Contributed photo.

While trees and shrubs are not as active in winter, they still need care and protection from rabbits. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, recommend putting chicken wire fencing or hardware cloth around vulnerable plants. For the material to be effective, it needs to be 24 to 36 inches tall, high enough that rabbits won’t be able to climb or reach over after a heavy snow. Also, to prevent rabbits from crawling under the fence, bury the bottom two to three inches with anchor pins.

Plants that are often damaged by rabbits in winter are crabapple, apple, pear, redbud, honey locust, burning bush, roses, raspberries and small evergreens.