This will reduce the mice population. It is particularly important to have a grass free area immediately surrounding the main stem of the tree or shrub. This is also a safe and practical way to eliminate meadow mice and rabbits from small areas such as the yard. If you place wooden snaptraps in runways you can control mice well. Peanut butter, oatmeal, or small slices of apple make the best bait.
Rabbits are easy to catch in wire or wooden box traps.
There are several repellents on the market. When you apply them in the fall, they will last throughout the winter. Thiram is an excellent repellent on both rabbits and mice. If you apply it with a latex or resin adhesive, Thiram will protect woody plants from fall to spring. Use commercially prepared repellents containing Thiram as directed by the manufacturer.