The Nose Knows
Posted by Helen Cummings on March 31, 2006
Q: How do I keep Squirrels from taking my tulips?
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Ohio
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: I'm assuming that your tulip bulbs were dug up? Not nipped off? My first guess as to the culprit would be a skunk, not squirrels. Skunks are very active diggers and often find all kinds of "goodies" in lawns. But keeping skunks OR squirrels from digging your tulips would probably require the same action. There are all kinds of products on the market to keep animals away from plants but many/most are not very effective. All I can think of is to place screening around the plants as they emerge but you'll have to pin the screen down well or the animals will simply move that aside. I have the problem of deer eating my tulips at my house and have given up trying. If all else fails, try planting a different kind of plant - your local nursery should have ideas. Best of luck.
John Wiessinger ( March 31, 2006)