How Attracting Birds To Your Yard Can Affect The Value Of Your Home

If you have ever looked out your window and enjoyed the sight of a bright yellow American goldfinch, or heard the lovely song of a house wren as you have your morning coffee, you know what a delight birds are to have in your backyard. Birds are enjoyable to watch, help reduce stress, and keep the insect population low. But, did you know that attracting birds to your house is also an inexpensive way to improve your property value?

If you're looking for an easy way to increase the worth of your home without spending a ton of money, then you might want to add a couple of birdfeeders to your backyard. Potential homebuyers look for properties where they can surround themselves with nature and wildlife. Having birds in your backyard provides that sense of nature. Birds also add appeal and interest to your landscape, which can boost your property's value even more.

One research study, published in Urban Ecosystems, examined the impact of backyard birds on 368 home sales in Lubbock, TX. This study compared homes with similar features and square footage and found that having a backyard bird population increased mean home prices by more than $32,000. In the study, certain bird species were found to raise the value of homes more than others. Rarer bird species added the most value compared to common species like cardinals, robins, and bluejays. 

There are several ways in which birds increase the value of your house. Certain bird species, including sparrows and finches, eat large amounts of weeds. Having good weed control can help improve the curb appeal of your home, thus increasing your property value. Many homeowners who have backyard birds add native plants to their backyards. Having native landscaping looks nice and also helps raise property values. 

With a little effort, you can turn your backyard into a bird oasis. Birds need food and water; these two basics are the most important. Provide a birdbath, so birds have a source of water and a place to bathe. Place your birdbath in an open space away from dense shrubs to keep birds safe from predators, and change the water every couple of days. Install several feeders in different areas of your yard, and continue to fill feeders with different types of food such as seeds and peanuts. Make sure you clean feeders regularly to help keep them clear of bacteria that can be harmful to your flighted friends.

Use native plants to encourage birds to come to your yard. Native plants will bring more birds to your yard because they provide fruits, nectar, and seeds for birds to eat throughout the year. These plants also provide shelter for birds. The National Wildlife Federation has a tool for looking up native plants by region. Finally, provide a home for birds by installing birdhouses in your yard. Install birdhouses about 10 feet off the ground. Make sure the house is protected from wind and direct sunlight.