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Extension > Garden > Diagnose a problem > What's wrong with my plant? > Deciduous Trees > Willow > Twigs and shoots cut and missing

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Willow > Shoot/Branch Tips > Twigs and shoots cut and missing

1 of 2
  • Deer feeding/antler rubbing 1
  • Deer feeding/antler rubbing 2
  • Deer feeding/antler rubbing 3

Deer feeding/antler rubbing

  • Long lines of shredded or peeled off bark along main trunk up to 3 feet off the ground from antler rubbing; wood may appear shiny or "polished"
  • Leaves and small branches
  • Feeding occurs from the ground up to 6 feet or slightly higher; ragged edges, same as above; if the bark is removed by a deer there will be no teeth marks
  • More information on Problems with deer
2 of 2
  • Rabbit feeding 1
  • Rabbit feeding 2
  • Rabbit feeding 3

Rabbit feeding

  • Bark is completely removed from the main trunk, only young trees are damaged
  • Regular scraping the size of a spoon tip can be seen in the wood
  • Damage can occur from ground level to several feet up the trunk depending on the depth of winter snow
  • Small twigs are cleanly cut off with a sharp edge, at a 45 degree angle
  • Majority of bark feeding occurs in winter and early spring
  • Rabbit droppings (small, round pellets) are often found near the damaged shrubs
  • More information on protecting trees and shrubs from animals

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