Rabbit Damage - What now? - Ask Extension
I have a burning bush (sorry I don't know it's true name) that the rabbits got to and gnawed many of its branches because the snow was so high. I can ...
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Rabbit Damage - What now? #827182
Asked April 25, 2023, 4:42 PM EDT
I have a burning bush (sorry I don't know it's true name) that the rabbits got to and gnawed many of its branches because the snow was so high. I can see green shoots at the bottom. Do I cut off the branches that have been damaged all the way around?
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Thank you for writing.
You do not have much to fear. These grow back from roots. Anything that is girdled more than 75% should be cut off at the ground. Also take out dead or diseased or a criss-crossing branch.
The plant will send up more stems from the roots. You might consider a hardware cloth cage next winter. https://m2enterprises.com/advice/burning-bush-dead-winter#:~:text=Is%20My%20Burning%20Bush%20Dying,cut%20off%20the%20dead%20branches.
I might be more specific if you sent me a picture of the plant.
You do not have much to fear. These grow back from roots. Anything that is girdled more than 75% should be cut off at the ground. Also take out dead or diseased or a criss-crossing branch.
The plant will send up more stems from the roots. You might consider a hardware cloth cage next winter. https://m2enterprises.com/advice/burning-bush-dead-winter#:~:text=Is%20My%20Burning%20Bush%20Dying,cut%20off%20the%20dead%20branches.
I might be more specific if you sent me a picture of the plant.
Thanks so much for answering my question. I will probably try the hardware cloth cage in the future! Here is the picture I couldn't get to upload yesterday. The rabbits really did a job on my bush! There is some green at the bottom however.
Thanks again!
Sally Power
Just cut the dead material away, it will grow back.
Think of it as less radical than coppicing.
https://www.thedailygarden.us/garden-word-of-the-day/coppicing
Think of it as less radical than coppicing.
https://www.thedailygarden.us/garden-word-of-the-day/coppicing
