Squirrels Stripping Bark: Protect Trees & Reduce Population

Squirrels have girdled multiple trees on your Oregon property. If bark remains on >50% of the trunk circumference, young trees can recover.

Immediate Protection

• Wrap trunks with hardware cloth (¼-inch mesh) or commercial tree wrap—remove as trunk expands.
• Apply taste repellents: commercial Ro-pel or homemade capsaicin spray (recipe here). Safe for kids/pets when dry.
• Do not apply wound dressings—they slow healing.

Long-Term Solution

Twelve squirrels indicate overpopulation. Live-trap (Havahart 1025) and relocate, or ask your stew-making neighbor to thin numbers. Fewer squirrels = less bark feeding, especially in winter.

Water & Wait

Keep soil moist but not soggy. Young trees with partial girdling often rebound in 2–3 years.