When winter storms roll in, our gardens are usually (sorry) the first thing we stop thinking about. Lawns disappear under white flurries, flower beds go dormant, and everything feels as if it's been paused until spring. For birds, though, winter yards can quickly become hostile terrain... especially when snow and ice linger.
That's right: snowy lawns can be slippery and dangerous for hungry birds trying to move, feed, or rest. While our feathered friends are naturally well equipped for wintry weather, icy surfaces increase the risk of slips and injuries, particularly for any beaky beauties that spend time walking or hopping across the ground.
The solution is delightfully low-tech: scatter a few tennis balls across your lawn or anywhere birds tend to land. Why, though?
Why Tennis Balls Are Great For Birds
It's one of those simple ideas that can transform your backyard into a bona fide bird sanctuary, because, when scattered on top of snow or frost, tennis balls create dry, textured landing spots birds can safely use.
These raised areas give birds somewhere to stand, regroup, and look for food without constantly slipping. And, because tennis balls are lightweight, they sit neatly on the snow’s surface instead of sinking.
Throw in the fact that their rubbery texture provides grip, and their bright color makes them visible against white ground, and it's little wonder tennis balls are being heralded as the easiest way to help birds identify safe spots at a glance.
Gardeners and bird advocates have begun recommending this sneaky tennis ball hack to all those who have birds flocking to their yard on a regular basis, especially during freeze-thaw cycles. That's because, as snow melts slightly during the day and refreezes overnight, lawns can become slick and compacted (aka one of the most challenging surfaces for wildlife to navigate).
On top of this, tennis balls can help with visibility, too. Think about it: snow and frost often obscures all of the tasty birdseed, fallen berries, and invertebrates that birds forage from the ground.
By disrupting that blanket of white, tennis balls make it easier for our favorite garden visitors to spot potential food sources nearby.
Where And When To Use Them
This trick is most useful during prolonged icy conditions rather than light snowfall. Place tennis balls after snow has settled, scattering a handful across open lawn areas to create a loose network of resting points, as well as focusing on areas birds already visit (think near feeders or under shrubs).
Once weather improves or snow melts, it’s best to remove them to avoid interfering with lawn growth or garden aesthetics. And, if you’re concerned about visual impact, remember this: you don't need thousands, just a handful.
Older, faded tennis balls tend to blend in better, too – not to mention give you a chance to repurpose any less-than-pristine balls that would otherwise be thrown away. Sustainability at its finest, eh?
Winter Bird Feeding Essentials:
We all know that winter can be a critical time for birds, especially during extreme weather. And, while scattering a few tennis balls may seem strange at first, it’s one of those easy, low-effort ways to make your garden more bird-friendly without setting up scores of feeders.
Sometimes, the smallest gestures really do work best.
