Beavers Northwest
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    • Home
    • Technical Advice
      • Conflict Resolution
      • Flooding Reduction
      • Tree Protection
    • Education
      • About Beavers
      • Events
      • Self Guided Nature Walk
      • In the News
    • About Us
      • Our Mission
      • Our Staff and Volunteers
      • Our Board of Directors
      • Our Friends and Partners
      • Join Our Team
    • Donate
  • Home
  • Technical Advice
    • Conflict Resolution
    • Flooding Reduction
    • Tree Protection
  • Education
    • About Beavers
    • Events
    • Self Guided Nature Walk
    • In the News
  • About Us
    • Our Mission
    • Our Staff and Volunteers
    • Our Board of Directors
    • Our Friends and Partners
    • Join Our Team
  • Donate

Tree Protection

Beavers Northwest specializes in non-lethal management options for property damage prevention without harming beavers.  If beavers have moved into your area, you may start noticing chewed branches or even large trees chewed down. While beavers need woody vegetation for food and to built their dams, in some cases, their tree-cutting activities can result in dangerous conditions and loss of trees which add aesthetic or ecological value. Tree fencing and textural repellants are used to protect trees from beaver activity.


If you have further questions about tree protection installation and maintenance or are interested in having us assess the practicality of tree protection on your property, please contact us. 


If you have questions about the health or hazardous condition of one of your trees, please contact a certified arborist. 

Tree Evaluation

Identify Beaver Chew

Identify Beaver Chew

Identify Beaver Chew

large tree chewed down by beavers

Beavers will take branches or entire trees for food or dam material. 

Identify Beaver Chew

Identify Beaver Chew

Beaver chew has distinct grooves from their teeth and will come to a sharp angled point.

Identify Beaver Chew

Determine if Protection is Needed

It may happen overnight or over the course of multiple months. Nonetheless, beavers in the Pacific Northwest will chew and take trees through the entire year.

Determine if Protection is Needed

Determine if Protection is Needed

Determine if Protection is Needed

plant with stems chewed and new growth

Some plants like willows, red-osier dogwood, salmonberry, Nootka rose and spirea survive beaver chew. Instead of dying, they sprout new shoots and become bushier. These types of plants may not need protection.

Determine if Protection is Needed

Other types of plants do not grow back and die from beaver activity. An example of this is our evergreen trees, like the western red cedar pictured above. These trees may also be long lived, provide privacy or extra value to a property or be treasured by landowners. Protection should be considered for these type of trees.

Determine if Protection is Needed

tree chewed almost entirely with just a small portion in the center left holding it up

Beavers often will fall large trees. Trees at risk of beaver chew and that are close to structures or roads may pose a threat to property and personal safety. To prevent hazardous trees or property damage, tree protection can be used.

Remember, compromise is needed to successfully live with beavers. We can help you determine if a specific tree is at risk of being chewed and if protection is recommended.

Contact Us

Tree Protection

Tree Fencing

Wrapping individual trees with welded wire fencing effectively stops the beaver from damaging the tree. Because beavers can stand up on their hind legs, the fencing should be at least three feet tall. Beavers are also known to dig and crawl so the fencing should be secured down against the ground and held in place with stakes. Leave room for the tree to grow by leaving at least a one foot gap between the tree and fencing material. The fencing should be inspected every so often to ensure it is not limiting or damaging the tree and that beavers have not dug under or moved the fence.


Groves of trees or streambanks can be fenced along their perimeter to prevent beavers from accessing trees. This method is more susceptible to gaps which can be exploited by beavers. 

Textural Repellant

To deter beavers from chewing a tree, abrasive paint can be applied to the outside of trees. From the base of a tree up to at least four feet, apply a mixture of 20 ounces of sand per gallon of exterior latex or acrylic paint. This method is most effective on trees with smooth bark which require less paint. Do not use on trees less than six feet tall since continued growth will limit the repellant's effectiveness and longevity. 

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Need Assistance or More Information?

Need Assistance or More Information?

Need Assistance or More Information?

two staff members evaluating a tree chewed by beavers
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Have Flooding Concerns?

Need Assistance or More Information?

Need Assistance or More Information?

water from beaver pond onto roadway
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