Problem with Beavers

Beavers are Chewing My Trees

Beavers are Chewing My Trees

Choose the option that best describes your situation to be directed to the most helpful resources!

I want to make modifications to my property to prevent beaver chewing.

I want to plant vegetation to prevent beaver chewing.

I want to increase my riparian buffer to prevent beaver chewing.

Have other questions?

Property Modifications

Caging Individual Trees

Caging trees to prevent beaver chew damage can be an effective way to protect your orchard or landscaping and ensure the continued growth of your trees. It’s important to note metal caging is not the same as plastic tree tubes, which are not generally recommended. Cages made of sturdy wire mesh create a physical barrier that beavers cannot gnaw through, effectively deterring them from damaging the tree trunk. When they are properly installed, cages allow for adequate air circulation and space for the tree trunk to grow unimpeded. The recommended gap of 6 inches between the cage and the tree trunk ensures the tree’s health is not compromised. Unlike some other deterrents, such as repellents, cages offer a long-lasting solution. Once installed, they can remain in place for many years without needing to be reapplied or replaced.

Additional Considerations:

  • Cages should be at least 3 feet tall to prevent beavers from climbing over them.

  • If necessary, protect exposed roots that extend beyond the cage.

  • Anchor the cage to the ground to prevent beavers from pushing it against the tree.

  • Consult with a wildlife professional for guidance on cage selection and installation, especially if you have a large number of trees to protect.

Overall, caging trees can be a valuable tool for property owners who are concerned about beaver chew damage. When considering caging, it’s important to have proper sizing and maintenance to prevent situations where the tree would outgrow the cage – which could cause damage to the tree. It is also important to prevent situations where the caging comes loose and ends up as trash in the waterway. By providing effective protection while minimizing impact on the trees, cages offer a sustainable solution for reaping the benefits of having beavers on your property while minimizing the opportunities for conflict.

Sand paint

Applying a sand-laced paint mixture to tree trunks can be a cost-effective and relatively low-maintenance way to deter beavers from gnawing. The grit in the sand irritates their sensitive teeth, making the bark unappealing. This method is best suited for taller trees, as you only need to coat the bottom three to four feet, and it lasts for several years before needing reapplication. While not 100% foolproof, it can be a good option for protecting valuable trees when coupled with other methods like fencing younger saplings. Remember, be sure to use non-toxic paint to minimize environmental impact and leave some trees untreated to provide beavers with alternative food sources.

Fencing a Grove of Trees

While caging individual trees provides targeted protection, safeguarding an entire grove or orchard with fencing is another option. This strategy can be more cost-effective due to reduced material and labor needs, although it has to be done carefully to ensure no gaps are present that allow beavers to get inside the fenced area. In an area with variable topography, it can be challenging to make sure that the fencing fits tightly against the contours of the ground. Beavers are good diggers and can exploit a small gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground by digging underneath. However, this technique can be useful if you have a large number of trees to protect in a relatively flat area.

More Property Resources

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Strategic Planting

Strategic Planting to Minimize Beaver Damage

Beyond physical barriers like cages and fences, strategic planting offers another approach to minimizing beaver damage to the trees on your property. By intentionally selecting and positioning trees, you can influence beaver behavior and divert their attention away from more valued species.

  • Dense planting: Plant densely (1200-2400 stems per acre) with trees and shrubs that are adapted to your particular site conditions.

  • Prioritize native species: Prioritize native plants for optimal ecological fit and to minimize potential invasive species.

  • Use bare-root plantings: Bare-root stock is more economical than containers and often more successful in wildland settings. Some species, especially willows, can be propagated from cuttings.

  • Utilize biodiversity: Include a variety of species – both palatable and non-palatable to beavers.

  • Plan for water table rise: On low-gradient reaches, anticipate that both surface water and water table will rise, resulting in improving site conditions for some plants and deteriorating conditions for others.

  • Get expert advice: Consult with a knowledgeable planting contractor or nursery for advice on species selection and spacing.

Remember, effective planting strategies require understanding beaver behavior and local ecology. Reaching out to your local watershed council can ensure your choices address your specific needs while promoting coexistence with beavers on your land.

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Strategic Planting Resources

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Increasing Riparian Buffer

Protecting Your Property

Expanding riparian buffers with beaver-preferred plants can protect your trees while enhancing waterway health and biodiversity, with the optimal buffer size tailored to your property’s needs through expert consultation.

Expanding

By expanding the riparian buffer, you can plant and provide beavers with a wider variety of their preferred food sources, like willows, cottonwoods, and alders. This readily available buffet can divert their attention away from your cultivated trees.

Creating

A wider riparian buffer also enhances the overall health and biodiversity of the waterway on your property, which creates a win-win scenario for you, the beavers, and many other local wildlife species that thrive there.

Optimizing

Remember, the ideal width of your buffer will depend on the specific characteristics of your property, the size and behavior of the local beaver population, and local regulations.

Contact Your Local Watershed Council

Consult your local watershed council to talk to a riparian restoration specialist who can help you determine the optimal buffer size and plant species to maximize its effectiveness.

Case Studies

South Fork Pedee Creek Enhancement Project

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