Cute, fluffy-tailed and small, a squirrel isn't simply a chittering little nut collector. Squirrels can be a significant menace to a tree, its root system and its environment, especially the tree is growing on a slope. If you see squirrel activity in your garden or find burrows around your trees, install tree guards to protect your investment.
Squirrels sometimes chew bark, which damages the tree and makes it prone to infections and cankers. Chewing on pine cones also prevents trees from re-seeding in some regions. Squirrels gnawing on young twigs can damage the tree's limb growth. In addition, squirrel burrows are a significant underground hazard to trees. Once established, squirrels continually enlarge and enhance their underground burrows. These burrows not only damage the root system of the tree, which can cause their demise, but they also damage the soil structures that hold the tree in place. Extensive burrowing on uneven ground, such as on a slope or bank, may cause the tree to fall.
Purpose and Selection
Guards placed around the base of the tree prevent squirrels from chewing on the bark; those placed on the trunk prevent climbing. Base-level guards also prevent burrowing directly next to the base of the tree, which minimizes destabilizing the ground near the trunk. Guards come in a variety of forms, from decorative wrought iron to fine meshes, spiraling guards, and those made of cardboard or corrugated plastic. For very young trees, avoid decorative, permanent fixtures as these don't provide the level of protection you need to prevent burrowing; they also don't typically expand as trees mature.
Installation to Prevent Digging
Regardless of the guard you select, proper installation is key to ensuring it's an effective barrier. Dig the guard 6 inches below the soil line to prevent burrowing. If you leave it level with the soil, the squirrels may simply scale it and dig underneath, which can create havoc at the base of the tree. You don't want the guard to become a haven for a squirrel nest or a protected location where they can chew the tree's bark at their leisure. If the guard is very tall, support it with dried bamboo canes or stakes to prevent it from rubbing against the tree it's meant to guard.
Installation to Prevent Climbing
To stop a squirrel from climbing a tree and eating the nuts, cones or newly grown twigs, install a wire mesh surround on the trunk. Place the mesh 6 feet above ground level and wrap it around the trunk, attaching the mesh using springs that accommodate growth as the trunk matures. Install mesh that is at least 2 feet wide to avoid having the squirrels use it as a stepping stone to reach the canopy above.
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