Squirrels

[Lakal]

When I first saw the ground covered with smallish branches of pine I thought it was due to the recent heavy winds. As I sit here I can see I was wrong.

There are two squirrels on this tree tearing off pine branches as fast as they can. They are not using them to nest as once they fall on the ground they remain there. What's up with that?

[swampfox]

Strange you should mention this. A friend of mine just had me look at her very old red cedar tree where the same thing was happening except that I didn't see any squirrels. I examined the little branch ends and they didn't look like they had been chewed to me but rather broken off. I thought it was the cold weather we had (she had been out of town during that time), but maybe that was squirrels too. I'll have to re-examine that tree.

[Lakal]

I think my under-squirrel-siege conifer is a hemlock? I got pics.

[swampfox]

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure what you have is eastern red cedar. The only hemlock I know that grows anywhere near here is up in the mountains and has foliage similar to a yew tree. There is a hemlock with foliage similar to yours but we are way out of its range. But sometimes there are anomalies.

The one in your picture looks exactly like the one in my friend's yard.

Maybe the squirrels went crazy because of the cold.

[Captain Worley]

You might want to see if they eventually come back and get the branches, although they looked too big for nests to me. i guess they could break them again.

[Cliff]

Tree rat facts~
What you always wanted to ask but...

http://www.katecoombs.com/squirrel.html

[Lakal]

I really enjoyed that link, Cliff. Especially since I was half expecting you to organize the Lexington Posse to come over and shoot my little tree rodents.

There was a mention of white squirrels . They are found in Olney, Illinois and we took our three boys to see them when they were little - a long time ago.

[Cliff]

........................

[cuebald]

You really shouldn't shoot the babies...

[RPWeed]

Originally Posted by Cliff

........................

Now that's just wrong...

Funny,

...but wrong.

[Cliff]

Your right, no safety glasses.

[JDidGirl]

Have RPWeed come over. Squirrels will just fall out of the trees when she's around. I'm not sure what the deal is, but I've seen them literally fall right over on their faces when she's around. I think she's a squirrel charmer.

[RocDocsWife]

Originally Posted by JDidGirl

Have RPWeed come over. Squirrels will just fall out of the trees when she's around. I'm not sure what the deal is, but I've seen them literally fall right over on their faces when she's around. I think she's a squirrel charmer.

LOL

[swampfox]

The "Squirrel Whisperer"?

[BAD HaBiT]

Originally Posted by swampfox

I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure what you have is eastern red cedar. The only hemlock I know that grows anywhere near here is up in the mountains and has foliage similar to a yew tree. There is a hemlock with foliage similar to yours but we are way out of its range. But sometimes there are anomalies.

The one in your picture looks exactly like the one in my friend's yard.

Maybe the squirrels went crazy because of the cold.

I was thinking Leyland Cypress.

[swampfox]

I've never seen a Leyland Cypress get as big as the one in my friend's yard. But it could be. I'll get a sample and do some more research.

Whatever the case, the squirrels seem to be up to something.

[BAD HaBiT]

Leyland Cypress often known as leylandii is one such tree, which is famous for its rapid growth. It can grow 3 to 4 foot on deprived soils as well and can reach a magnificent height of 50 feet. This fast growing tree is a favorite for horticulture, as hedges and screens. Leyland Cypress structures a thick, elliptical or pyramidal outline when left out without pruning. The graceful and the slightly loose branches of this tree can even tolerate extreme trimming to make a proper hedge or a screen. The foliage of the tree is composed of supple, sharp leaves on the flattened braches. The young leaves are in regular green color, which will on maturation, turn into dark blue-green. You will find the tree evergreen and the leaves do not turn pale or fall off during winters. Leyland Cypress outgrows in small spaces very fast, and hence do not suit the residential landscapes until it is trimmed regularly. However, if you use it only in large landscapes, it will grow naturally into a beautiful conical shape.




Lakal Read this
http://hodgardener.blogspot.com/2007...squirrels.html

[Lakal]

Thanks BH. That sounds like it could be what's happening here.

[BAD HaBiT]

Originally Posted by Lakal

Thanks BH. That sounds like it could be what's happening here.

Not 100% sure but I found it quite interesting the similarities in his findings compared to yours.

Now do you think you can bribe them with a bowl of sugar water? : )

[Cliff]

A bird bath might be the answer. Worth a try.

Or you could ~~~~~

[swampfox]

I can't stand a clean squirrel.

[Lakal]

Originally Posted by BAD HaBiT

Not 100% sure but I found it quite interesting the similarities in his findings compared to yours.

Now do you think you can bribe them with a bowl of sugar water? : )

Really? Sugar water? I was thinking Kool Aid.

There's plenty of water around - it's called Lake Murray.

[BAD HaBiT]

Originally Posted by Lakal

Really? Sugar water? I was thinking Kool Aid.

There's plenty of water around - it's called Lake Murray.

Ohh I was just being funny.

[Lakal]

Originally Posted by BAD HaBiT

Ohh I was just being funny.

I know - me too