Any shrub experts.

[deadminnowcatcher]

I planted some new shrubs last year and they did fine all summer. This spring they look terrible. They look like the bark has been eaten off of the limbs. The shrubs with smaller limbs look like they were eaten off at ground level. Would this be a bug that did this or maybe rabbits???

the neighbors shrubs all look fine. Will mine come back or should I start over and how do I prvent this from happening??? Can I post pictures on here to better show what i am talking about??? And oh ya good luck fishing

[boxcar46]

I'm a Certified Arborist and it sounds to me like rabbits. We use to have problems with the little varments in our nursuries until we started using a rabbit repellant. Most bushes do come back and actually with some bushes you are suppose to cut back every now and then to get the old wood out and to promote new growth. You can pick up rabbit repellant at most garden centers. Hope this helps.

Later, boxcar

[Bobby Bass]

Sounds like rabbits. keep an eye on them and make sure they get water, if they don't perk back up in a month or so and if you kept your receipt you can return for a exchange. Almost all sellers will stand behind there plants for a year. All you need is the root ball for an exchange.

[Powerstroke]

definately rabbits or other rodents. Your shrubs may not come back. Unfortunately this type of damage is not covered by the warrenty provided by most plant material providers. You may need to start over with new plants try to prevent damage.

Also consider covering these plants in mulch or burlap during the winter to keep pests away.

Like was said above look for a repellant product designed for deer and rodents. These are applied as often as needed. Sometimes once or twice, but ifd its a wet season and you see animals nibbling you may have to do it monthly. It depends on the brand and its "recipe". Many use a pepper or other spicy deterrent.

[harvey lee]

BB gun I had to put a wire mesh screen around my young shrubs to keep the bunnies from chewing off the bark.You can also get rabbit repellant and sprinkle on the ground but it doesnt last long in the snow.

[deadminnowcatcher]

should i cut themdown near the ground where just a single stem is comming out of the ground?? since the bark is off most of the stems there are no buds. one shrub has buds on one of the stems. should i cut the other stems off> just not sure what to try

[deadminnowcatcher]

would it be possible to get your email boxcar and send u a picture of them????

[Powerstroke]

if they've recovered slightly and you want to replace them than the best thing would be to pull them straight out of the ground removing the roots and all.

Fencing is a good idea also for next fall/winter.

[deadminnowcatcher]

any one out there that knows alot about them that i could email pics to????

[Powerstroke]

you can send pics to ahamilton (at) mn dot rr (Contact US Regarding This Word)

[Powerstroke]

thats suposed to have a daht kahm

[deadminnowcatcher]

u got mail

[DuluthGuy]

Sorry, just read the post send me a pic or two.

dbrula at msn (Contact US Regarding This Word)

The cutback might work - I'll let you now after picks.

Shrub name?

B2

[DuluthGuy]

Kevin,

Deer and rabbit LOVE Burning Bushes(BB)!

The other one is a Red Cedar/Arborvitae.

If you want to keep them then cut the BB back to just below the chew ring. You may want to trim the one longer branch back that has a bloom for symmetry.

I would say you are looking at 2 years growth chewed off.

So, if you want instant landscaping then replace them.(if cost isn’t a issue replace them)

Rabbits and mice do not go after them tell fall and winter, when the green forage is gone.

Then you have to spray them or fence them in. There is many products out there (talk to a reputable nursery to find one for your area).

B2

[IFallsRon]

The guy who bought my last house wrapped the tips the burning bushes with foil and has prevented the varmint damage.

[deadminnowcatcher]

any advice on the red cedar??

[deadminnowcatcher]

Thanks for the replies guys, this is the greatest web site in the world. Where else can you get any question answered this fast. I cut the shrubs back to just below the area where the bark is chewed off. I will see if they come back over the summer and if they do i will buy something to spray on them over the winter. I got tons of rabbits around my house but never thought they would destroy the shrubs