Squirrels pruning tree branches

[ghb624]

We have a very large and old Willow Oak tree, a beautiful example of the species and it's a wonderful source of shade for our backyard. I'm concerned though by the amount of small branches and twigs which, especially at this time of year, are continually being bitten off by squirrels. Every day I collect another sizable batch of twigs around the base of the tree. I presume this is a byproduct of squirrel nesting activity, or perhaps it's even something they do to keep their teeth sharp and clean. Anyway, I wonder if the loss of so many small branches and twigs is detrimental over time to the health of the tree.

[Lowestoft Firewood]

Squirrels do a lot of damage to young trees especially. Shoot or trap them all I'd say. 

[PC Treescapes]

We use these in woodland to stop damage to Beech and Sycamore mainly, have been really good and require very little labour

A18 Humane Grey Squirrel Traps UK | Goodnature Traps UK

GOODNATURETRAPS.CO.UK

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Goodnature A18 humane squirrel traps, the future of grey squirrel control. Powered by CO2, traps attract greys with a species targeted lure

[Tippin Alaybye]

That’s interesting. I have the rat equivalent of this and absolutely useless. Although not licensed for sqizzers ( that came later) I tried it on them but no evidence but I suppose Fox could have done away with the corpses. I shoot and use a heavy spring trap for mine.
Make gud eating

[gary112]

mk4 fenn trap works for me,pick up a dozen or so most weeks 

[Tippin Alaybye]

What I use