GGB
Masterpiece
I tried to think of a short title to get the idea across. Every fall, winter, spring and sometimes even summer some of my trees are damaged by squirrels. They bite off new growth and strip sections of bark away. I notice trees on my bench seem to be safe but I can't realistically grow out all my trees (especially 9-12') trees on benches all over my yard it's just too small and I have dogs that need space. So far they have never touched my conifers even when placed on the ground over winter. But they wreak havoc on my Japanese maples and seem to really enjoy chewing Chinese elm as well. I know others have had squirrel damage over the years but I'm wondering if it's possible to compile a list of species or even genus that seem to be magnets for destruction. I'm talking about grey squirrels specifically, I'm sure they've damaged every species there is but I'm asking if others here notice a pattern for specific targets. My hornbeam and birch seem completely ignored. I'm happy to avoid squirrel magnet trees in the future (I've already dropped JM) but I'm not sure if they would just transition to terrorizing my other species. What is your experience? Before someone tells me to shoot them or trap them... I've been relocating them for years but I live in a city. It's just not a reasonable option. plus the current residents aren't living in my attic. I'm afraid if I trap them the next round will move back into my roof like the others before them. As a final thought ... I don;t use miracle grow on my conifers but I will on a weak deciduous or rough nursery stock. I was told by an old hippie once that it makes the tree sweeter. Perhaps that's my issue?
Magnet trees:
chinese elm
Japanese maple
Safe trees:
Juniper
Pine
American hornbeam
river birch
larch
Magnet trees:
chinese elm
Japanese maple
Safe trees:
Juniper
Pine
American hornbeam
river birch
larch