By Richard Jauron, Kendall Evans
Trees and shrubs should not be ignored during the cold season. Winter brings food scarcity, which makes the home landscape a target for rabbits.
Rabbits can severely damage trees and shrubs unless homeowners are protective and take the right steps before winter even arrives. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach horticulturists offer tips on how to protect trees and shrubs from rabbits this winter. To have additional questions answered, contact ISU Hortline at 515-294-3108 or hortline@iastate.edu.
How do I prevent rabbits from damaging trees and shrubs in the yard over winter?
The most effective way to prevent rabbit damage to trees and shrubs in the home landscape is to place chicken wire fencing or hardware cloth around vulnerable plants. To adequately protect plants, the fencing material needs to be high enough that rabbits won’t be able to climb or reach over the fence after a heavy snow. In most cases, a fence that stands 24 to 36 inches tall should be sufficient. Small deciduous trees can also be protected by placing white plastic tree guards around their trunks.
Since Iowa’s fall weather is unpredictable, it’s best to have the protective materials in place by early to mid-November. After a heavy snow, check protected plants to make sure rabbits aren’t able to reach or climb over the fencing. If necessary, remove some of the snow to keep rabbits from reaching the trees or shrubs.
Damage may also be reduced by removing brush, junk piles and other places where rabbits live and hide. Repellents are another option. Repellents discourage rabbit browsing because of their unpleasant taste or smell. Unfortunately, repellents aren’t always effective and may need to be reapplied after a heavy rain or snow.
Which trees and shrubs are most vulnerable to rabbit browsing in winter?
Small trees with smooth, thin bark are most vulnerable to rabbit damage. Apple, pear, cherry, plum, crabapple, honey locust and serviceberry are frequent targets of rabbits. Other frequently damaged plants include the winged euonymus or burning bush, flowering quince, dogwoods, viburnums, cotoneasters, roses and raspberries. Small evergreens, especially pines, are also vulnerable. However, nearly all small trees and shrubs are susceptible to damage when food sources are scarce and rabbit populations are high.
When are trees and shrubs most vulnerable to rabbit browsing?
In the home landscape, rabbits feed on herbaceous plants: annuals, perennials, vegetables and grasses during the growing season. Trees and shrubs become food sources in late fall and winter, December through March. Damage to trees and shrubs is most severe in winters with extended periods of snow cover.