How to Stop Squirrels from Eating Trees

While adorable and lively, squirrels can cause severe damage to trees when they chew on the bark, nibble at branches, and strip them bare. This guide offers an in-depth look at effective strategies to deter squirrels from damaging trees, ensuring your property remains lush and beautiful.

Understanding Why Squirrels Eat Trees

Squirrels chew on tree bark for various reasons. As rodents, their teeth grow continuously, so they gnaw on hard surfaces to maintain manageable tooth lengths. They may also chew through the bark to access the nutrient-rich sapwood underneath, especially in colder months when food sources become limited.

Signs of Squirrel Damage on Trees

Identifying squirrel damage early can help you take preventive measures quickly. Look for these indicators:

• Stripped Bark: Squirrels strip bark to reach the sapwood, often leaving distinct patterns.
• Gnawed Branches: The edges of branches may appear chewed and frayed.
• Holes in Bark: Small, irregular holes can indicate recent squirrel activity.
• Damage to New Shoots: Young branches are often the first targets, especially in spring.

Effective Methods to Stop Squirrels from Eating Trees

1. Install Tree Guards

Tree guards offer a physical barrier against squirrels, preventing them from climbing the tree trunk.

• Use Metal or Plastic Guards: A sturdy metal or plastic guard wrapped around the tree’s base can keep squirrels from climbing. Ensure it’s at least 18 to 24 inches high for the best protection.
• Flexible Fit: The guard should fit securely but allow room for growth, with spiral or cone-shaped designs making installation easier.

2. Apply Squirrel Repellent Sprays

Repellent sprays discourage squirrels from chewing on bark and branches, keeping them away from your trees.

• Natural Repellents: Organic repellents based on garlic or peppermint oil are effective and safe for the environment.
• Frequent Application: To maintain effectiveness, reapply after rain or at least once a week, especially in high-activity areas.

3. Use Physical Barriers Around Vulnerable Trees

Physical barriers offer extra protection, especially for vulnerable trees or younger saplings.

• Tree Netting: Wrap fine-mesh netting around branches and small trunks to limit access.
• Cage-Like Structures: Enclose young trees with wire mesh or netting to keep squirrels from gnawing during critical growth phases.

4. Trim Tree Branches Strategically

Pruning branches reduces access points and makes it harder for squirrels to jump between trees.

• Remove Overlapping Branches: Trim branches that touch neighboring trees, fences, or structures, as these serve as bridges.
• Maintain Clearance from Roofs and Power Lines: Keep branches at least 6 to 8 feet from nearby structures to prevent squirrels from jumping onto them.

5. Set Up Squirrel Feeders Away from Trees

Offering squirrels a designated feeding area can help divert their attention away from your trees.

• Place Feeders Away from Trees: Position feeders at a distance from your trees or close to fences where squirrels won’t have direct access to tree trunks.
• Use Squirrel-Proof Feeders: Opt for durable feeders that release food gradually, keeping squirrels occupied without overfeeding.

6. Plant Squirrel-Repellent Vegetation

Certain plants act as natural deterrents, helping protect trees without added chemicals.

• Marigolds and Daffodils: These flowers release scents that squirrels avoid.
• Fritillaria and Alliums: Bulb plants with strong odors help keep squirrels away, making them excellent for planting near trees.

7. Use Taste-Based Deterrents

Applying taste-based deterrents on tree bark makes it less appealing for squirrels to chew.

• Homemade Chili Pepper Spray: Combine water, chili powder, or hot sauce, then spray it on the bark for a natural deterrent.
• Commercial Deterrents: Opt for eco-friendly options that are safe for trees and effectively deter rodents.

8. Install Motion-Activated Sprinklers

Squirrels are easily startled, making motion-activated sprinklers a useful solution for deterring them.

• Strategic Placement: Position sprinklers at the base of trees where squirrels frequently approach. The sudden spray startles them and keeps them from returning.
• Adjust Sensitivity: Many models allow you to adjust settings to avoid unnecessary activations by small animals or leaves.

9. Adopt a Multi-Layered Approach

Combining multiple deterrents provides the most effective protection against determined squirrels.

• Pair Physical and Chemical Barriers: Tree guards and repellents work effectively, discouraging squirrels from gnawing on trees.
• Rotate Deterrents: Switching up deterrents regularly prevents squirrels from becoming accustomed to any one method.

