Rabbit damage is almost always the result of their appetite for our plants. They eat flower and vegetable plants in spring and summer and the bark of fruit and ornamental trees and shrubs in the fall and winter. How to keep rabbits out of your lawn and flower beds: A well-constructed fence is the most effective way to protect plants. Also a two-foot high chicken wire supported by posts every six to eight feet is strong enough to keep rabbits out.
The presence of rabbits does not always result in economic damage to plants. Most 2- to 3-foot high shrubs can survive having most of the 1- and 2-year-old twigs removed. However, the desirable bud, flower, or fruit development may be impaired. The key to effective and economical rabbit control is being able to predict and intercept damage with methods that are relative to the predicted loss in value.
To exclude rabbits from an entire backyard, fences can be easily installed as additions to existing structures. Perimeter fences of welded wire mesh of 1-inch x 2-inch or 1-inch (hardware cloth, hail screen) excludes young rabbits, but a 2- x 3-inch mesh or chain link fence will exclude adults provided the fencing is anchored properly.
