Silver Berry (Eleagnus) Bush Problem

[Judy]

I have what is, to me, a very unique problem. Two of my three Silver Berry bushes has been gnawed off at the base of the trunk. My neighbors have three of these bushes and they too have been gnawed off. I don't see any mole tracks or anything.

Has anyone else ever experienced this problem?

 

[jazz lady]

No, but it's probably rabbits. I'd wrap the trunks with tree guards or wire fencing to prevent the creatures from getting to them.

 

[Judy]

Funny thing is......it is eaten from the roots up. Now another neighbor has lost two of these plants. I dug into the ground to find no roots (and no tunnels).

 

[calamity jane]

You probably have voles. They love silverberry roots, especially the young ones (plants). Around here, I had to re-plant a lot of them before they finally made it. You might not see the tunnels on top of the ground but if you check carefully under the dirt about 5 or 6 ins. you'll find a smoothe tunnel. You need to trap and kill the voles, which can be an on-going battle.