Squirrels - Ask Extension
Our squirrels are eating the bark on our Locust tree. Please advise on how to stop them. We would prefer not to wrap the tree. That would be a monumen...
Knowledgebase
Squirrels #939094
Asked July 13, 2026, 1:25 PM EDT
Our squirrels are eating the bark on our Locust tree. Please advise on how to stop them. We would prefer not to wrap the tree. That would be a monumental task.
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hello,
Exclusion is best - and you may need to use some type of fencing on the most affected branches. Also, reduce the interest of your yard to squirrels and remove all potential food sources, such as bird feeders.
Consider reducing jumping spaces - and make leaps more than eight feet. Or install slippery metal or wire at the base of trees to prevent the squirrels from accessing the tree from the bottom.
Fortunately, trees can lose up to 50% of the bark circumference without detrimental effects...but do what you can to prevent it from continuing.
Damage usually occurs in late winter and early spring, when there are water shortages and the squirrels chew the bark for a source of sugar, water, and nutrients.
Exclusion is best - and you may need to use some type of fencing on the most affected branches. Also, reduce the interest of your yard to squirrels and remove all potential food sources, such as bird feeders.
Consider reducing jumping spaces - and make leaps more than eight feet. Or install slippery metal or wire at the base of trees to prevent the squirrels from accessing the tree from the bottom.
Fortunately, trees can lose up to 50% of the bark circumference without detrimental effects...but do what you can to prevent it from continuing.
Damage usually occurs in late winter and early spring, when there are water shortages and the squirrels chew the bark for a source of sugar, water, and nutrients.
