Introduction

Rabbits, the nemesis of Hosta lovers.  Supposedly 90% of a rabbits diet is grass.  Many gardeners would say that it is 10% grass and that the other 90% is made up of their prized perennials.  While many welcome the presence of these cute and cuddly visitors, others would rather do without them.  Here, we will try to offer a few suggestions for rabbit-proofing your garden.

Try some of the plants listed in Table 1.  They aren't quite as tasty to rabbits as some other plants.  No plant is completely resistant though.

Thin barked trees are generally favorites of rabbits.  These include Willows, Poplar, & Apples.  Ash and Maples are susceptible until they get past the sapling stage.  Oaks are usually ignored completely.  As for evergreens, pines are usually preferred over spruce and fir.

Physical Barriers

Rabbit damage can be identified by clean angular cuts on the food source.  Generally the damage will be less than 2.5' from the ground.  Rabbits will usually not bother woody plants, but in the winter when there isn't much else to eat, they will.  To protect newly planted trees or shrubs, you can erect a 3' high fence (bury it into the ground a little ways as well, so they can't burrow under) made of wire mesh, or put plastic trunk protectors on trees.

Repellents

There are a number of repellents on the market that are advertised to keep rabbits out of your garden.  They work with varying degrees of success.  Here is a quick breakdown.

ODOR REPELLENTS - Repels by odor (usually rotten egg smell).  Will last for 3 months, but should be reapplied after rainfall.  Brands include;  HAVAHART & Deer Away.  Other odor repellents include dried blood meal, mothballs, and human hair.