Rabbits in winter can severely damage your garden if plants are unprotected. When summer greens are gone, rabbits feast on winter’s specialties, including plant stems and tree bark.

The damage may be irreversible. Remnants include de-budded and de-leafed plants, clipped buds and stems, bushes chomped down to the roots, and trees stripped of outer bark.

Petite and Powerful

In addition to having herculean appetites, rabbits are fast eaters, and often invade the garden undetected. Their prime times for garden dining are dawn and dusk.

What’s more, if rabbits are not deterred, the bunny brigade may increase, as female rabbits have six or more litters a year. More rabbits equals exponential shrub and tree damage.

Clean Up and Add Obstacles

Before winter sets in, remove brush, junk piles and other hideouts that attract rabbits. And make sure branches, stems, unharvested produce and other debris are removed from the yard.

To add a physical obstacle around plants, including edibles, one option is to place chicken wire around the area. If you do, be sure to extend the bottom a few inches into the soil, so rabbits can’t burrow underneath it.

Tree guards and burlap wraps are helpful for keeping the bark of trees from being gnawed by rabbits. This outer layer of bark enables trees to absorb energy, key to their survival.

Plant Rabbit-Resistant Plants

There are many plants that deter rabbits with unpleasant scents and textures. Some popular rabbit-resistant evergreens include Holly and Boxwood, both of which have textures that are bothersome to rabbits.

There are many more options, especially plants that bloom in warmer weather. Take a look at this article on plants rabbits don’t like, to view all the wonderful varieties categorized by sun, shade, and humidity needs.

The # 1 Defense Against Rabbits in Winter

The safest and most effective way to keep your plants free of rabbit ruin is to cover them with eco-friendly, topical Bobbex-R Animal Repellent. Comprised of organic elements such as cloves, garlic and fish meal, Bobbex-R gently ushers rabbits and other small animals away through smell and taste. The scent is evident to animals for a long time, but only about 24 hours to people.

Bobbex-R is long lasting, won’t wash off and is safe for people, plants and animals.

Preserve Winter’s Wonders

Cold weather shrubs and trees bring a special beauty and peace to the landscape. Prevent rabbits from upending your treasures, so you can enjoy your plants through the winter and all year long.