Are Rabbits Damaging Your Trees?

In our last blog, we discussed how to protect your landscaping trees from territorial bucks. But there is another species of animal that you should also watch out for: rabbits. Rabbits are a common tree pest this time of year, and their bad habits can cause your trees to suffer a swift decline. If you notice even a minor level of rabbit activity around your property, it is wise to take the proper precautions in protecting your trees from damage.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about rabbits and tree damage in spring.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518

Tree and Shrub Rabbit Damage

During the spring, rabbits target young trees and shrubs for the inner tissue between the bark and wood of the trunk and stems. They start at the base of the trunk, and work their way around the tree; a behavior known as tree girdling. This eventually kills a tree because the downward flow of nutrients from the foliage to the root system is disrupted.

Other animals are known for this type of tree damage too, such as voles. In fact, see our blog, “How to Put a Stop to Vole Girdling” to learn more. This feeding activity increases when springtime yields are in bloom. Their favorite trees and shrubs to pillage include apple, barberry, burning bush, crabapple, flowering quince, honey locust, pear, raspberries, redbud, roses, serviceberry, and winged euonymus.

If you have any of these trees or shrubs on your property, you can be sure rabbits are on the hunt, nearby. Even if you do not have these particular kinds, but other trees and shrubs, your property can still be a target this season. This likelihood is increased when food is scarce and rabbit populations are high, which often occurs in the springtime when their reproduction cycles are most active.

Protection Against Nuisance Rabbits

Fortunately, there is plenty of precautions you can take to ensure your trees and shrubs are guarded against rabbits and other types of pests. The best method that has been an accepted practice across the board is fencing and chicken wire. Since rabbits can dig and burrow, you must plant chicken wire fencing a foot into the ground, followed by an actual fence tall enough so rabbits cannot jump over.

Another approach is tree wrapping. You can wrap a tree in a metal sheet, which obstructs their ability to access the bark. This, however, can be high maintenance and not visually appealing. Your best option is to discuss your tree care agenda with a licensed tree care professional who can give you advice and instruction based on extensive hands-on experience.

When nothing else seems to abate the rabbit damage to your trees, you may require professional wildlife control assistance, which includes making certain changes to your landscaping to thwart nuisance animal activity altogether.

Indianapolis Tree Service

Call Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree service you can trust. We are highly trained and experienced tree care technicians that offer commercial and residential tree services at affordable prices. Request an estimate or advice anytime. Call 317-783-2518 to learn more about tree care in Indianapolis, IN today.

Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518
Indianapolis Tree Care 317-783-2518