Question:
After removing a thick layer of Periwinkle around my Naval Orange, I discovered that the trunk and lower branches had been gnawed at. I believe snails or slugs caused the damage, as the ground cover was full of them. What should I do to protect the damaged areas or will they heal themselves?Answer:
- It’s not unusual to find a large population of snails and slugs in ground covers such as periwinkle, aka, vinca major or minor. The moist, dark location is a perfect breeding ground for them. However, the damaged is not typical of snails and slugs as they don’t have teeth so they can’t chew on bark and other hard surfaces. Hence, I doubt they’re the cause of the problem.
- The primary suspect for this type of damage is a rodent, like roof rats, or voles. Rodents have teeth perfect for gnawing. Rabbits and ground squirrels could also do this type of damage, but not in this case.
- Voles are mouse-like rodents that are sometimes referred to as field mice. When fully grown, they can measure five to eight inches long, including the tail. They feed on a full spectrum of plants from grasses to woody ornamentals. Also, they are poor climbers, so you would only fine them at ground level.
- Thick ground covers provide a perfect habitat for rats and voles as it allows for food and protection from predators and environmental stress. It may be too late, but I’d look to see if you can locate any rodent droppings. Rat droppings are black while fresh vole droppings are green and mature to a brown or gray color.
- The most effective method of deterring rodents is to make the habitat less suitable for them. This is accomplished by removing the ground cover around the desirable plants. With Vinca, Ivy, African Daisies and others, you can severely trim them in the spring of the year reducing the protective covering.
- Traditional traps and poison baits are not recommended because of the problem they create with domestic animals and kids. I’d let the damaged plants heal themselves. But, if this was new damage, you could seal the open wounds with Tree-Seal or similar product.
Question:
Our front yard is dominated by two large, twenty-five-year-old flowering plum trees. However, the trees have sent roots throughout the yard. Would a weed prevention fabric cover the ground prevent the emergence of the suckers?Answer:
- You’re really caught between a rock and a hard spot. Landscape fabric may slow down the problem, but it's not the ultimate solution. The suckers could push through any openings or just cumulate under the covering. You will need to add two to three inches of mulch to block the light from getting to the soil on top of the mulch. Black plastic is not recommended as it traps too much moisture which then harms the tree and plants.
- Unfortunately, I don't have a good solution. Manually removing the suckers may be the best answer.