Apple trees are vulnerable to attack by pesky squirrels. These rodents will chew away at the bark of the tree and eventually break the branches, thereby reducing the health of the tree. To protect your apple tree from damage by squirrels, adopt these five measures.
First, setting up a motion-detecting sprinkler system around the trunk of the tree can be beneficial. This will act as a deterrent by spraying water on any squirrels that approach too closely. Additionally, you can spray repellents around the tree. However, repellents may not be sufficient, because they must be re-applied frequently, which could be a hassle.
Second, constructing a physical barrier around the apple tree is a viable option. This could be in the form of a net fence, or even a wooden cage. Installing a fence at least five feet in height, and positioning it so that it covers all sides of the tree, should protect it from squirrels.
Third, if a physical barrier isn’t practical, consider boring holes in the apple tree trunk. These should be a minimum of 10 inches deep, and the holes should be filled with substances that taste unpleasant to squirrels and other animals.
Fourth and most importantly, keep the tree pruned. Unusually long overhead branches, or branches which hang down close to the ground, can provide a perfect bridge for squirrels to cross into the canopy of the tree and launch their attack. Prune away any branches that don’t appear to be necessary or necessary for producing fruits, as they can provide squirrels with access.
Additional Tips To Help Protect Your Apple Tree From Squirrels
Covering the branches with grease or other sticky substances can also provide some adequate protection against the furry intruders. The grease would make it difficult for the squirrels to stay on the branches, and they would eventually give up and jump away to an easier target.
Another option to protect your tree from squirrels is to hang wind chimes from the branches. The sound from the chimes would help alert you when there is a squirrel lurking around, and would help to ward it off.
You can also attract natural predators of squirrels such as hawks, owls, and other birds of prey by placing a bird feeder in the vicinity. This would not directly protect your apple tree from squirrels, but it could reduce their numbers in the area.
It is also important to keep the tree well watered. Keep it irrigated excessively to make it less attractive to rodents and other pests, as they are more likely to attack a tree that looks weak and vulnerable.
Strategies For Keeping Squirrels Away From Your Apple Tree
You can also lay down a thick layer of mulch or other materials around the tree, as this will help to keep them away. Thick mulch will be uncomfortable for rodents, and they will naturally avoid it.
You can also create a hostile environment around the tree by deploying deterrents such as strong odors, bitter tastes, and tight enclosures. There are also several chemical solutions available in the market which can be used to discourage squirrels from infesting your apple tree.
Finally, spraying the tree with a solution of water and some hot peppers can help in the short-term. This will create a spicy and unpleasant aroma that the squirrels won’t like, so they will avoid the tree. Be sure to re-spray the solution every few days if the effects start to diminish.
Additional Techniques To Help Keep Your Apple Tree Protected From Squirrels
Numerous ultrasonic devices are on the market that are designed to emit a loud noise when activated, usually at preset intervals. The noise is usually unpleasant to squirrels, so they will avoid being around the tree when the noise is repeated.
You can also add visual deterrents to your apple tree, such as strands of reflective tape or strips of aluminum foil. The bright and shiny appearance of these deterrents is usually enough to keep the squirrels away.
You can also place sparklesound emitters around the tree. These emitters have a built-in motion sensor that will activate when any squirrel approaches the tree. They will then emit a strong sound, which will work to scare off the intruder.
Lastly, you can set up a bird feeder in the vicinity of the apple tree. Doing so will attract more birds of prey, which will naturally prey on the squirrels, bringing down the number of them in the area.
Preventing Further Damage To Your Apple Tree
If the apples on the tree are overripe, be sure to clear away and dispose of them quickly, as this will help to deter further rodent intrusion into the tree.
Make sure to clean up any dropped fruits or nuts from around the tree as soon as possible, as these can also attract squirrels and other pests.
If the tree is heavily infested, consider pruning away the affected branches, as this will help to improve the tree’s condition, and stop any further damage from occurring.
Be sure to keep an eye out for any new signs of damages that the tree might be incurring, and act swiftly in resolving them.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to protect your apple tree from squirrels and reduce their population around your tree. Remember to keep an eye out and act promptly whenever there are signs of squirrel attack to your tree, as this is the best way to ensure that your apple tree remains healthy and safe.
