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Squirrel damage to young acers

BuzzysbBuzzysb Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Recently I found the leading shoots of all my young acer trees on the ground. Today I saw one of the grey squirrels in the act of biting off the shoots so confirmed my suspicion. Basically all my young acers (6) have been badly damaged and I’m not sure how they can grow into a lovely shape. I can’t find much online about squirrel predilection for acers but any advice or do I live and learn and give up on the lovely young acers? 

Posts

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    Sorry to hear this I have not heard of this as a problem before, we have squirrels here & I have not noticed them do this. Maybe you could try one of the general "natural pest repellents"  or a solution of garlic spray once they get a bad taste it might put them off. As for the trees they should re-shoot and hopefully if they are young you will be able to train them back to look good again. A physical barrier of chicken wire might be needed short term if the spray doesn't work.
    AB Still learning

  • BuzzysbBuzzysb Posts: 2
    edited April 2021
    Thank you Allotment Boy. Will definitely give that a go. I know they need to sharpen their teeth but it seems like wilful destruction as they bite it off then just leave it, instead of nibbling a bit more as a toothbrush! 
  • ErgatesErgates Posts: 2,953
    Had the same problem with squirrels nibbling a young weeping willow. I did have some success with keeping the prunings from a pyracantha and a spiky Berberis, and arranging them around the base of the plants I want to protect.
  • Roger-7Roger-7 Posts: 1
    I have been experiencing severe damage to an Acer Brilliantissima this year from grey/black squirrels. I'll try some of the suggestions made and hope that they may prove effective. Is the tree in danger of terminal damage?
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