Beaver Damage to Willow: Girdling Assessment

Beaver chewing leaving one bark strip = partial girdling. Survival depends on intact bark percentage. Wire mesh prevents further damage.

Girdling Thresholds

• < 25% bark loss: Full recovery likely
• 25-50%: Stress, possible dieback, may recover
• 50-75%: Severe decline, possible death
• > 75% (near complete): Fatal—no sugar transport to roots

Immediate Actions

• Wire mesh already installed—excellent
• No wound treatments help—natural healing only
• Monitor: Leaf-out next spring = survival test
• Water deeply during dry periods

Beaver Reality

Beavers farm trees—they often leave bark to sustain future harvest. Your willow may be in their rotation. Trapping/relocation may be needed long-term.