Porcupine is eating my maple - Ask Extension
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?
Knowledgebase
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
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
