How to Attract Tree Frogs to My Yard

Red-eyed tree frogs are just one of many species of tree frog.

The iconic red-eyed tree frog, familiar from rainforest conservation posters, is native to Central America, and if you don’t live there you won’t have much chance attracting the species to your yard. However, different tree frogs have different ranges, and between them they cover much of the world, including much of North America. With tree frog species in decline, attracting them to your yard helps with conservation efforts. Provide a suitable habitat and you could have your own miniature nature reserve. Frogs are also useful in a garden because they consume common pests, such as slugs and mosquitoes.

Things You'll Need

• Native trees, shrubs and plants
• Spade
• Pond liner
• Bucket
• Rocks or scrap wood
• PVC pipe

Instructions

1. Garden organically. Tree frogs are highly sensitive to toxins in their environment. Garden pesticides in particular are dangerous to far more than pests. Opt for natural solutions, such as physically picking off caterpillars. Only use chemicals, even organic ones, as a last resort.

2. Plant trees, shrubs and other vegetation native to your region to recreate a natural forest habitat in your garden. For example, in the southern states, including parts of Florida, Texas and Kentucky, you could attract the American green tree frog by providing natural habitat.

3. Dig a pond near the vegetation and add native aquatic plants. Some tree frogs, including the widespread American green tree frog, breed in natural pools. Don’t introduce fish to the pond as fish have a habit of eating tadpoles or frogspawn. Let the pond mature naturally; local animals should arrive by themselves. Alternatively, add a bucket of water from an existing wildlife pond to speed things up.

4. Create a pile of loosely stacked rocks or scrap wood, which provides valuable shelter for tree and other frogs. Choose a damp, shaded location for the pile.

5. Position foot-long pieces of PVC pipe near the pond to provide additional frog shelters.

6. Supervise your pets outside. Cats and dogs are carnivores and may attack frogs or other amphibians. Aside from the dangers to the amphibians, and the possibility that they will be scared away, many frogs, salamanders and toads are poisonous and could make your pet ill.

Tips & Warnings

• Never release amphibians from pet shops into your yard. Exotic species can cause serious problems to native wildlife.

• Don’t collect amphibians from the wild and put them in your yard. Let them come of their own accord.

References

• Oregon State University; Attract Reptiles and Amphibians to Your Yard; D. Cates, et al.; July 2002
• Queensland Government: Attracting Frogs to Your Garden
• University of Michigan Museum of Zoology; Animal Diversity Web -- Hyla cinerea Green Treefrog; Michael Nichols