Are squirrels hurting or helping my rhododendron?

by Pamela

+12

Answered

I have a rhododendron in my backyard, next to or around several pine trees. I have seen squirrels grabbing clusters of leaves off the rhodi bush, they are coming back time and time again, like 7-10 times !!! I know they are using it to make their nests. I am wondering are they harming my plant or are they actually helping it by pruning it ?

5 answers

Redcatcec on Dec 10, 2018

Hi Pamela,

Could be either,
If the leaves are green and are being removed by the squirrels they are up to no good and damaging your rhodo. The leaves are needed for photosynthesis.
If it is in the dormant state, the leaves become dry and are expected to drop, so they are available for other uses.
Best to you.

Helpful Reply
- Pamela on Dec 10, 2018
  
  Thanks, for answering.. The leaves are still green , but dropping in the cold weather...I guess I will have to wait until next year to find out.
  
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Lynn Sorrell on Dec 10, 2018

Guess this depends whether you love your plants more than the squirrels. Here's pruning facts https://www.rhododendron.org/v34n3p125.htm Here's deterrents https://homeguides.sfgate.com/can-repel-animals-rhododendron-buds-91016.html Here's live trap info. https://forums.botanicalgarden.ubc.ca/threads/squirrels-ate-my-rhodie-and-azalea-buds.3168/ Traps https://www.amazon.com/Havahart-One-Door-Chipmunk-Squirrel-X-Small/dp/B000BPAVCG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1544452914&sr=8-3&keywords=havahart+squirrel+traps Please don't trap them when they have babies in spring do it now if you need to.

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- See 1 previous
- Pamela on Dec 10, 2018
  
  Thanks for taking the time to answer , and all the information ! I won't trap the squirrels ! If anything , I would look for a spray deterrent , the rhodi bush is about 15-20 ft high , so I am guessing that the squirrels have been doing this for years and the rhodi is still going...Thanks again !
  
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- Lynn Sorrell on Dec 10, 2018
  
  Yes Mother Nature works things out. Do as Naomi says they like burlap, I've heard of putting the items in area where they are collecting so they'll take that instead(maybe) I think they might use the leaves as source of food during hibernation(not all squirrels hibernate)when they cannot get out to get food in heavy snows & in spring the buds for babies in nest.
  
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Barbara Lloyd on Dec 10, 2018

Probably neither. Squirrels have no interest in them.

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- See 2 previous
- Pamela on Dec 10, 2018
  
  Yes, they are making their best out of bunches of leaves from my rhodi !!!
  
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- Lynn Sorrell on Dec 10, 2018
  
  Yes they also eat the buds in spring and tha bark off of limbs,branches just depends what food sources are available. You could put squirrel food outside if they start taking buds in spring.Might as well work with them instead of fighting them,might be easier. They are lots of fun to watch them and help trees reproduce
  
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- Pamela on Dec 10, 2018
  
  Thanks for answering..I have no problem with the squirrels eating the buds or bark , thank goodness!!! A few people mentioned leaving scrap material out for them, I think I will try it, might be fun to watch !
  
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Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA on Dec 10, 2018

Give the squirrels something to nest with. Scraps of fabric, cut up old dish towels, etc. If they are nesting they will grab it. So will the birds so be prepared.

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Pamela on Dec 10, 2018
  
  Ok, that sounds like an interesting idea !!! Thanks for answering !
  
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- Naomie Moore aka baileyanddaisey, Castaic CA on Dec 10, 2018
  
  So welcome Pamela! Keep us posted on how it worked out for you! 🌞
  
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Oliva on Dec 10, 2018

Spray your rhododendrens with Liquid Fence Concentrate to keep squirrels away, or spray with garlic spray. Squirrels will gain entry to your attic if not discouraged. Trim any branches near your home, and note that they are capable of easily scaling textured brick.

Helpful Reply
- See 1 previous
- Pamela on Dec 10, 2018
  
  Thanks for answering ! I have tried liquid fence , it works somewhat for the deer and rabbits , but not at all for the squirrels! I am thinking of a spray deterrent, like a predator like Fox or alt scent...they are expensive and I don't know if it would work ??? And I know about keeping branches away from the roof/house , but thanks for letting me know just in case !
  
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- Oliva on Dec 11, 2018
  
  Hi, Pamela,
  You can also purchase hot pepper sauce spray to deter squirrels.
  The predator urines have mixed reviews, so I'd try a small sized bottle, first.
  
  Helpful

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