How to prevent squirrels from damaging your trees and garden

Mar 01, 2022

Squirrels can be adorable, but they can also be tiresome, mainly when they cause damage to your trees and garden. These creatures tend to graze on some trees and flowers and strip too much bark off a tree. If left unchecked, it can harm your entire lawn or garden.

How Much Damage Can Squirrels Cause?

The tree bark protects the tree from any external harm, including pests, weather, and disease. It also covers the food and water storage of the tree. Once squirrels strip too much bark from the tree trunk, the tree loses its protective layer, making it vulnerable to damages and diseases. This degree of damage causes the tree to die over time.

Not only do squirrels chew on trees, but they also dig up and eat flower bulbs. Like nuts, flower bulbs are rich in protein, which is ideal for rodents like squirrels to eat, particularly during fall when food sources are dwindling.

If you find tiny holes around your lawn or garden, it is undoubtedly dug up by tiny creatures like squirrels. Digging up holes, about the size of a quarter, is part of their routine. Before winter, they are busy looking for food, which they bury over the lawn. They create these holes to easily track the exact spot where they buried their food supply during winter. This activity is less likely to damage your entire lawn since it can return to its original form by spring.

Preventing Squirrels From Damaging Your Trees

There are a plethora of ways on how you can prevent your trees and garden from getting long-term and short-term damages caused by squirrel’s activities. One way is to do it naturally, especially if the degree of damage is negligible. You can make your version of cayenne pepper by combining dried or ground cayenne pepper, water, and liquid soap. Spray on the damaged area once a day until it heals. You may also consider planting daffodils since squirrels hate them.

However, if the damage is aggravated, this is the time you need to seek professional help from companies that offer tree service near Asheville, North Carolina. Band-aid solutions such as trapping will not help you get rid of squirrels; it requires effective strategies that will work in the long run. If you need more information, feel free to schedule a consultation and an on-site inspection from experts in tree service in Asheville, NC.

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When is the best time to trim a tree in WNC?

By contact • 22 Nov, 2023

This is a question that many homeowners and garden enthusiasts often ask. The answer to this question depends on various factors, including the type of tree, its growth pattern, and the desired outcome of the trimming. In general, the best time to trim a tree is during its dormant season. This is typically in late winter or early spring, before the tree starts to bud. During this time, the tree is less likely to suffer from stress or disease, making it an ideal time for pruning. Additionally, without leaves, it is easier to see the tree's structure and make precise cuts. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some trees, such as maples and birches, bleed sap heavily if pruned in late winter or early spring. To avoid this, it is recommended to trim these trees during late summer or early fall when sap flow is minimal. Fruit trees have their own unique pruning requirements. For optimal fruit production, it is best to prune them during their dormant season, just before the buds begin to swell. This allows for better light penetration and air circulation, promoting healthy fruit growth. Pruning fruit trees in late winter or early spring also reduces the risk of disease transmission, as many fungal and bacterial pathogens are less active during this time. Certain trees, like flowering ones, require specific timing for trimming. For example, trees that bloom in spring, such as cherry or magnolia, should be pruned immediately after they finish blooming. This ensures that you do not remove flower buds that have already formed for the next season. On the other hand, trees that bloom in summer or fall, like crepe myrtle or butterfly bush, can be pruned during late winter or early spring. It is important to note that there are some instances when immediate trimming is necessary, regardless of the season. If a tree has dead or diseased branches, they should be removed as soon as possible to prevent further damage or spread of disease. Likewise, if a branch poses a safety hazard, like touching power lines or obstructing pathways, it should be trimmed immediately, regardless of the time of year. In conclusion, the best time to trim a tree depends on several factors. Generally, the dormant season, such as late winter or early spring, is ideal for most trees. However, specific tree types, such as those that bleed sap heavily or flower at certain times, may require different pruning schedules. It is also important to address immediate safety or health concerns promptly, regardless of the season. If you are unsure about the best time to trim a particular tree, it is always recommended to consult with a professional arborist who can provide expert advice tailored to your specific situation.

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Tree service Asheville, NC - Arborist Gary, A few other considerations to look out for are: the overall health of the tree, the age of the tree, and the type of material that is surrounding the tree.

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