Wildlife Around Your House

When your house was built, it displaced the native plants and animals that occupied the land. Some of them are still outside, amidst your garden plants and pets.

Which plants around my house are native and which ones are invasive?

Native species evolved here over thousands of years to become a local eco-system. Native plants are becoming displaced by non-native, invasive species from elsewhere in North America and abroad. Resources for education and action include:

Trees in Halifax

• "Trees of the Acadian Forest" from the Government of Nova Scotia is a handy identification guide.

• The Halifax Tree Project studies Halifax's urban forest.

• Tree Species List describes the trees that HRM plants along city streets.

• iNaturalist invites citizens to submit observations of different trees growing in HRM.

 

Plants in Halifax

• "Grow Me Instead" from the Nova Scotia Invasive Species Council identifies invasive species and suggests native alternatives.

• HRM's "Ecological Streetscapes" encourages residents to plant native species on the verge (or boulevard) between the sidewalk and the street in front of their house.

• Free apps such as PlantNet and iNaturalist enable you to use your phone's camera to identify plants and trees.

Which plants will grow well around my house?

Halifax is located in Plant Hardiness Zone 6b, with an extreme minimum annual temperature between -20°C and -17°C. Plants native to warmer Zones 7–9 are at risk in Halifax.

 

The soil in Halifax is typically acidic, low in organic matter, infertile, and well-drained. Nova Scotia Soil is a handy fact sheet. There is also a Soils of Canada website. The type of bedrock below Halifax causes soil to become acidic, so acid-loving plants that like a pH below neutral 7 will do better. Alternately, you can apply powdered lime periodically to raise the pH of your soil. Due to Halifax's well-drained soil, drought-tolerant plants tend to do better. Soil also can be amended to improve plant productivity. Halifax Seed offers local gardening tips.

 

You can send soil samples from around your house for testing by the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture's Analytical Lab in Truro. They will send you back a report on the nutrients it contains and which amendments it needs to grow certain plants well.

Which kinds of animals live in my neighbourhood?

Although the rural areas of HRM, Halifax County, and Nova Scotia have plenty of wildlife, larger animals and many bird species avoid the residential areas of urban Halifax.

 

Mammals in Halifax

• According to a local pest control company, urban Halifax is home to small mammals such as squirrels, chipmunks, raccoons, mice, rats, and bats. Deer are occasional visitors, too. At the coast, you may spot porpoises and seals.

• HRM permits cats, dogs, backyard hens, and other animals, but prohibits large snakes and venomous critters.

 

Birds in Halifax

• iNaturalist lists common urban birds in Nova Scotia. Birdwatching is better in other parts of the province.

• NatureNS aims to make Halifax a bird-friendly city.

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  Insects in Halifax

Insect Identification can help you recognize what's outside your house. Most of them are doing their part for ecology, but a few are invasive or dangerous:

• Problem insects for humans include mosquitoes, blacklegged ticks, and European fire ants.

• Problem insects for gardens include aphids, leatherjackets, and white grubs, according to Halifax Seed. Spotted lanternflies and Japanese beetles are also a problem.

• Problem insects for certain trees include the brown spruce longhorn beetle, emerald ash borer, and hemlock woolly adelgid.

For annoying insects inside your house, see the Pests section.