After such a cold and snowy winter here in the greater Chicagoland area, it turns out that deciduous and evergreen Bushes were not “off the menu” for feeding Rabbits.  Since the majority of our ground was covered by a heavy blanket of snow for several months, rabbits were forced to eat above the snow layer wherever possible.  When feeding, rabbits can gnaw the bark and small stems completely off of desirable plants and bushes within their reach.  Rabbits can reach food sources that are located up to 18″ above ground/snow cover (while standing on their hind legs).  When food is in short supply, rabbits will eat tree and shrub bark that is relatively young and thin.  Most deciduous and evergreen shrubs that have been targeted by hungry rabbits will recover over time by producing new replacement shoots.  It is a good practice to prune away the girdled branches just below the gnawed bark area for best long term plant health.  Please be sure to contact Pacocha Landscaping Services, Inc. with any questions or concerns you may have.  Thank you for taking the time to visit our site and have a great day!