Tree Guard Tubes To Reduce Rabbit Damage To Shelterbelt Trees In South Dakota
In certain areas in eastern South Dakota rabbit populations, primarily black tail jackrabbits (Lepus californicus), are very dense. In these areas damage to newly planted shelterbelt trees due to clipping or browsing by jackrabbits can be severe. Several tree species such as crab apple (Malus sp.), hackberry (Celtis occidentalis L.), and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa Michx.) seem to be especially susceptible to browsing by jackrabbits during the winter, while other species such as ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws.) and eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana L.) are clipped but generally not eaten. Browsed and clipped trees usually survive although height growth is substantially reduced. In severe cases, trees are browsed to ground level and replanting is necessary.
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Author(s): Norman W. Baer
Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 31, Number 3 (1980)
Section: General
Volume: 31
Number: 3