Here’s why some people leave a tennis ball in their garden during winter—a little-known yet very handy trick

If you’ve ever spotted a lone tennis ball floating in a neighbor’s garden during the winter, you might have thought it was just a forgotten toy from the summer. But there’s actually a clever little trick behind this seemingly random sight. It turns out that leaving a tennis ball in your garden, especially near water, can be a surprisingly helpful gesture for your garden’s wildlife during the colder months.

A Simple Yet Impactful Trick for Winter Wildlife

As winter rolls in, gardeners everywhere start thinking about how to protect their plants from the harsh cold. You’ve probably already covered your fragile plants with tarps, added mulch, or taken steps to prevent frost damage. But what about the animals that share your outdoor space? Birds, squirrels, hedgehogs, and even the occasional fox could use a little help too when it comes to surviving the winter chill.

That’s where the tennis ball comes in. While it may sound quirky at first, this simple trick has been recommended by wildlife organizations like the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) as a way to make sure local wildlife can access water during freezing temperatures.

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Why a Tennis Ball?

Here’s the genius behind the tennis ball. When temperatures drop, even small ponds or birdbaths can freeze over, creating a thick sheet of ice that blocks animals from drinking. But if you leave a tennis ball (or even a ping-pong ball) in the water overnight, it can help break up the ice. As the ball floats, it moves just enough to keep the surface from freezing solid, allowing animals like birds, hedgehogs, and other creatures to get to the water they need.

The best part? This is an incredibly low-effort solution that anyone can try. Simply place the ball in a birdbath, small pond, or water bowl before bedtime, and let it work its magic overnight.

How It Works : More Than Just Ice Prevention

The floating ball does more than just break up the ice. Its movement—caused by wind or water currents—helps oxygenate the water, making it fresher and more inviting for thirsty creatures. That’s particularly important in colder weather when stagnant water can become less palatable. So, not only does the tennis ball keep the ice at bay, but it also helps improve the quality of the water, making it easier for animals to stay hydrated.

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This little trick works best in small water features—like a birdbath, small garden pond, or even a pet’s water bowl. While it may not have much of an impact on larger ponds or lakes, for those of us with modest backyard water features, it’s an easy, effective solution.

How to Use This Trick to Help Winter Wildlife ?

The trick is so simple, you might wonder why you didn’t think of it before. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Pick your spot: Choose a water feature where animals are likely to drink, such as a birdbath or small pond.
  2. Place a tennis ball: Set the ball gently on the surface of the water and leave it overnight.
  3. Keep an eye out: In the morning, you can remove the ball to give animals the chance to approach the water without feeling wary of the “intruder” in their space.

This might seem like a small gesture, but it could make all the difference in a cold, hard winter. Plus, it’s a great way to help local wildlife without having to spend a lot of time or money.

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A Thoughtful Winter Gesture

So, next time you’re raking leaves, having a snowball fight, or just enjoying a chilly walk around your garden, consider leaving a tennis ball by your birdbath or pond. It’s a small action, but it can be incredibly rewarding for the animals that depend on your garden for water, especially when the temperatures dip below freezing. Who knew that something as simple as a tennis ball could make such a big difference?

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