Cut Limbs Make Good Brush Piles

Brush and limbs from tree-trimming projects can be an eyesore for home owners or a thing of beauty to wildlife.

This unwanted debris makes fine brush piles for birds, mammals and fish.

Much of the debris is pine and cedar, neither recommended for use in fireplaces and wood stoves because of resin or creosote they may leave in chimneys and stovepipes.

Pine and cedar do fine as brush piles on land and in water.

Fishermen know that submerged brush attracts aquatic organisms and little fish which in turn attract the larger game fish. Crappie especially are associated with brush piles all over the state.

A top from a pine or cedar tree or several branches wrapped together with rope and weighted with something like a concrete block form a quick brush pile for a lake.

Fishermen should make sure the pile is placed deep enough to be out of boat traffic, even when the lake level is low.

On land, a brush pile in a backyard corner or an out of the way spot on farm or timber land is a benefit to all sorts of wildlife, especially rabbits and songbirds.

Even homes in city subdivisions where manicured lawns are prevalent can take a brush pile. Put in out of sight in the back and watch what comes to it.

Brush piles don’t have to be large. Two or three small ones will get more use than one big one.

Outdoor, Pages 7 on 02/07/2013

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