When natural food sources disappear in winter, wildlife often turns to our landscapes for survival. While it’s natural, heavy feeding can damage trees, shrubs and ornamentals, especially when plants are already stressed by cold.

Why Wildlife Targets Landscape Plants

  • Evergreens stay green: They provide accessible foliage when everything else is dormant.
  • Ornamentals are nutrient rich: Tender bark and buds are easy to chew.
  • Proximity to shelter: Landscapes near homes offer safety from predators.
  • Reduced competition: Human activity makes these areas feel secure.

Which Animals Cause the Most Damage?

  • Deer – Browse shrubs, evergreens, and rub antlers on young trees.
  • Rabbits – Gnaw bark near the base of trees and shrubs under snow cover.
  • Rodents (Voles, Mice) – Chew roots and bark under mulch or snow.
  • Birds – Peck buds and fruits when food is scarce.

Impact: From stripped foliage to girdled trunks, damage can be severe and costly.

Mitigation Strategies: Convenience vs. Expense

  • Physical Barriers (Tree Guards, Fencing): Convenience – Moderate (install once, lasts seasons); Expense – $$–$$$
  • Repellents (Sprays, Granules): Convenience – High (easy to apply, needs reapplication); Expense – $–$$ ongoing
  • Alternative Food Sources: Convenience – Moderate (requires planning); Expense – $$ seasonal
  • Mulching & Wrapping: Convenience – High (simple, minimal upkeep); Expense – $–$$
  • Regular Monitoring: Convenience – High (quick weekly checks); Expense – Free

Why Summer Repellent Use Matters

Repellents aren’t just for winter! Applying them in spring and summer:

  • Prevents habit formation: Stops deer and rabbits from learning your yard is a buffet.
  • Protects new growth: Tender shoots and buds are highly attractive.
  • Avoids long-term damage: Summer browsing weakens plants before winter stress.
  • Saves money: Prevention is cheaper than replacing mature plants.

Consistency is the key with protection from grazing/browsing animals. Repellents are a convenient strategy to add to a maintenance program as a preventative measure. Remember, they only work when they are applied before the damage occurs!

Trico® Pro is Helena’s proprietary sprayable repellant to mitigate damage form wildlife. It is a natural repellent that effectively repels deer, elk, moose and rabbits. It utilizes dual modes of action, targeting both the animals’ sense of smell and taste. Trico Pro provides efficient and reliable protection, eliminating the need for frequent application.

Contact your local Helena sales representative today for more information on Trico Pro.