{"id":9045,"date":"2021-06-24T16:20:34","date_gmt":"2021-06-24T16:20:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/?p=9045"},"modified":"2021-06-24T16:21:41","modified_gmt":"2021-06-24T16:21:41","slug":"how-to-stop-squirrels-from-eating-maple-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.forestwildlife.org\/how-to-stop-squirrels-from-eating-maple-tree\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Stop Squirrels From Eating Maple Tree?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Squirrels are a common sight in many backyards and forests around the country, and they may be snacking on more than just your bird seed. If you\u2019ve been noticing chunks of bark missing or twigs being chewed off your maple tree<\/a>, squirrels may be to blame. Read on to learn more about how to stop squirrels from eating your maple tree. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What are Squirrels Eating in My Maple Tree?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"What<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Squirrels rarely eat maple tree parts, but they love to \u201cprune back\u201d<\/em> the new growth. They use both the bark and the small twigs to build their nests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Squirrels may also use maple twigs and bark as chew toys.<\/strong> Their teeth need constant maintenance to keep them from growing too long, so this means they need to chew on things regularly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If other food isn\u2019t readily available, squirrels may peel back the outer bark and eat bits of the inner bark. They may also eat the buds, leaves, and samaras (seed pods) depending on how hungry they are.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Japanese maples seem to be the most popular species among the squirrel population. This is one of the smaller varieties of maple and, if too many squirrels invade the tree, it could easily be killed<\/a> though having too much bark stripped away or too much new growth pruned back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Do You Stop Squirrels from Chewing on Trees?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re having trouble with squirrels chewing on your maple trees, don\u2019t despair. There are a few things you can do to discourage the local squirrel population from picking on your maple trees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Give Them an Alternative<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

According to The Mercury News<\/a>, it is possible to distract squirrels from your tree by leaving a pile of sticks, twigs, bark, or bedding material for them. Use nuts to attract them to the pile and away from your tree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you will have to keep replenishing this pile to keep the squirrels coming back, and some homeowners may be concerned that this practice will actually attract squirrels to your property. Use your best judgment as to whether leaving a \u201cpeace offering\u201d<\/em> for the squirrels will work in your yard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Use a Squirrel Repellent<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are various types of squirrel repellents on the market. Some are chemical sprays or pellets, while others make use of ultrasonic technology to scare the squirrels away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may even be able to use cayenne pepper and other spices as a repellent, as shown in the video below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ACjAmJkFmgI<\/a>