With summer coming to an end, and colder seasons up ahead, many hibernating animals are preparing their winter reserves. However, in the midst of winter preparation, animals can be quite disruptive, and even damaging to our properties. This is mostly true for underground animals like moles, voles, shrews, and more. In fact, one of the most common consequences of underground animal infestations is lawn damage. So if these animals can do so much damage to a lawn, could they also harm our trees?
Continue reading to learn which animals might pose a threat to your landscaping trees this fall, as well as, what you can do to help prevent tree damage all year long.
Animal Tree Damages
Underground animals like moles and shrews can absolutely have a negative impact on landscaping trees, especially those that are young or sick. It all comes down to their food tunnels and large incisor teeth. You see, as moles and other underground animals store food reserves for winter, they must create elaborate underground food tunnels to transport it all, while also protecting them from predators who are also trying to fatten up for the upcoming season.
These food tunnels, in excess, can lead to soil instability, which in turn, can eventually lead to a tree toppling over. This is even more likely if a tree is very old or heavy, and in inclement weather conditions. Furthermore, these food tunnels can also have effect a tree’s root system, which is what they rely on for water and nutrition. Although these animals do not actually eat tree roots, they will nibble and chew right through them to continue crafting these elaborate underground tunnels. Not only does this root damage cause nutrient deficiencies in trees, it can also lead to root diseases and death.
What You Can Do
It is important to implement safe and humane best practices for nuisance wildlife control and mitigation. You can use live traps and environmental modification to get rid of a mole or vole problem, safely. Aside from mitigating nuisance wildlife activity on your property, the best way to protect your landscaping trees is to properly care for them all year long. A healthier tree is more resilient to outer conditions such as wildlife tampering. See our blog, “How to Maintain Healthy Trees” to learn about suggested tree care practices.
Professional Tree Service in Fishers
Call 317-537-9770 for year-round tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are highly trained and experienced tree care contractors that offer a wide range of residential and commercial tree services at competitive prices. We also offer tree service coupons and discounts! Request a free estimate, today.
