How Do Rats Damage Trees?
WouterIf you have a rat problem, you can reduce the risk of losing your trees by applying repellents regularly. You should also try to change your environment so that rats are less likely to choose your yard. The best way to do this is to get rid of the areas of your yard that are covered with snow or debris. This will also keep your shrubs and trees out of the reach of rats.
The best time to treat your trees is before winter arrives. This is because rodents have difficulty accessing trees on the ground during the winter. The young wood underneath the bark of a tree provides sufficient nourishment for the growing plant. In order to get to the wood, the animals must gnaw through the outer bark layer. When a rabbit nibbles on a tree while on the snow, the bite marks start at the point where the bark was covered with snow. This chewing interferes with the plant’s ability to transport water and nutrients.
Luckily, most tree damage isn’t permanent. While you can remove the tree to prevent future rodent damage, you may have to replant it if the damage is too severe. Infected roots may lead to the decay of your tree, which can cause it to collapse. To prevent this from happening, you can install trunk protectors around your plants. You can also use thick paper barriers to protect your plants from the rodents.
