Do Tree Squirrels Eat Garden Plants?

Tree squirrels, also known as eastern gray squirrels, are cute and fluffy creatures that are commonly found in suburban and urban areas. While they are beloved by many, they can also be frustrating for gardeners who are trying to grow plants and vegetables.

What Do Tree Squirrels Eat?

Tree squirrels are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. Their diet consists of nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and small animals such as insects, snails, and birds. They are also known to eat the bark of trees, which can cause damage to the trees.

Do tree squirrels eat garden plants? The answer is yes. Unfortunately, many gardeners have experienced the frustration of seeing their hard work and plants destroyed by these furry little creatures.

What Garden Plants Do Tree Squirrels Eat?

Tree squirrels are known to eat a wide variety of garden plants, including vegetables such as tomatoes, corn, peas, and beans. They also have a particular fondness for fruit trees, such as apple, cherry, and pear trees. Other popular targets for tree squirrels include tulip bulbs, sunflower heads, and birdseed.

If you have any of these plants in your garden, you may want to take extra precautions to protect them from tree squirrels.

How Can You Protect Your Garden Plants from Tree Squirrels?

While it may be impossible to completely prevent tree squirrels from eating your garden plants, there are a few things you can do to minimize the damage:

Install wire mesh around your garden to create a barrier that prevents tree squirrels from entering.

Place netting over fruit trees to protect the fruit from being eaten by tree squirrels.

Plant plants that tree squirrels do not like, such as daffodils, alliums, and fritillarias.

Use squirrel repellents, such as hot pepper spray or predator urine, around your garden to deter tree squirrels.

By taking these steps, you may be able to protect your garden plants from tree squirrels.

Conclusion

While tree squirrels are cute and enjoyable to watch, they can also be a nuisance for gardeners. These creatures are known to eat a variety of garden plants, including fruits and vegetables. To minimize the damage, it's important to take steps to protect your garden plants from tree squirrels. With a little effort and ingenuity, you can enjoy your garden and keep tree squirrels at bay.