Brush Pile Habitat
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Ever notice small animals scurrying when you approach a woodpile.
You can dig forever and never seem to find them since it's such a great
hiding place for small animals. Brush piles habitats give similar
protection for wildlife. By clearing an area of loose branches
and sticks, you also remove fire hazard kindling from beneath trees.
(You can also build a lean-to style brush pile by building up against a
downed tree or log). |
top
bottom
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To build a brush
pile in an open area, first lay four logs (6 feet long and 4 to 8 inches
in diameter) parallel to one another about 8 to 12 inches apart on the
ground. Then place four more logs of the same size across and perpendicular
to the first four poles. These will keep "tunnels" open under the pile.
Next add brush: larger limbs first, then smaller branches, until you've
created a structure 4 to 6 feet in height and diameter. Sticks and branches
can then be continually added to the top as the pile rots at the bottom,
providing food for an abundance of earthworms and other insects, enriching
the soil and reducing the need for trash collection. If you want to slow
down the decomposition process, pile the brush up off the ground on cement
blocks.
http://www.floridaconservation.org/viewing/inyourbackyard/mammal.htm |
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