Squirrel Damage - Ask Extension
I have 2 very large weeping spruce trees. Squirrels are nipping fresh growth at 2-3 inches and dropping branch ends on the ground. We have a carpet o...
Knowledgebase
Squirrel Damage #681685
Asked February 24, 2021, 3:01 PM EST
I have 2 very large weeping spruce trees. Squirrels are nipping fresh growth at 2-3 inches and dropping branch ends on the ground. We have a carpet of green beneath the tree. Need we intervene? Trap squirrels to save trees? What should we do?
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
You should find the damaged buds on the spruce tips are empty in the center with a few brown bud scales remaining on the green tip. This behavior usually occurs when there is little other food available to the squirrels. The tip damage should not kill your trees. The side shoots will sprout and give the plant a fuller appearance. Traps could be baited with apple slices or peanuts. You must ask permission to the property owner before you release the animal.
https://forestrynews.blogs.govdelivery.com/2017/06/28/squirrel-damage-to-spruce-branch-tips/
