Want Hummingbirds to Nest in Your Yard? Hummers Adore These 8 Nesting Trees – And They Look Amazing!

I’m not ashamed to say that when things get tough for me, there are a few videos that always cheer me up – and one of them is a short of a hummingbird bath filled with exuberant little jewel-tinted birds, splashing and humming, darting upwards and sideways as if on string, then appearing again with audible vibrations, splashing some more, humming some more… well, you get the idea. It’s a thing of beauty.

For those of us lucky enough to see these tiny living gems in the backyard, a fleeting glimpse is never enough: we’ll always want to attract more hummingbirds whenever we can. That shimmering blur of iridescent feathers is always welcome, and it’s understandable to want more than a quick zip of color vibrating against a salvia spire or trembling penstemon. And when certain key nectar-rich flowering displays may be months away, these shimmering garden visitors can seem even more elusive.

The thing is, if you’ve ever wished these tiny jewels would stay longer, the secret lies not just in what they eat, but in where they rest and nest. And as spring begins in earnest, hummers are searching out cushy dwellings that afford them sanctuary and allow them to nest in safety. So if you have the right hummingbird nesting tree, you can create an environment that is conducive to your own families of hummers.

Set out the best room and board on the block, and your hummers will be sticking around to rear a dazzling brood, all happy to enjoy the amenities. By growing the right trees as well as nectar-rich flowers, you provide the structural foundation for the next generation of enchantment. So here are 8 low-maintenance, multi-seasonal trees you can grow – some offering floral treats, and others affording protection for teeny chicks. Balancing privacy, shelter, and the odd snack, they all make lovely trees for hummingbird nesting – and a summer of good vibrations.

Choose a Hummingbird Nesting Tree

Before we dive into our hummingbird trees, it helps to understand the hummingbird’s wish list. Hummingbirds don't just pick a tree at random. They seek out specific architecture, usually thin, horizontal branches with a V or Y fork shape that can cradle a nest little bigger than a walnut shell. Hummers also prioritize protection, both from weather extremities and predators. A good hummingbird tree for nesting offers a leafy umbrella to shield them from the sun and rain, while being dense enough to hide them from hungry blue jays and crows.

Consider a multi-layered approach to help nesting birds. Aim for a mix of security and nectar, so momma bird has everything she needs within a few wingbeats. Luckily, many of the trees listed here are versatile, as well as easy on the eye. You can buy them as large shrubs and prune them into small, multi-stemmed trees, making them perfect for smaller yards.

Just check they will be ok in your USDA hardiness zone and ensure your soil is well-drained. It’s also wise to give new additions a healthy layer of organic mulch this spring, such as my favorite Back to the Roots Organic Premium Mulch, which you can get from Amazon. This will help trees to establish strong root systems to support nests for years to come. Happy trees means happy hummers!

1. Red Buckeye

The magnificent red buckeye is the pied a terre of choice for hummingbird lovers in the Eastern and Southern US. This spring showstopper exudes a mass of upright clusters of fiery red, tubular flowers (basically, the most favorite of all favorite things that hummers love). It blooms as the ruby-throated hummingbirds are finishing their long migration north, and is an early beacon of color in the yard. You can buy Red Buckeye Trees from Amazon as one-year-old plants.

It flowers for 2-4 weeks in early spring and is a highly prized nectar source for returning ruby-throats. Hummingbirds are often seen scouting these trees before they fully bloom, remembering the location from previous years. This is a small, manageable tree, reaching 15-25 feet (4.5-7.6 m), its dense, palmate leaves create a lush canopy, with the mid-height cover hummers prefer for safety. However, it’s a slow grower, so buying a larger specimen can help with optimum nesting height.

Red buckeyes (Aesculus pavia) thrive in USDA zones 4-9 and love moist, well-drained soil. They appreciate a bit of afternoon shade in summer to prevent leaf scorch. This April, give yours a boost with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer and keep the soil consistently moist.

2. Sycamore

These iconic giants are beloved by Western hummingbirds, particularly the black-chinned variety. The real draw with the sycamore isn't just the height (although this is impressive) – it’s also the leaves. The underside of a fuzzy sycamore leaf is covered in a soft, felt-like down, which female hummingbirds love. Mommas harvest this fluff to line the inside of their nests, creating a soft, stretchy sock for their eggs.

