Knowledgebase
Squirrels proliferating in an English Walnut tree #645308
Asked June 03, 2020, 11:35 AM EDT
In an urban setting, we have an English Walnut (105 years old) close to the house. We have always had squirrels, and gave up years ago of harvesting any walnuts. Every year (we have lived here 40 years) I see that some perfectly viable leaf stems fall prematurely. I am assuming that the squirrels gnaw these off? I know there are some baby squirrels right now, and it seems that there are much more stems coming down than I have ever seen before. It is only June 3, and for the first time it occurred to me that the squirrels might kill the tree. Can this happen? [I should add that, since Xmas, my wife started feeding them peanuts occasionally from her hand] Thanks, Robert
York County Pennsylvania
Expert Response
How do I stop squirrels from cutting my branches?
First, cuttings can occur for a variety of reasons, such as nest building, seeking moisture, or seeking food. If you have a bird feeder and have removed it, squirrels may be overpopulated and seeking alternative food sources.
Second, you have some options. Consider spraying your trees with a taste repellent such as Ropel, cinnamon/cinnamon oil, or capsaicin. Be sure that the label allows its use on plants. (Be doubly sure to follow directions, and never use the product on plants intended for human consumption.)
Third, fence the plants so that squirrels can’t get to them. Use 1/4-inch weave galvanized hardware cloth. Don’t use any wire “fabric” with holes larger than 1/2-inch weave, and don’t use chicken wire because it isn’t strong enough. If your trees are relatively isolated from neighboring trees that you don’t own, consider wrapping the trunks with aluminum flashing at least 18 inches high. With this method, squirrels can’t get a grip on the trunk to climb. Place the flashing at least 4 feet off the ground so they can’t jump over it. If you must use multiple sheets to wrap, be sure the overlap is always on the top over the sheet below, like shingles. Otherwise, squirrels will use the edge to climb. Also, be sure to trim branches up to at least 5 feet above the ground so that squirrels can’t leap up and access the tree.
Fourth, employ population reduction through trapping. Check state and local laws to be sure that it’s legal in your state. An animal that is moved from its native area encounters great challenges. It has to: 1) find a new home, 2) find new food and water sources, 3) accomplish items 1 & 2 while avoiding unfamiliar predators, and 4) do all of the above before nightfall or daybreak (depending on species) so that it doesn’t die of exposure, etc. Translocation also stresses the resident population because you’ve now introduced a newcomer that has to fight for territory, not to mention any potential diseases that the newcomer may bring to the locale or contract from the new area. See Relocating Problem Wild Animals for further information on relocating animals.
Remember, there is no magic in this business. So don’t bother with ultrasonic gadgets. Most animals can’t hear in the ultrasonic range anyway.
