• slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
  • slide
Rabbit-Damage-to-Cherry-Tree-THUMB.jpg

Rabbit Damage to Cherry Tree

I have a 3 year old dwarf cherry tree. Each winter the rabbits have trimmed the branches that reach the ground. I realize this results in a loss of flowers when it blooms but is it harmful to the tree? Should I trim it? It can't be fenced in because of it's location in a cascading garden.

As long as the rabbits confine their eating to the branch tips your tree will be fine. If they decide to start munching on the trunk you are likely to lose the tree. A circle of hardware cloth used to form a narrow fence around the trunk can help protect that part of the tree. Sink it several inches into the ground to prevent vole damage and as high, at least 4 feet, as you can to keep rabbits from nibbling on the bark. As they chew on the trunk they often damage the cambium tissue that containers the vascular system that carries water to and from the roots and leaves. If they eat through the cambium layer all around the trunk the tree will die. If this is not possible consider a combination of scare tactics and repellents. This may be enough to encourage them to dine elsewhere.

Related

Upcoming Live Events
& Webinars


March 20, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Maximize the Beauty and Enjoyment
in Any Small Space
Register now

March 23, 2024

REALTORS Home & Garden Show
West Allis, WI

March 27, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

How to Start a Garden for Beginners
Register now

April 3, 2024
Garden Trends 

Franklin Public Library, Franklin, WI

April 10, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Container Gardening Throughout the Year
Register now

April 11, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

7 Steps to Managing Water Where it Falls in Your Yard
Register now

April 18, 2024
Be a Waterwise Gardener
Golden Rondelle Theater, Racine, WI
Register now

April 20, 2024
Pruning Hydrangeas and Other Shrubs 
Pasquesi Home & Gardens, Lake Bluff, IL

April 27, 2024
Ridges & Rivers Book Festival
Viroqua, WI

April 28, 2024
Flowering Trees and Shrubs
Ebert's Greenhouse Village, Ixonia, WI

May 1, 2024
FREE WEBINAR

Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables
Register now

WATCH ON-DEMAND WEBINARS

Learn More

Book an Appearance

Learn More

Enter to Win The Birds & Blooms' Ultimate Gardening Guide !

ENTER NOW