Do you know what a “snag” is? No, it’s not a pull on your sweater. It’s actually a dead tree left to decompose standing upright, and snag trees are vital to keeping the delicate ecosystem thriving in your backyard. According to the National Wildlife Federation, dead trees provide needed nourishment and shelter for up to 1,000 species of wildlife. It’s easy to create a snag; just leave a dead tree upright. Make sure it’s a safe distance from your home; all you need is one snag per acre of land for maximum effect.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If mosquitoes have overtaken your backyard during the summer months, consider inviting another guest to your party: a bat. One bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes in a single night, and bats are considered one of the best predators to keep invasive insect populations at bay. You can buy a bat house online and in stores to encourage bats to call your yard home. When installing it, look for a sunny spot and be sure to hang it at least 15 feet above the ground. Avoid installing on the side of trees, where bats are less likely to move in because of the location’s susceptibility to predators; the side of your house or on a pole is best.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Fall is an excellent time to help wildlife, big and small, prepare for the harsh winter months. While raking the leaves may make your yard look pristine, think twice and leave a few piles to help wildlife. As leaf piles decay, they become a much-needed resource for birds, reptiles and amphibians. Insects and other food sources hide in these leaves, and the larger animals scavenge inside the piles for nourishment. One more reason to leave leaves unraked: As they decay, they add nourishment to your soil.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION