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Porcupine is eating my maple #868942

Asked May 17, 2024, 5:15 PM EDT

A Porcupine has eaten the bark off several limbs of my sugar maple. Should I cut the limbs off or will the tree not survive?

Cass County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for writing.
Here is information about porcupines and maples. https://extension.usu.edu/forestry/publications/utah-forest-facts/038-porcupine-damage-to-trees#:~:text=Porcupines%20prefer%20the%20young%20bark,inner%20tree%20bark%20or%20phloem.
Branches that are completely girdled are not viable and may be pruned anytime. https://www.oregonlive.com/hg/2020/11/extension-agents-share-pruning-tips-for-maple-trees-ask-an-expert.html
Branches that are structurally dangerous by being weaked and in danger of falling on people or structures can be pruned anytime.
Aside from that, the reference, I gave you suggests timing for pruning.
You have a valuable and heavily damaged tree. I suggest that you have an arborist advise you. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional

Steve Miles, Master Gardener, Hennepin County MN (I am a human being, not a bot nor AI). I am an avid gardener but am not a degreed or certified horticulturist or arborist. I am happy to receive follow-up questions if my responses are incomplete or unclear. This is the University of MN' garden soil testing service. https://soiltest.cfans.umn.edu/testing-services/lawn-garden This is guidance on how to find a tree expert. https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/how-hire-tree-care-professional The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is a wonderful place to see and learn about plants that grow in Minnesota. https://mngardens.horticulture.umn.edu/minnesota-landscape-arboretum Replied May 17, 2024, 5:29 PM EDT

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