10/26/2026
Raising plants on the Palouse can take some effort, especially in natural areas. You get them planted well, water and care for them, and control weeds along the way, but one day the plants have disappeared or are missing limbs and bark. What happened? Chances are, an unwanted guest has turned your hard work into a dinner buffet. On the Palouse, common culprits include voles, mice, rabbits, beavers, deer, elk, and even the occasional stray livestock.
So how can you protect your plants? Here are a few methods that we use at PCD:
• Tree tubes and plant protectors: Create a physical barrier against browsing animals and make plants easier to spot during maintenance.
• Repellents: Sprays, granules, and scent-based products can discourage browsing, though some require regular reapplication.
• Exclusion fencing: Wire mesh or sturdy fencing can protect individual plants or groups of plants, especially from larger animals.
• Other helpful tips: Install raptor perches to encourage natural rodent control, mow tall grass around plants to reduce rodent cover, and consider painting trunks with paint and grit to deter bark chewers.
Every method has its pros and cons, so choose what works best for your plants and the wildlife in your area.
For more information, visit our Riparian Restoration page at PalouseCD.org/riparian-restoration and check out our Landowner Guide to Buffer Maintenance and Success.
