Rose Bush Toppled: Gopher Damage, Not Squirrels

A gardener found a rose bush fallen over with roots chewed off and a burrow beneath—blaming a squirrel. The expert identified the true culprit: pocket gophers, not squirrels (which don't burrow or eat roots).

Immediate Rescue Attempt

1. Replant immediately in the same hole, firming soil well.
2. Apply Superthrive or B1 vitamin solution weekly to stimulate root regeneration.
3. Water consistently—keep root zone evenly moist but not soggy.
4. Stake if needed until new anchor roots form.

Gopher Control Strategies

• Trapping: Cinch traps or Macabee traps in active tunnels (most effective).
• Exclusion: Hardware cloth baskets around root balls at planting.
• Repellents: Castor oil-based granules (reapply after rain).
• Ultrasonic devices: Mixed results; better as supplement.
• Barn owls: Install nest boxes—natural, long-term control.

Late Season Reality Check

Replanted roses may not establish sufficiently before winter. Worth trying, but prepare for potential loss. Resume B1 treatments early next spring. If it survives, you've saved a mature plant; if not, replant in a gopher-protected site.

Don't blame squirrels—they're seed eaters, not root destroyers!