Randy Nelson Clay County Extension
Randy Nelson Clay County Extension Educator
Time to protect trees and shrubs from animal damage
Fall is the perfect time to protect your valuable trees and shrubs from the teeth of rabbits, mice, and voles. These animals cause damage by feeding on twigs and bark. Severe feeding may cause permanent disfigurement or even plant death.
A good way to protect the bark of trees from mice, voles, and rabbits is to place a tree guard made of ¼ inch hardware cloth or a plastic tree guard around the base of the tree. The guard should extend an inch below the soil surface, as long as it does not damage any roots. The guard should extend 18-24 inches above the anticipated snow line. Guards should be checked throughout the winter to ensure they are at the proper height. Hardware cloth can be left year-round as long as it is larger than the trunk to allow for growth. Plastic guards should be removed in the spring.
Shrubs can be protected from mice and rabbits by placing a screen made of ¼ inch hardware cloth around the perimeter of the shrub. Place hardware cloth the same as you would for a tree and support it with fence posts if necessary. It is a good idea to check your screens throughout the fall and winter for damage and to make sure no animals have entered the enclosed area.
Repellents may also be used to protect trees and shrubs. Generally, these products are applied directly to the plant or near the plant. Repellants work by making the plant undesirable through taste or smell. It is important to remember that the effectiveness of any repellant will depend on weather conditions, availability of palatable food, and the number of hungry animals.
If rabbits, mice, and voles are a problem in your yard, take some time this fall to protect your valuable trees and shrubs. If you have questions about protecting plants from animal damage please call me at the University of Minnesota Extension office, Clay County at 218-299-7338, 1-800-299-5020 or by email nels1657@umn.edu. Check out our website at https://local.extension.umn.edu/local/clay The University of Minnesota Extension is an equal opportunity educator and employer.
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