Colorado residents have seen everything when it comes to squirrel activity. They scamper, fight and snag foods from any trees that they can access. Fruit and nuts are their favorite foods. However, residents may not want to share their tree fruits with the local critters. Learn more about deterrents that can safeguard nearly any fruit tree. Those critters can find other resources in the wild.
Set up a Scarecrow
As Colorado residents look at their landscaping with a critical eye, think about installing a visual trick. There’s no need to erect a huge scarecrow. In fact, critters get a scare out of a wood owl or other bird of prey.
Follow the advice of a Louisville landscape contractor by adding a few figurines around the fruit trees. They add character to the yard while offering functional value. The critters don’t want to be “hunted” by these animals either, so they head over to a safer area. Move the figurines around at times in order to make the scenario even more realistic for the animals.
Wrap the Tree
Squirrels use their claws and agile bodies to climb tree trunks in a matter of seconds. Make this process almost impossible by adding a wrap to the trunk. As residents go about their gardening duties, install metal flashing around the tree. It should be about 4-feet long so that jumping over it isn’t possible.
A Boulder landscape contractor would install this flashing with a little bit of space between the bark and metal. This strategy gives the tree room to grow without offering a pathway for critters underneath the flashing.
Prune the Branches
A simple task that can be added into a lawn care regimen is pruning the trees. Many critters are incredibly intelligent when it comes to accessing tree branches from rooftops or other trees. Ask a Boulder landscape contractor about the best way to trim the branches back.
When there’s a space of about six feet between a tree and a surrounding structure, it’s difficult for the animal to access the fruit. Pruning also contributes to healthy landscaping, especially as winter draws near. The trees can be fruitful and free from pests when pruning is a consistent habit.
Baffle the Critters
Another technique from landscape and lawn care professionals is adding baffles to the trees. A baffle is a simple tool that creates a barrier between the critters and fruit. Attach one or more of these baffles to the base of the tree’s crown. If the tree is particularly tall, a Louisville landscape contractor can make short work out of the installation.
The baffle merely stops the critters from eating the fruit, but the tool doesn’t hinder normal activities within the branches. Water can still flow to the ground with ease.
Decorate the Tree
A protective measure that can also be a gardening decoration is hanging ribbons from the branches. Choose a shiny hue for the ribbons, such as silver, so that the light catches the material as it dances in the breeze. The ribbons should be spaced out across the tree branches with several inches of length to each one. Animals are wary of these random reflections, which focuses their attention elsewhere.
Try holiday tree hooks for the ribbons. Hang them on the branches, and the tree won’t be harmed by any permanent fasteners.
Try Some Noise
Some lawn care and landscape professionals might suggest sounds as a way to deter fruit-eating critters. Small speakers producing bird noises and other disturbances might scare off the curious animals. Use wireless speakers around the tree at a relatively low volume too. Residents don’t want to disturb their neighbors.
Change the sounds on a regular basis too. Critters will get accustomed to certain noises and venture up to the treetops. Ideally, combine the noise solution with another deterrent for the best coverage.
A clever solution to critter frustrations is installing feeders. Squirrels and other animals appreciate quality snacks from an easy-to-access source. Place one or two feeders away from the fruit trees. Fill them up with favorite snacks. Once the critters know where the feeder resides, they’ll be more inclined to feed from it than the trees.
Don’t allow the feeders to go empty, however. Critters feed well into the cooler months. From the moment that the feeders become empty, the trees are their next targets.
Give Fido Exercise
If residents have a dog at home, think about letting Fido roam the backyard. Secure any fences and gates so that the pup remains within the property’s boundaries. The mere presence of the dog around the trees might make the critters think twice about scampering across the yard.
The dog won’t be a real threat to the critters. They’re far too fast for most dogs. The pet is a deterrent, especially as it marks its territory around the gardening area.
Consult With the Experts
If residents are frustrated with their critter populations, speak to Don King Landscaping about the issues. This Louisville landscape contractor can survey a property and create a safe strategy. The experts might use a mixture of different tactics, which will always be safe for both the residents and critters.
The animals simply need an alternative to these properties. With an expert pair of eyes on the trees, the critters have no choice but to seek other outlets.
Avoid any harmful strategies that impact the environment or the squirrels’ health. A Boulder landscape contractor can always help Front Range residents as the critter season peaks in numbers. Protect the fruit trees while remaining humane with deterrents. The squirrels and other creatures will find other areas to enjoy in time.