Contributed photo

As the temperatures drop and winter brings food scarcity to area animals, home landscapes can become a target for rabbits. Horticulturists with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach advise how to protect trees and shrubs from rabbits before winter arrives. Homeowners are advised to place chicken wire fencing or hardware cloth around vulnerable plants to prevent rabbit damage. A fence that is two to three feet tall should be sufficient, as it needs to be high enough rabbits won’t be able to climb over after a heavy snow. Plastic tree guards can also be used around the trunks of small deciduous trees.

Trees that are frequent targets of rabbits include apple, pear, cherry, honey locust and crabapple. Other frequently damaged plants include roses, dogwoods and raspberries, as well as small evergreens.