As a horticulture and landscaping expert , I have had my sightly parcel of confrontation with squirrel and their eating habits . When it comes to hazelnuts , the question rise – do squirrels eat unripe hazelnut tree ? The solution is a resounding yes .
Grey squirrels , in particular , have a rapacious appetence and are known to exhaust hazelnuts even before they mature . Unlike some other animals that wait for fruits and nuts to fully mature and become ripe , grey squirrels have no qualms about munching on dark-green hazelnuts .
I have observed this behavior at first hand in my own garden . Hazelnut trees are a vulgar sight in my surface area , and every class , as the nut begin to constitute , the squirrel waste no time in raiding the branches . Even when the cobnut are still dark-green and firmly , they seem to be a treat for these furry animal .
One reason behind this conduct could be the scarcity of food during sure times of the yr . Squirrels are known for their power to hive away nutrient for the winter months when natural solid food source may become scarce . By eating unripe hazelnuts , they are able to sprout up on food betimes , assure they have a sufficient supplying for the colder months .
Another possible explanation is that green hazelnuts cater a good source of nutrients for squirrels . While ripe hazelnuts are undoubtedly more flavorful and easier to crack unresolved , unripe nut still turn back worthful nutrients that can sustain the squirrel ’ energy motive .
It ’s crucial to note that gray squirrels are not native to many parts of the world , including North America , where they were introduced . In their aboriginal habitat in Europe , they have coevolved with hazelnut trees and other plant species . Their power to eat unripe hazel may be a consequence of this long - stand relationship .
To protect your hazelnut crop from being devour by squirrel , there are a few strategies you’re able to utilize :
1 . Netting : Place clear over the branch of the hazelnut tree Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree to produce a physical roadblock that prevent squirrels from accessing the nuts . verify the veiling is firmly fastened to avoid any gaps that squirrels can squeeze through .
2 . sand trap : Live trap can be set up to catch the squirrels and relocate them away from your garden . However , it ’s of import to check local regulations and laws regarding trap and relocate wildlife before attempting this method .
3 . Distract with alternative food root : Provide alternative solid food sources , such as bird feeder or squirrel feeders , stock with orchis and come . This may help deviate their attention away from your hazelnuts .
4 . crop too soon : If you notice that the squirrels are systematically targeting your hazelnuts before they ripen , consider harvesting them a mo sooner than common . This way , you could relish at least some of the nuts before the squirrels get to them .
Grey squirrels have a preference for exhaust unripe hazelnuts . This doings can be attribute to their adaptability , nutritionary want , and the scarcity of food during sure fourth dimension of the year . By employing scheme such as netting , trap , offering alternate food sources , or harvesting early on , you could minimise the impingement of squirrel on your hazelnut crop .
Caroline Bates
