Mike Clinton
Introduction: The Evergreen Mystery
If you’ve ever noticed evergreen trees in your yard or neighborhood with the tips of their branches gnawed off, you may have wondered who or what caused the damage. In many cases, the culprit is none other than the common gray squirrel. While this behavior may seem destructive, it is actually a natural part of the squirrel’s diet and behavior.
What are Evergreen Trees?
Before diving into the topic of squirrel behavior, it’s important to understand exactly what evergreen trees are. Unlike deciduous trees, which lose their leaves in the fall, evergreens retain their foliage year-round. This makes them a valuable source of food and shelter for wildlife during the winter months, which is why many animals, including squirrels, rely on them for survival.
Who are the Chewers?
Gray squirrels are one of the most common mammals in North America, and can be found in a variety of habitats, from urban parks to forests. They are known for their bushy tails, agile climbing skills, and ability to store food for the winter. While squirrels are generally seen as cute and harmless by many people, their habit of chewing on tree tips can cause frustration for homeowners and gardeners.
What is Squirrel Diet?
Squirrels are omnivorous, meaning they eat a variety of foods including nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and even small animals like insects and bird eggs. In the fall, they collect and store nuts and seeds to eat during the winter months, which is why you may notice increased squirrel activity in the fall. However, squirrels don’t just rely on stored food to survive the winter – they also continue to forage for food throughout the colder months.
Why do Squirrels Chew Tree Tips?
While squirrels will eat a wide range of foods, they have a particular affinity for the soft, pliable tips of evergreen branches. This is because evergreen tips are rich in nutrients and contain a high amount of resin, which squirrels use to keep their teeth clean and healthy. In addition, the resin may also have medicinal properties that help to ward off parasites and infections.
Squirrel Teeth and Chewing Habits
Squirrels have strong, sharp teeth that are perfectly adapted for gnawing through tough materials like nuts and bark. However, their teeth never stop growing, which means they need to regularly grind them down to prevent them from overgrowing. Evergreen tips are the perfect consistency for this purpose, as they are soft enough to be chewed easily but tough enough to provide a good workout for the teeth.
Evergreens and Squirrel Mating Habits
Believe it or not, evergreen trees may also play a role in squirrel mating habits. Some scientists believe that squirrels may chew on evergreen tips as a way of communicating with potential mates. The scent of the resin may signal to other squirrels that the tree is a good food source, which could attract potential mates to the area.
Other Reasons for Squirrel Tree Damage
While squirrels are the most common cause of evergreen tree damage, they are not the only animals that may chew on tree tips. Other animals, like deer, rabbits, and porcupines, may also cause damage to evergreens. Additionally, extreme weather events like ice storms or heavy snow can cause branches to break or become damaged, which can lead to further chewing by wildlife.
Protecting Trees from Squirrels
If you are frustrated by squirrel damage to your evergreen trees, there are a few steps you can take to protect them. One effective method is to wrap the tree trunk in a metal barrier, which will prevent squirrels from climbing up and accessing the tree. Another option is to spray the tree with a repellent spray, which will make the tree unappealing to squirrels.
Conclusion: Coexisting with Squirrels
While squirrel damage to evergreen trees may be frustrating for homeowners and gardeners, it’s important to remember that these animals are simply following their natural instincts. By understanding why squirrels chew on tree tips, we can better appreciate their role in the ecosystem and learn to coexist with them in our yards and communities. With a little patience and creativity, it is possible to enjoy the beauty of evergreen trees while also supporting the wildlife that relies on them for survival.