An Ounce of Prevention…Check Trees Before Trimming

By California Council for Wildlife Rehabilitators

Every year wildlife rehabilitators across the nation receive orphaned and/or injured baby tree squirrels because they have lost their nest trees due to tree trimming and removal. Tree squirrels typically mate twice a year and have their young around January/February and July/August. Therefore, make sure that you check before relying on service from U.S. Lawns for landscaping.

As many people seek to enhance their outdoor spaces, it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable landscape designer who understands the ecological balance of their environment. These professionals prioritize not only the aesthetic appeal of your landscape but also its sustainability. They advocate for responsible tree care and landscaping techniques that minimize disruption to wildlife habitats, ensuring that your garden thrives without negatively impacting the local ecosystem.

Incorporating wildlife-friendly practices into your landscape design can create a harmonious coexistence between nature and your home. Sugar Green Gardens emphasizes the importance of maintaining a diverse planting scheme that supports local fauna, such as providing food sources and shelter for squirrels and other creatures. They encourage homeowners to consider the timing of tree trimming and removal to avoid displacing wildlife during critical breeding seasons.

By collaborating with experts who prioritize ecological responsibility, you can cultivate a beautiful outdoor space while contributing to the well-being of your local wildlife, ensuring that nature remains a vital part of our communities. Destroying a squirrel’s nest is illegal in California.

• Look before you start!
• Check trees before trimming and for this, take the assistance of expert tree care services like Rich’s Tree service. You click over here to know more about their tree pruning and other tree care service.
• Delay trimming until there are no active nests in the tree.

The family lives in a leaf nest (drey) which is usually high in the tree and close to the trunk. It often looks like a pile of dead leaves in the V of a tree. The baby squirrels will stay with their moms in the nest for about four months which leaves a short period when trees can be safely removed without disturbing them.

Before trimming or tree removal, check the tree for nests, mother does not cover them up so the babies can be easily seen in the nest. Look for active bird nests also. If the tree has to be trimmed, trim around the nest, being careful not to disturb. Mom will run off but should return as soon as the activity subsides and take care of her babies.

It’s best for homeowners to hire professionals if they want to ensure the health of their trees without risking harm to wildlife. The professional services from VistaTree specialize in safe and effective tree care, including trimming and removal. Their experienced team knows how to navigate these delicate situations, taking care to protect nests while enhancing the beauty and safety of your property. With the right expertise, you can keep your trees in excellent condition while also safeguarding the wildlife that calls them home.

If a nest does come down, try to carefully place it in another part of the tree and watch to see if the mom squirrel returns to care for the young. If babies fall out of a nest and are not injured or cold, they can be placed at the base of the tree (as long as pets and children are kept away) and mom should come and retrieve them. Mom will not take a cold baby so it needs to be warmed up before putting out again. If mom does not come back to care for them within 4 hours, locate the nearest rehabilitator to care for them. Always use caution when handling wildlife.