It’s not just the leaf that allows this low maintenance tree to work its magic when hummingbirds nest. Sycamores (Platanus spp.) have naturally shedding bark that creates little crevices. Hummers will often tuck their nests right against these bark ridges for extra wind protection. Sycamores are tough, fast-growing trees in USDA zones 4-9. They need space to spread their limbs, so plant away from power lines.

These are also water-tolerant trees, making them great for rain gardens or damp spots. If you have a low spot in the yard that stays damp, that’s where the sycamore (and consequently the birds) will be happiest. In spring, prune away crossing branches to maintain those perfect nesting forks for nesting hummers. Buy American Sycamore Trees from Fast Growing Trees.

3. Crabapple Tree

The crabapple (malus) is a backyard dream for a hummer, with good reason. Its branching structure is naturally twiggy and intricate, providing an abundance of anchor points for tiny nests. In full bloom, it can be a buzzing cloud of activity. While the nectar is a draw, this tree also attracts the tiny gnats and fruit flies that mother hummers can catch mid-air to feed hungry chicks.

Crabapples bloom in a riot of color for a couple of weeks in spring. The sight of a tiny nest tucked amongst these spring blossoms is a total charmer. These small flowering trees are super hardy (USDA zones 4-8) and adapt to most soil types, as long as they have full sun. They are also great for small yard spaces.

Spring is the time to mulch around the base to retain moisture as the blossoms set.To keep them healthy for hummers, look for disease-resistant varieties like ‘Sugar Tyme’ and ‘Prairifire’ for the most vibrant flower-to-bird ratio. You can buy ‘Prairifire’ Crabapple Trees from Nature Hills.

4. Seven-Son Tree

When asked “what trees do hummingbirds like the best?” this tree often gets namechecked. "Temple of Bloom" is a rising star, but there is a lot to love about this epic hummer nesting beauty. While many trees flower in spring, the Seven-Son tree saves its fragrant white blossoms for late summer, providing a vital nectar boost for young hummingbirds preparing for their 500-mile southern migration.

Its peeling, tan bark and multi-stemmed habit offer a unique, sheltered architecture that is highly attractive for nesters, as well as offering multi-season interest. And after the white flowers fall, the calyxes turn a vivid cherry red, making it look like the tree is blooming twice. Buy ‘Temple of Bloom’ Seven-Son from Fast Growing Trees.

Happy in USDA zones 5-9, the Seven-Son tree (Heptacodium miconioides) loves full sun to partial shade. It’s adaptable to different soil types, but if you’re planting one this spring, ensure you give it plenty of water during its first summer. It can be easily pruned to maintain a shrub-tree height that keeps the hummingbirds at eye level.

5. Native Hawthorn

When it comes to security, native hawthorns reign supreme. Yes, hawthorns have small, protective thorns which can give us a few issues at pruning time – but this is exactly why hummingbirds love them. They can build their nests deep within the thorny thicket. Indeed, hummers have been observed choosing branches near the sharpest thorns. They know that a squirrel or a larger predatory bird won't risk a poked eye to get to the nest. That’s one heck of a security system.

The spring flowers are a beautiful bonus for pollinators of all kinds, as these trees explode in white or pink blossoms in the spring. The red berries (haws) last well into winter, supporting your non-migratory local birds after the hummers have headed south, making this a very agreeable tree to have year round for all manner of resident wildlife.

Hawthorns (Crataegus spp.) are rugged and handle urban pollution or wind well (USDA zones 3-9). Bear in mind that they prefer well-drained soil and full sun. In early spring, you just need to check for any signs of fireblight and prune it out to keep the canopy healthy and safe for nesting. You can buy Washington Hawthorn Trees from Amazon as two-year-old plants.

6. Desert Willow

For hummingbird lovers in the Southwest and West Coast, the desert willow is an essential nesting hub. It’s not actually a willow, but its slender, drooping leaves give it a graceful, willow-like appearance. This tree produces stunning, orchid-like flowers that are total magnets for Costa’s and black-chinned hummingbirds. You can buy ‘Bubba Jones’ Desert Willow from Fast Growing Trees.

This tree is a marathon bloomer, showcasing those exotic pinks and purples from May all the way through September. The trumpet-shaped flowers are an evolutionary hand-in-glove fit for a hummingbird's beak. The open branching habit of this striking tree also provides those perfect 45-degree angles hummers love for nest placement.

The desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) is a drought-tolerant champion for USDA zones 7-11. It needs excellent drainage and thrives in the heat. Avoid over-watering or over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak branches. If you’re in a humid climate, plant it on a slight mound to ensure the roots stay dry. Prune in late winter or early spring to encourage the new growth where the flowers will appear.

7. Birch Tree

Birch (Betula spp.) is one of my personal favorites for many reasons – they are amongst the most giving of all trees, and that generous spirit has not gone unnoticed by our diminutive nesting friends. That striking bark makes birch trees highly desirable to expectant hummer mothers. You might not know it, but these dainty birds are masters of camouflage. They use spider silk to glue bits of birch bark and lichen to the outside of their nests, making them look like a natural knot or bump on the branch.

The papery bark of a river birch or paper birch provides great camouflage materials. The flexible, weeping limbs of many birch varieties are another huge benefit. They allow the nest to sway safely in the wind, rather than being buffeted against a stiff branch. You can buy a range of gorgeous birch trees from Nature Hills, including the paper birch and river birch.

Thriving in USDA zones 3-9, birches want their roots kept moist and shaded, even if their leaves are in the sunshine. Apply a thick 3-inch (8 cm) layer of wood chip mulch this April to keep the root zone cool. Birch is susceptible to tree borers, so keep the tree stress-free with regular watering. In the spring, give your birch a deep soak once a week.

8. Tulip Poplar

If you have a larger yard (lucky you), then this is the one for you – and for the inquisitive hummingbird, the tulip poplar is the penthouse suite of luxury nesting. These big trees can reach staggering heights, as high as 60 feet (18 m) tall, and this suits many hummingbirds just fine, in their quest to nest away from predatory activity.

And let’s talk about the flowers, shall we? The tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) produces massive, cup-shaped yellow, orange and green flowers high in the canopy. These tulip flowers are basically nectar bowls for hummers. Each massive flower can hold up to a teaspoon of nectar. That is a massive calorie payout for a bird that usually drinks by the drop.

Best for USDA zones 4-9, these trees need plenty of room to grow. They prefer deep, rich, moist soil. If you plant one this year, remember they are fast growers! In spring, ensure they have plenty of water to support their rapid leaf development. These broad leaves provide excellent umbrellas for tiny nests in heavy downpours. You can buy the Tulip Poplar from Fast Growing Trees.

Shop Hummingbird Essentials

So now we’ve addressed the question, “Where do hummingbirds nest?” But before any eggs are laid, help your hummers enhance their lush abode with these essentials. From natural fibers to sugar-rich nibbles, these curated finds will give the finishing touches to your nesting sanctuary.

Structural Superstars for Security

While many of the trees on this list are gorgeous spring or summer flowering trees, and some are capable of nectar treats, there is still a need for solid performers that can be protective and reliable in a crisis. This calls for structural superstars that can create the ultimate hideaway. For early-season nesters like Anna’s hummingbird (which can begin building as early as February in some regions), some deciduous trees can be a little exposed. But there are a few key performers that won’t let your hummers down. They may not be flashy, but they also provide a lovely service.

Oak trees (Quercus spp.) are real heavy lifters, and many keep their leaves year round. Their sheer limb density and horizontal shelving provide unmatched stability. Oaks also host more species of caterpillars than any other tree. To a nesting hummer, this is a clear winner for her babies. You can buy a range of lovely oaks from Nature Hills, including the Northern Red and the Chinkapin.

Douglas fir and western red cedar are true year-rounders, offering thick, needle-laden branches. In terms of thermal protection, these gentle giants are as snuggly as a blanket to a hummer. Finally, witch hazel’s unique zigzagging branch pattern creates stable V forks that are virtually impossible for a nest to slip from. Since witch hazels tend to bloom in late fall or very early spring (depending on the variety), they provide cover when other trees are bare. ‘Arnold Promise’ Witch Hazel, available from Nature Hills, is a genuine delight with its delicate, aromatic flowers.

Providing a home for a hummingbird is one of the most rewarding projects a gardener can undertake – and these trees give you the added advantage of extra time spent observing these charming little color magnets zipping hither and yon amidst the backyard canopies. So as you head out into the yard this weekend to mulch your buckeyes, remember: you’re not just growing a tree – you’re helping to nurture a safe and happy future hummer brood. Enjoy the show!

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