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Rabbits do eat emerald green arborvitae, and it’s a common concern for gardeners who love these lush evergreens.
If you’ve been asking do rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae, the short answer is yes, they absolutely will.
Rabbits find the tender new growth and soft bark of emerald green arborvitae quite appealing, especially in winter when food is scarce.
These shrubs are not toxic to rabbits, so your furry visitors can nibble them without immediate harm to themselves.
But that doesn’t mean your emerald green arborvitae is safe from damage, because rabbits can do serious harm.
In this post, we’ll explore why rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae, what signs to look for, and how to protect your plants.
Let’s dive into the details so you can keep your landscape looking its best.
Do Rabbits Eat Emerald Green Arborvitae? Yes, Here’s Why
Rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae for several reasons, and understanding these helps you prevent damage.
1. Rabbits Are Browsers, Not Grazers
Rabbits naturally browse on woody plants, and emerald green arborvitae fits perfectly into their diet.
They prefer the soft, succulent tips of branches, which are easy to chew and digest.
When rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae, they often target low-hanging branches that are within easy reach.
This browsing behavior intensifies during fall and winter when grass and weeds die back.
2. Arborvitae Provides Winter Emergency Food
In cold months, green vegetation becomes scarce, so rabbits turn to evergreen shrubs.
Do rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae more in winter? Yes, because it stays green and nutritious when other options vanish.
The bark and twigs of emerald green arborvitae offer fiber and moisture, which rabbits need to survive.
That’s why you might notice rabbits eating arborvitae right after a snowstorm or during a deep freeze.
3. Tender New Growth Is Irresistible
In spring, fresh shoots emerge on emerald green arborvitae, and rabbits zero in on these.
Rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae because the new growth is soft, moist, and full of nutrients.
This can stunt the shrub’s development and leave unsightly bare patches.
If you see chewed tips in early spring, rabbits are likely the culprits.
Signs That Rabbits Have Been Eating Your Emerald Green Arborvitae
You need to spot rabbit damage early so you can act before the plant suffers permanent harm.
1. Clean, Sharp Cuts on Branches
Unlike deer, which tear branches, rabbits leave a clean, angled cut as if clipped by garden shears.
If you see small branches snipped off at a 45-degree angle, rabbits have been snacking.
2. Bark Chewed at the Base
Rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae by gnawing the bark near the ground, especially in winter.
Look for stripped bark on the lower trunk, often up to 18 inches above the soil line.
This girdling can kill the shrub by cutting off the flow of water and nutrients.
3. Droppings and Tracks Nearby
Small round pellets and rabbit footprints in the snow or mud confirm that rabbits are visiting.
If you find these signs, you know rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae in your yard.
How to Protect Emerald Green Arborvitae from Rabbits
You can stop rabbits from eating emerald green arborvitae with a few practical methods.
1. Physical Barriers Work Best
Wrap the base of each arborvitae with hardware cloth or chicken wire, at least 2 feet tall.
Make sure the wire extends slightly below the soil to prevent rabbits from digging under.
This barrier keeps rabbits from reaching the bark and lower branches.
2. Use Repellents Strategically
Commercial rabbit repellents with putrescent egg solids or predator urine can deter rabbits.
Apply them to the lower foliage and trunk, and reapply after rain.
Rabbits may eat emerald green arborvitae less if the taste or smell is unpleasant.
3. Remove Hiding Spots
Rabbits avoid open areas, so clear brush piles, tall grass, and debris near your shrubs.
If rabbits feel exposed, they’re less likely to risk eating emerald green arborvitae.
So, Do Rabbits Eat Emerald Green Arborvitae?
Yes, rabbits do eat emerald green arborvitae, especially during winter and early spring.
They target tender new growth, bark, and twigs, which can damage or even kill your shrubs.
But with barriers, repellents, and habitat management, you can reduce the risk significantly.
Now you know the answer to do rabbits eat emerald green arborvitae, and you have tools to protect your plants.
Keep an eye on your landscape during the cold months, and your emerald green arborvitae will thrive.