Understanding the Impact of Wildlife on Tree Health and Safety Jan 10, 2026

Understanding the impact of wildlife on tree health and safety is crucial for maintaining a healthy landscape. Trees are integral components of our ecosystems, providing crucial benefits such as shade, habitat for wildlife, and improving air quality. However, wildlife interactions can also pose significant challenges to tree health and safety. At Owens Tree Services, we are committed to helping you understand these impacts and create strategies for maintaining healthy trees.

Wildlife, from insects to larger mammals, can affect trees in various ways. Insects, for example, can cause extensive damage to trees. Beetles, caterpillars, and borers are known to burrow into trees, disrupting nutrient flow and making trees vulnerable to disease and decay. An influx of certain species can result in significant stress to trees, leading to weakened structure or even death. Identifying early signs of insect infestation is crucial. Look out for visible holes in the bark, frass (insect excrement), or sawdust, which can indicate that borers are at work.

Larger animals, such as deer and birds, also play a role in tree health and safety. Deer are notorious for feeding on young tree shoots, which can stunt growth and deform young trees. Similarly, birds can inadvertently damage trees when they feed or nest. Woodpeckers, for example, peck on tree trunks searching for insects, which can harm the tree’s protective bark.

One aspect of wildlife impact that often goes overlooked is the role of animals in spreading disease. Animals can serve as vectors, moving pathogens from tree to tree. Squirrels, for instance, can transfer fungi and other pathogens when they move from one tree to another. This makes managing wildlife and mitigating their impact on trees a complex but necessary component of tree care.

Managing these impacts requires a proactive approach. Regular tree inspections are instrumental in early detection of wildlife-induced issues. At Owens Tree Services, we recommend bi-annual inspections to ensure that any signs of stress or damage are caught early. During these inspections, trained arborists look for symptoms such as discolored leaves, dead branches, and unusual growth patterns that can indicate underlying issues.

In addition to regular inspections, implementing certain preventive measures can significantly reduce wildlife damage. Installing physical barriers, such as nets or guards, can prevent deer from nibbling on young trees. For insect issues, introducing beneficial predators or setting traps may be effective strategies. It’s important to tailor these approaches to the specific wildlife challenges in your area.

While some wildlife interactions can threaten tree health, fostering beneficial relationships with certain species can promote a healthy environment. Birds, for example, can help with pest control by feeding on harmful insects. Encouraging the presence of such wildlife through birdhouses can create a balanced ecosystem where both trees and wildlife thrive.

In conclusion, understanding and managing the impact of wildlife on tree health and safety is essential for anyone caring about maintaining healthy trees. Owens Tree Services offers comprehensive support, from routine inspections to implementing customized management plans to address wildlife challenges effectively. By taking these steps, you can help ensure that your landscape supports both thriving trees and safe, vibrant local wildlife populations. Reach out to us for more information and support in safeguarding your trees today.