Unfortunately, the job is not done once the tree is in the ground. A variety of animals may injure or kill tree seedlings. One common threat to seedling survival is the pocket gopher. Pocket Gophers Pocket gophers are small rodents that live in extensive underground burrow systems. Gophers live on roots, seeds, and other plant parts and serve a valuable ecological role.
Gopher burrows help to cycle nutrients and provide space for air and water to move through the soil.
Unfortunately, large pocket gopher populations can wreak havoc on forest plantations. When a site is disturbed by harvest or fire, many of these plants move in, and with them come pocket gophers. Most nursery-grown seedlings have been well watered and fertilized, making them very attractive to pocket gophers. Pocket gophers may clip seedling roots, pull seedlings underground, or clip or girdle seedlings above ground, often working under winter snow cover. Reducing gopher damage First, estimate gopher damage risk by looking for fresh dirt mounds.