Why Some People Leave a Tennis Ball in Their Garden During Winter – A Surprisingly Handy Trick ?

When you’re walking through the neighborhood this winter and spot a tennis ball sitting in a neighbor’s garden, you might think it’s just an old toy left behind after autumn. But, surprisingly, this simple trick could be one of the best things you can do to help your garden—and its animal visitors—during the colder months.

The Simple Trick: A Tennis Ball in Your Garden’s Water

As the winter months settle in, gardeners often take steps to protect their plants from the cold. This includes using covers for fragile plants, spreading mulch, and safeguarding against freezing temperatures. But it’s not just the plants that need attention; our local wildlife, such as birds, hedgehogs, and squirrels, also face challenges when the temperature drops. That’s where a simple tennis ball can make a difference.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) has recommended an unexpected solution: leave a tennis ball (or even a ping pong ball) in a specific spot in your garden, particularly if you have a pond or any water source. This small action could help animals access fresh water throughout the winter months.

Why Does a Tennis Ball Help ?

When temperatures plummet, even small bodies of water can freeze over, preventing wildlife from drinking. That’s where the tennis ball comes in. By simply placing the ball in a pond, birdbath, or any water container, you’re giving wildlife a fighting chance. As the ball floats on the water’s surface, the slight movement caused by wind helps to break up any ice trying to form. This keeps a small area of water unfrozen, ensuring animals can still drink. Even better, the ball’s constant motion also helps oxygenate the water, improving its quality for the creatures coming to hydrate.

While this technique might not make a big difference in larger ponds, it works wonders for smaller garden water features, like birdbaths, small ponds, or pet water bowls. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to ensure that animals have access to water during freezing nights.

A Small Gesture with Big Benefits

If you’re worried that the tennis ball might scare animals away, there’s an easy fix: simply remove the ball during the day. That way, animals, even the more shy ones, won’t be intimidated by the bright yellow ball. At night, pop it back in place to help them find water when they need it the most.

This tiny, seemingly insignificant gesture is crucial for the survival of wildlife in your garden during the winter. Whether it’s providing water for birds, squirrels, or hedgehogs, leaving a ball in the water could make all the difference for these creatures trying to get through the cold season.

A Simple Act of Kindness

So, as you’re busy raking leaves, playing a game of soccer, or having a snowball fight this winter, don’t forget to place a tennis ball by your garden’s water sources. It’s a simple action that could make a world of difference for your feathered and furry friends. They’ll appreciate your kindness, and you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve made your garden a more welcoming place for wildlife during the colder months.