Why some people leave a tennis ball in their yard all winter?—clever trick revealed

When taking a winter stroll around your neighborhood, you might notice a tennis ball perched in a friend’s garden. It may look like a forgotten piece of sports equipment, but this simple object is actually part of a clever strategy to help both gardens and their animal visitors survive the cold season.

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

As winter settles in, gardeners naturally take steps to protect their beloved plants by using covers or adding a layer of mulch. Yet, it’s not just our flora that needs safeguarding—local wildlife such as birds, hedgehogs, and squirrels also face hardships when water sources freeze. That’s where the surprising role of a tennis ball comes in.

Many animal welfare organizations, including advice echoed by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), point out that placing a tennis ball (or even a lightweight ping pong ball) in a pond, birdbath, or any outdoor water container can prevent a complete freeze. With the ball floating, even a slight breeze creates enough movement to break up any forming ice. This little bit of motion helps maintain a small area of unfrozen, drinkable water—a lifeline for animals during harsh winter nights.

Why Does a Tennis Ball Help?

Consider the challenge: even a shallow pond or birdbath can turn into a solid block of ice, leaving thirsty critters with no access to water. By introducing a tennis ball into the mix, you essentially create a moving barrier that disrupts ice formation. As the ball drifts on the water’s surface, the minute movements it triggers help keep a vital spot open. Additionally, this movement can assist in oxygenating the water, slightly enhancing its quality for visiting wildlife.

I once observed a neighbor carefully switching a tennis ball in and out of his garden’s birdbath. He explained that if the ball stayed out during the day, a few timid birds would avoid it, but at night, placing it back in ensured that those in need would have a chance to drink. This simple yet ingenious trick underscores how a small gesture can have a big impact.

A Small Gesture with Big Benefits

For those who worry that a bright, bouncing tennis ball might deter animals, there’s a straightforward solution: remove it during the day. This simple act minimizes any potential intimidation for shy wildlife, and when you place it back out at night, the animals reap the benefit of accessible water.

This small act of kindness is a win–win situation. Not only does it help our feathered and furry neighbors stay hydrated during freezing temperatures, but it also enhances the overall ecosystem of your garden. As noted by wildlife enthusiasts and organizations like the RSPCA, every little step towards creating a supportive environment counts.

In my own backyard, watching birds dip into a small water feature each winter now brings a smile to my face—a reminder that even the simplest solutions can create comfort and opportunity for nature. So, the next time you’re tending to your winter garden, consider this clever trick. It’s a low-effort, high-impact way to help ensure that all creatures, great and small, have access to vital water during the coldest months.