Editing How to Attract Woodpeckers to Your Yard (section)

== Create the Right Habitat ==

Woodpeckers are primarily attracted to wooded areas with mature trees. To make your yard appealing:

- Maintain mature trees, especially oaks, pines, and other native species1<ref name="ref2">2</ref>. Dead or dying trees (snags) are particularly attractive to woodpeckers if they can be safely left standing3<ref name="ref12">12</ref>.

- Plant native fruit-bearing trees and shrubs like serviceberry, elderberry, dogwood, and wild grapes1<ref name="ref3">3</ref>[9].

- Leave fallen logs and branches in place when possible, as these attract insects woodpeckers feed on1<ref name="ref3">3</ref>.

- Maintain an open, park-like setting with less dense understory vegetation[11].