Decorative evergreens to put in the front yard

How to give bat houses as gifts and make sure they’re used

Japanese cedar — Cryptomeria japonica — is a popular option. It’s a stately tree with a bit of a shaggy-dog look that is fun. With a moderate growth rate, it would take 30 to 40 years to reach a possible height of 50 to 60 feet. Search “blue spruce” on the University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center website for the page about cytospora canker, which lists blue spruce alternatives. Evaluate where the giftees can put the bat houses. Bats are a bit picky about where they roost. The bat house must be very warm to incubate their pups. This is critical, since they only have one or two pups a year. A southeast or southwest exposure with seven hours of direct sunlight from spring through summer is best. A dark brown or black exterior helps absorb more heat. Vents are good to prevent overheating. Place the bat house 10 to 15 feet above the ground, with the three feet below unobstructed so bats can enter and exit through the bottom. Bigger bat houses are far more successful at attracting bats. (Seven inches deep by 24 inches wide and 12 to 24 inches tall is considered a big house.) They’ll need food (insects) and water sources nearby, of course, and they like open non-crop habitats. “A Homeowner’s Guide to Northeastern Bats and Bat Problems” is an excellent resource online.

University of Maryland Extension’s Home and Garden Information Center offers free gardening and pest information at extension.umd.edu/hgic. Click “Ask Maryland’s Gardening Experts” to send questions and photos.