Do Rabbits Eat Evergreens? Understanding Winter Diets
Do rabbits eat evergreens? The short answer is yes, rabbits do eat evergreens, especially during the winter when other food sources are scarce, but their preference varies depending on the specific type of evergreen.
Rabbits, those seemingly harmless creatures hopping around your garden, can pose a significant threat to your prized evergreens, particularly during the harsh winter months. Understanding their dietary habits, especially their affinity (or lack thereof) for evergreens, is crucial for any gardener or homeowner looking to protect their landscaping. This article delves deep into the question of Do rabbits eat evergreens?, exploring the reasons behind this behavior, the types of evergreens most at risk, and practical strategies to deter these hungry herbivores.
Why Rabbits Eat Evergreens (Especially in Winter)
The primary reason rabbits turn to evergreens is the limited availability of other food sources during the winter. Lush grasses, tender vegetables, and fallen fruits disappear under a blanket of snow, forcing rabbits to adapt. Evergreens, with their accessible foliage, provide a readily available source of sustenance, albeit not their preferred choice.
- Scarcity of Alternative Foods: Winter brings a dramatic reduction in the availability of rabbits’ preferred foods.
- Evergreens as a Last Resort: While not their favorite, evergreens offer sustenance when other options are limited.
- Nutritional Needs: Rabbits still require essential nutrients throughout the winter, and evergreens can provide some of these.
Types of Evergreens Rabbits Prefer (and Avoid)
Not all evergreens are created equal in the eyes (or teeth) of a rabbit. Some varieties are more palatable than others. Understanding these preferences can help you identify which plants are most at risk in your garden.
Generally, rabbits prefer evergreens with softer needles or foliage. Young trees and shrubs are also more susceptible due to their tender growth.
- Highly Palatable Evergreens:
- Arborvitae (Thuja) – A favorite among rabbits.
- Yew (Taxus) – Highly toxic to humans, but rabbits will still nibble on it.
- Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) – Especially the young trees.
- Less Palatable Evergreens:
- Spruce (Picea) – The prickly needles deter most rabbits.
- Fir (Abies) – Similar to spruce, rabbits tend to avoid fir trees.
- Juniper (Juniperus) – The strong scent and taste of juniper are generally unappealing to rabbits.
| Evergreen Type | Rabbit Palatability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ——————- | ——————— | ———————————————————————— |
| Arborvitae | High | A common target, especially young plants. |
| Yew | High | Extremely toxic to humans and livestock, but rabbits will eat it. |
| Eastern White Pine | Medium | Prefers young trees with softer needles. |
| Spruce | Low | Prickly needles act as a deterrent. |
| Fir | Low | Similar to spruce, rabbits usually avoid it. |
| Juniper | Low | Strong scent and taste make it unappealing to rabbits. |
Damage Caused by Rabbits Feeding on Evergreens
Rabbit damage is usually easy to identify. They create clean, angled cuts on branches, typically within their reach (up to about 2 feet above the snow line). This “browsing” can lead to aesthetic damage, stunted growth, and even the death of young trees, especially if the main stem is girdled (chewed all the way around).
- Aesthetic Damage: Unsightly, uneven cuts on evergreens.
- Stunted Growth: Reduced growth rate due to loss of foliage and energy.
- Girdling: Complete removal of bark around the trunk, leading to the plant’s death.
Protecting Your Evergreens from Rabbit Damage
Prevention is key when it comes to protecting your evergreens. A multi-pronged approach is often the most effective.
- Physical Barriers: The most reliable method. Use wire mesh cages or tree guards to surround vulnerable plants.
- Ensure the mesh is buried a few inches into the ground to prevent rabbits from digging underneath.
- Make sure the cage is tall enough to protect the plant even with snow accumulation.
- Repellents: Commercial rabbit repellents are available, but their effectiveness varies.
- Choose repellents specifically designed for rabbits and reapply them regularly, especially after rain or snow.
- Consider rotating repellents to prevent rabbits from becoming accustomed to the taste or smell.
- Habitat Modification: Make your property less attractive to rabbits.
- Remove brush piles and other potential hiding places.
- Keep grass short around evergreens to reduce cover for rabbits.
- Plant Resistant Varieties: If possible, choose evergreen varieties that are less appealing to rabbits. While not foolproof, this can reduce the risk of damage.
Alternatives to keep Rabbits Away
Offering alternative food sources, far away from the plants you want to protect, may distract rabbits. However, this isn’t always effective and could attract more rabbits to your property. Consider carefully if this is a viable option. Also, certain plants like Allium species are known to deter rabbits when planted strategically.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do rabbits eat evergreens in the summer?
While Do rabbits eat evergreens?, they generally prefer other food sources during the summer when grasses, clovers, and garden vegetables are readily available. However, if other food is scarce or your evergreens are particularly tender, rabbits may still nibble on them.
Are certain evergreen species more susceptible to rabbit damage?
Yes, certain evergreen species like arborvitae and yew are highly palatable to rabbits, while others, such as spruce and fir, are generally avoided due to their prickly needles and strong flavors.
How high can rabbits reach to eat evergreens?
Rabbits can typically reach up to about 2 feet above the ground or snow line. Therefore, it’s important to protect the lower branches of your evergreens, especially during periods of heavy snowfall.
What are the signs of rabbit damage on evergreens?
The most common signs of rabbit damage are clean, angled cuts on branches, typically within their reach. You may also find rabbit droppings near the affected plants. In severe cases, you might observe girdling of the trunk.
Do commercial rabbit repellents actually work?
The effectiveness of commercial rabbit repellents varies depending on the product and the rabbit population in your area. It’s best to choose a repellent specifically designed for rabbits and reapply it regularly, especially after rain or snow. Rotating repellents can also help prevent rabbits from becoming accustomed to the taste or smell.
Can I use natural repellents to deter rabbits from eating evergreens?
Some gardeners have had success using natural repellents such as garlic spray, cayenne pepper, or dried blood meal. However, the effectiveness of these methods can vary, and they may need to be reapplied frequently, especially after rain.
Is it better to use fencing or tree guards to protect my evergreens?
Both fencing and tree guards can be effective, but the best option depends on the size and shape of your evergreens. Fencing is a good choice for protecting groups of plants or larger areas, while tree guards are ideal for individual trees or shrubs.
How do I prevent rabbits from digging under fences?
To prevent rabbits from digging under fences, bury the bottom of the fence at least 6 inches below the ground. You can also extend the fencing horizontally along the ground to create a barrier that rabbits cannot easily dig under.
Will rabbits eat evergreen seedlings?
Yes, rabbit will eat evergreen seedlings, and in fact, seedlings are particularly vulnerable to damage. It’s crucial to protect young trees with cages or tree guards to prevent them from being completely eaten.
What can I do if my evergreen has already been damaged by rabbits?
If your evergreen has been lightly damaged, it may recover on its own. However, if the damage is severe or the trunk has been girdled, the plant may not survive. In such cases, it’s best to consult with a local arborist or nursery for advice.
Are rabbits more likely to eat evergreens in urban or rural areas?
Rabbits can be a problem in both urban and rural areas, although the specific types of damage may differ. In urban areas, rabbits may be more likely to target ornamental evergreens, while in rural areas, they may also feed on agricultural crops.
Do rabbits eating evergreens ever cause issues with pets?
The primary concern is if the rabbit eats evergreens that are poisonous to dogs or cats, such as Yew. While some repellents won’t hurt rabbits, they could pose a threat to pets.