Pine mice nest underground, eating bark from the roots near the surface. Mouse damage is easily noted by carefully removing soil from around the base of the tree and over the larger roots near the soil surface. Bark completely removed around the trunk or roots by gnawing of the rodents will girdle the tree and cause death or severe plant weakening. Keeping the soil bare and free of grass cover or else mulch around fruit trees or vines will help discourage mice from meeting nearby and feeding on fruit plants. When planting trees, allow the soil to settle one inch and apply the stone two inches deep.
Rabbits feed on bark of trunks and exposed roots of young fruit trees.
Rabbit guards, preferably wire screen, wrapped around newly-set fruit plants are suggested to prevent feeding damage. Where plants are extremely girdled by rodents, death of plants usually occurs shortly after growth begins in spring. As with other types of mechanical injury, weakened plants are more susceptible to drought, cold injury or insect and disease infestations. Rabbits will generally feed on apple trees and brambles when the soil is covered with snow for 10 to 14 days. With vinyl guards, put guards on newly planted trees in October and keep the guard on all year.