The presence of a bird feeder often results in a dense patch of sprouting weeds directly underneath, creating an unsightly mess. This occurs when uneaten seeds, scattered by birds, land on the soil and are exposed to the moisture and sunlight necessary for germination. Since many commercial bird seed mixes contain viable seeds like sunflower, millet, and corn, the area beneath the feeder essentially becomes an accidental planting bed. Fortunately, several non-toxic strategies exist to manage this growth, focusing on prevention through feeder modifications, seed selection, and ground treatment.
Minimizing Seed Scatter with Feeder Adjustments
One of the most effective ways to prevent seeds from sprouting is to physically intercept them before they reach the ground. Attaching a seed catcher tray, often called a seed skirt, directly underneath the feeder captures the bulk of spilled seed and hulls. These trays convert the area below the port into a secondary feeding platform, allowing ground-feeding birds like juncos and doves to safely consume the fallen material. The trays should include drainage holes to prevent water from collecting and turning the captured seed into a moldy slurry.
The type of feeder selected also influences the amount of spillage. Tube feeders with small, individual ports tend to scatter less seed than open platform feeders, where birds can easily shuffle through the mix. Regular maintenance involves cleaning out any wet or stuck seed within the feeder itself to prevent clumping and spillage. For feeders placed over lawns or garden beds, moving the feeder’s location periodically prevents a large accumulation of viable seed in one spot, giving the previous area time to recover.
Selecting Seed Mixes That Won’t Sprout
Changing the food offered is the most direct method to eliminate the problem. Hulled seeds, such as sunflower hearts or chips, are a superior alternative because the protective outer shell necessary for germination has been removed. Birds eat these seeds completely, leaving behind no mess and no chance for the seed to grow.
“No-grow” or “no-mess” seed blends are engineered specifically to prevent sprouting, often containing de-husked ingredients or seeds heat-treated to destroy the embryo’s viability. Nyjer seed, frequently used for finches, is a naturally effective option because imported Nyjer is required by the USDA to be sterilized at high temperatures, ensuring it cannot sprout. Avoiding inexpensive seed mixes is also advisable, as they often contain “filler” seeds like milo, cracked corn, or wheat that many birds discard, leaving them on the ground to germinate.
Treating the Ground Under the Feeder
Even with the best preventative measures, some seeds will inevitably reach the soil, requiring a plan for the ground area. Creating a physical barrier under the feeder prevents seeds from making contact with the soil necessary for growth. Hardscaping options like paving stones, patio blocks, or concrete create a non-porous surface that makes sweeping up spilled seeds and hulls easy and efficient.
For a softer landscape, a deep layer of mulch or gravel can serve as a barrier, although regular raking is necessary to prevent seeds from settling into the material. Another strategy is using dense, low-growing ground cover plants like clover or creeping myrtle, which shade the soil and make it difficult for spilled seeds to receive enough light to sprout. Regularly raking and sweeping the area to remove fallen seeds before they establish roots remains a simple, non-toxic, and effective maintenance task.