the birdhouse. You want to choose a quiet spot that is a little bit away from high-traffic areas such as bird baths and feeders. You also want to avoid mounting the birdhouses close to areas of your yard that see a lot of activity from pets, kids, and your guests. Once you find the perfect spot, you want to make sure that you mount it safely while not harming the trees you mount the birdhouses to. Below are a variety of ways to mount your birdhouses without bringing any harm to the trees.

One of the first ways to safely hang a birdhouse is by strapping it to the tree. Use flat nylon webbing, which will not do any damage, and attach the straps to the birdhouse securely, making sure there are no sharp points coming through the wood into the birdhouse. Once the straps are attached, place the birdhouse against the tree at the recommended minimum height of 5 feet from the ground. Different species of birds prefer different heights, so take the types of birds the house is for and adjust the height accordingly. When using this method, check the tree regularly to make sure the strap isn't too tight and girdling the tree.

Zip ties are another way to attach the birdhouse to the tree without harming it. Make some holes in the birdhouse that the zip ties can pass through, that won't interfere with the inside of the birdhouse. Once the zip ties are attached, select where you want to place the birdhouse and wrap the ties around the branch or trunk and secure. Cut off any excess ties so they don't injure the birds. Check the zip ties regularly to ensure there is no damage to the tree as it grows. If any branches extend straight out from the trunk of the tree, you can attach a hook and tie to the top of the birdhouse, then tie it around the extended branch. Keep the tie short to prevent excessive movement that will deter the birds.