10. Manage Other Food Sources Around Your Yard

Limiting accessible food sources reduces the overall appeal of your property to squirrels.

• Remove Fallen Fruit and Nuts: Clean up nuts, acorns, or fruit that may attract squirrels.
• Secure Bird Feeders: Squirrel-proof bird feeders prevent additional food access.

11. Consider Professional Wildlife Control Assistance

If squirrels continue to damage your trees, it may be time to contact a wildlife control expert. Professionals offer humane, effective solutions to manage squirrel activity on your property.

• Humane Trapping and Relocation: Professionals can safely trap and relocate squirrels, ensuring they do not return.
• Exclusion Solutions: Wildlife experts provide permanent exclusion techniques, from blocking access points to adding deterrents around your yard.

Long-Term Prevention of Squirrel Damage to Trees

Taking preventive measures can save your trees from extensive damage over time. Regular inspections help identify any gnawing or bark stripping early, allowing you to act promptly.

• Routine Monitoring: Keep a close watch on trees, especially during active seasons like spring and fall.
• Tree Health: Keep trees well-maintained with regular mulching and fertilizing to improve resilience against minor squirrel damage.

Conclusion

Protecting your trees from squirrels is essential to maintaining a healthy, beautiful landscape. Implementing these multi-layered strategies helps reduce squirrel damage, ensuring your trees continue to thrive. For expert solutions, Critter Stop offers professional, humane wildlife control services tailored to your needs.

Critter Stop has a fantastic reputation and online customer reviews because it provides high-quality work and excellent customer service. If squirrels or other wildlife are damaging your trees or property, call Critter Stop today at (214) 234-2616 for a free inspection and effective, humane wildlife and pest removal solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Squirrel Behavior and Tree Protection

Squirrels are common sights around trees, but their behavior can often raise questions, especially when they cause visible damage to your trees. Below, we address some of the most frequent questions regarding squirrels, their impact on trees, and effective methods to prevent harm.

How to stop squirrels from eating trees?

To stop squirrels from eating trees, use physical barriers like tree guards around the trunk. Squirrel repellents, such as those with capsaicin or garlic oil, can also deter them from chewing on bark and branches. Additionally, trimming nearby branches and using squirrel-proof feeders can help reduce access to trees and prevent further damage.

What can be done about squirrels eating bark off trees?

When squirrels eat bark off trees, they expose the sapwood, weakening the tree’s health. Applying taste-based deterrents on the bark, like pepper spray or commercial repellents, can discourage squirrels from chewing. In addition, wrapping vulnerable branches with mesh or netting can provide an extra layer of protection from persistent chewing.

Do squirrels damage trees?

Yes, squirrels can cause significant damage to trees, especially young or weakened ones. By stripping bark, gnawing on branches, and creating holes, squirrels can expose the tree to infections, pests, and other issues that impact its growth. Long-term squirrel damage can compromise a tree's structural integrity, making monitoring and managing squirrel activity essential.

Do squirrels make holes in trees?

Squirrels can create holes in trees, typically when looking for a nesting site or chewing on bark to access sapwood. These holes may start small but widen over time, potentially allowing other pests to invade the tree. Regularly inspecting your trees for such holes and filling or sealing them can help prevent further damage.

Do squirrels like pine trees?

Yes, squirrels are particularly fond of pine trees, as they provide excellent shelter and a steady food source in the form of pine cones and seeds. Pine trees also offer ample nesting spaces and branches for squirrels to climb and forage. Consider planting squirrel-resistant trees around the area to prevent squirrels from overpopulating your pine trees.

Why do squirrels climb trees?

Squirrels climb trees for many reasons, including safety, foraging, and shelter. Trees provide them with an escape from ground-level predators and offer food sources such as nuts, fruit, and seeds. Additionally, the tree canopy offers excellent nesting spots, making trees essential to a squirrel's habitat and survival.

Why do squirrels strip bark off trees?

Squirrels strip bark off trees to access the nutrient-rich sapwood beneath, especially during colder months when food sources are limited. This behavior also helps them keep their continuously growing teeth at a manageable length. However, bark stripping can weaken trees, so taste deterrents or physical barriers can help protect them.