If hares are eating tree bark in your garden, it can pose a threat to the health of your trees.
It often leads to tree infections, which can spread quickly and potentially destroy your garden completely.
Here are steps you can take to address this issue and protect your trees from hare damage.
Fencing
Install protective fencing around vulnerable trees.
Use chicken wire, hardware cloth, or other sturdy materials to create a barrier that prevents hares from accessing the tree bark.
The fence should be at least 3 feet high and buried a few inches into the ground to deter burrowing.
Tree Guards
Wrap tree trunks with commercial tree guards or hardware cloth.
These physical barriers prevent hares from reaching the bark and damaging it.
Make sure the guards extend above the height at which hares can reach.
Repellents
Apply commercial or homemade repellents to the bark.
Some options include bitter-tasting sprays, hot pepper solutions, or garlic-based mixtures.
These repellents create an unpleasant taste for hares and deter them from chewing the bark.
Plant Distractions
Surround your trees with plants that hares dislike.
These might include strongly scented herbs like rosemary, lavender, or mint.
Hares may be more likely to avoid areas with these plants.
Nighttime Protection
Since hares are most active during the early morning and evening, consider using motion-activated lights, noise makers, or even a well-placed scarecrow to discourage them.
Natural Predators
Encourage natural predators of hares, such as foxes or birds of prey, to inhabit your area.
This could help control the hare population.
