Springtime is a beautiful time of year, especially when the magnolia trees are in bloom. The sweet-smelling flowers are a delight for many creatures, including squirrels. Have you noticed squirrels eating your magnolia buds?
These little rodents can be seen hopping around in the trees, eating the buds and blossoms. For every plant grower, having animals around is one thing, but having animals eating their prized flowers is another. Is there anything that can be done to stop these furry creatures from destroying your magnolia blossoms?
Magnolia Buds: When Do They Appear?
Magnolia buds start to appear as spring approaches. They are clad-like baby seals in silvery fur with fine hairs called trichomes which work like a sweater to protect the bud over the winter.
Inside each bud, the parts of flowers or leaves are already formed in an early stage. And when it’s finally time, the buds will unfold in late March or early April and attract bees which will help in pollinating the flowers.
Since squirrels and other animals come out of hibernation at this time, they are also on the lookout for food. This is one of the possible reasons why you may find some of these animals around your yard, and in particular, near your magnolia tree.
Will Squirrels Eat Magnolia Buds?
Most of the time, squirrels are looking for things like nuts and acorns to eat. However, in some cases, they may nibble on the odd flower or two. Grey squirrels, in particular, may be attracted to magnolia buds. Unfortunately, if you have squirrels around the area, there’s a good chance they will eat your magnolia buds.
Aside from squirrels, deers, turkeys, and opossum are also known to eat magnolia buds, stems, leaves, and twigs.
Squirrels Eating Magnolia Buds: What Can You Do?
Normally, as animals like squirrels return from hibernation, they will eat just about anything they can find. This includes buds, flowers, and even young leaves.
As the weather warms up and more food becomes available, they will typically stop eating these things. However, in some cases, they may continue to nibble on your magnolia buds throughout the spring and summer months.
To help protect your buds, here are some things you can try:
Use Wire Netting
Squirrels have strong claws and teeth that can easily tear through soft materials like chicken or plastic wire. For this reason, you’ll need to use heavier-duty wire netting. This will create a physical barrier between the squirrels and your magnolia buds.
Trim Branches
If the branches of your magnolia tree are touching your house or other structures, trim them back so the squirrels can’t use them as a bridge to get to the buds.
Provide an Alternative Food Source
While this doesn’t guarantee that squirrels will stay away from your magnolia tree, providing an alternative food source helps to keep them fed and may reduce the chance of them damaging your buds.
Place a squirrel feeder somewhere along the perimeter of your property and fill it with squirrel food like nuts, seeds, and corn.
Try Using a Repellent
If you don’t mind using commercial repellents, you can give this a shot. Most of these products may contain ingredients like capsaicin or naphthalene, which can help to keep squirrels (and other animals) away.
Spray the repellent on the branches and buds of your magnolia tree, being careful not to get any on the leaves or flowers.
You can also try using a homemade repellent by mixing water with ingredients like cayenne pepper, vinegar, and lemon juice.
Squirrels Eating Magnolia Buds: Final Thoughts
Among the different methods listed above, making sure that squirrels won’t get near your magnolia tree might be the most effective way to protect your buds.
While it may take some effort, it’s definitely worth it when you see your magnolia tree in full bloom. Use high-quality wire netting and make sure to trim back any branches that might provide squirrels with access to your tree. Additionally, you can also provide squirrels with a different food source so they’d stay away from your buds.
Related Article: Does a Squirrel Eat Grass?