Protecting container plants from squirrels

[vrk3]

Squirrels keep digging near the root zone, causing a lot of damage. Any suggestions how to protect the plants?

[marknmt]

Is it the kind of plant you could protect by placing a piece of hardware cloth on top of the soil around the trunk?

[LarryGene]

Yes, metal. Metal screening is easier to cut and shape, would need to be weighted or pinned down. The gravel mentioned below is a good method.

[jcguarneri]

I’ve been putting 3/4" gravel as a mulch layer. The squirrels leave it alone after that.

[vrk3]

Thanks! I ll give these ideas a try.