How To Protect Arborvitae From Rabbits

To protect arborvitae from rabbits, you need a combination of physical barriers and strategic repellents.
 
Rabbits love to nibble on arborvitae foliage, especially in winter when food is scarce.
 
If you’ve noticed chewed branches or missing bark, you’re likely dealing with hungry rabbits.
 
Protecting arborvitae from rabbits involves simple steps that keep these pests away without harming the plant.
 
In this post, we’ll cover the most effective ways to protect arborvitae from rabbits, including fencing, repellents, and habitat changes.
 
Let’s dive into how to protect arborvitae from rabbits so your shrubs stay safe year-round.
 

How to Protect Arborvitae from Rabbits

The best way to protect arborvitae from rabbits is to stop them from reaching the plant in the first place.
 
Here are the most reliable methods to protect arborvitae from rabbits:
 

1. Install a Physical Fence Around Arborvitae

A sturdy fence is the most effective tool to protect arborvitae from rabbits.
 
Use hardware cloth or chicken wire with mesh no larger than 1 inch.
 
Bury the bottom edge at least 6 inches deep to prevent rabbits from digging under.
 
Make sure the fence stands at least 2 to 3 feet tall, as rabbits can jump.
 
For young arborvitae, wrap the fence tightly around each shrub to protect arborvitae from rabbits completely.
 
Check the fence regularly for gaps or damage, especially after snow.
 

2. Use Tree Guards or Cylindrical Wraps

Tree guards offer another reliable way to protect arborvitae from rabbits.
 
These are plastic or metal cylinders that fit snugly around the trunk or lower branches.
 
Tree guards block rabbits from chewing on the bark and tender shoots.
 
They are especially useful for young arborvitae with thin bark.
 
Install them before winter when rabbit activity peaks.
 
Make sure the guard is tall enough to cover the full height rabbits can reach.
 

3. Apply Rabbit Repellents to Arborvitae

Repellents provide a chemical or natural deterrent to protect arborvitae from rabbits.
 
Choose a repellent that contains putrescent egg solids or capsaicin (from hot peppers).
 
Spray the repellent directly on arborvitae foliage and branches.
 
Reapply after rain or every few weeks for continuous protection.
 
While repellents alone may not fully protect arborvitae from rabbits, they work well alongside fencing.
 
Avoid using repellents on edible parts if pets or children frequent the area.
 

4. Remove Rabbit Shelter and Food Sources

Rabbits hide in brush piles, tall grass, and dense weeds near arborvitae.
 
To protect arborvitae from rabbits, clear away debris and overgrown vegetation.
 
Keep the area around your arborvitae tidy and mowed.
 
Remove fallen fruit or other plants rabbits enjoy eating.
 
By reducing shelter and food, you make your yard less inviting to rabbits.
 
This step alone will not fully protect arborvitae from rabbits, but it helps a lot.
 

Why Rabbits Target Arborvitae in Winter

Understanding rabbit behavior helps you protect arborvitae from rabbits more effectively.
 
Here’s why rabbits go after arborvitae during cold months:
 

1. Food Becomes Scarce

In winter, rabbits have fewer green plants to eat.
 
Arborvitae remains green and accessible, making it a prime target.
 
Rabbits chew the foliage and bark for moisture and nutrients.
 
That’s why protecting arborvitae from rabbits is most critical from late fall through early spring.
 

2. Snow Provides Cover

Snow makes it easy for rabbits to reach lower branches.
 
They can stand on packed snow and nibble higher up on arborvitae.
 
A fence buried deep prevents this, but snow can also push fences down.
 
Check your barriers after heavy snowfall to keep protecting arborvitae from rabbits.
 

3. Arborvitae Has Soft, Tender Growth

Young arborvitae shoots are soft and easy for rabbits to chew.
 
Rabbits prefer tender growth over tough, older branches.
 
This is why newly planted arborvitae need extra protection.
 
A combination of fencing and repellents will best protect arborvitae from rabbits during establishment.
 

Additional Tips to Protect Arborvitae from Rabbits

Beyond barriers and repellents, a few extra measures can help protect arborvitae from rabbits.
 

1. Plant Rabbit-Resistant Companions

Surround arborvitae with plants rabbits avoid, such as lavender, rosemary, or yarrow.
 
These plants may discourage rabbits from lingering near your arborvitae.
 
While not a standalone solution, this adds another layer of protection.
 

2. Use Motion-Activated Sprinklers

A sudden spray of water startles rabbits and teaches them to stay away.
 
Position sprinklers near arborvitae that rabbits frequently visit.
 
This humane method can help protect arborvitae from rabbits without chemicals.
 
However, it may not work in freezing temperatures.
 

3. Prune Damaged Branches Carefully

If rabbits have already chewed your arborvitae, prune away broken or dead branches.
 
Clean cuts help the plant recover and reduce disease risk.
 
After pruning, implement protection to prevent further damage.
 
Healthy arborvitae are better able to withstand rabbit pressure.
 

So, How to Protect Arborvitae from Rabbits?

To protect arborvitae from rabbits, start with a sturdy physical fence or tree guards.
 
Combine that with rabbit repellents applied throughout the growing season.
 
Remove hiding spots and food sources to make your yard less attractive to rabbits.
 
Protecting arborvitae from rabbits requires consistent effort, especially in winter.
 
By layering these methods, you can keep your arborvitae healthy and rabbit-free.
 
Hope this guide gives you clear steps to protect arborvitae from rabbits successfully.