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Pests
Specifically, squirrels. My new tree (see the spirea post) is recovering wonderfully (already!), but has some nibble marks on the roots and a couple places on the trunk. I think I lost a branch on a young juniper to them. It looks as if they are just experimenting (wondering what it tastes like), as it's only a small tooth marks here and there. Can I expect them to satisfy their curiosity and leave my trees alone, or should I sit by the window yelling at them like a crazy old man? How do others deal with this?
-Paul
Also, the new site is great.
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Hi Paul> My trees are on a dual 2x4 'table' paralleling a chain link fence at about the same height, pots twistied to the 2x4s to keep the squirrels from pushing the pots off. They seldom dig into the pots and usually don't bother the trees. Otherwise, I won't comment for fear the squirrels may read this post and I don't need any more trouble. Gene in Marion
So far I have solved the problem with a chicken wire cage, which is obviously not an aesthetically acceptable solution. Until the tree itself starts looking more presentable, it'll do I think.
Yes those tree rats are a pain. I have a backyard full of huge oaks and a few nut trees and those rats are everywhere! I think that they even come in from other parts of the city.
I have found that using more aggregates in my mix the squirrels seem to dig a little but they seem to leave them alone. On some of the trees that they seem to like more I sprinkle some lava rock on the top and they seem to leave them alone. I am not sure if this is why but it has worked so far.
A Friend in bonsai
John
Squirrels are one of the toughest pests to deal with.
I have tons of squirrels in my yard throughout the day.
Here are some solutions I have found online on other bonsai sites.
1. Feed squirrels so they stay away from their trees.
2. Have an outside cat or dog.
3. Motion activated water sprinkler.
4. Fake owl.
5. Pepper spray. (doesn't last long)
6. Sevin sprinkled on trees, also for bugs. (hopefully they don't eat too much, just enough for a bad taste)
7. Trap and relocate.
8. Shoot to kill.
My squirrels have seemed to leave my trees alone for a while.
I think for the most part they have curiously nibbled, but now leave my trees alone.
I have seen numerous posts by people on BonsaiTalk and BonsaiSite where a squirrel has completely pulled a tree out of it's pot and eaten the roots.
Sorry, I don't have a sure fire solution for you.
They all have their drawbacks.