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Rabbits eating arborvitae #924594

Asked February 14, 2026, 6:56 PM EST

We have small, one year old arborvitae trees. Rabbits have eaten parts of the trees. Will the “cut” branches grow back?

Dakota County Minnesota

Expert Response

With a bit of luck they may grow back.
https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/deer-have-eaten-foliage-bottom-portions-several-arborvitae-will-bare-areas-green-back-spring

https://libanswers.nybg.org/faq/436172

https://blog.davey.com/do-arborvitae-branches-grow-back-after-deer-or-storm-damage/

Evelyn Locke, MN Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor, Volunteer Replied February 14, 2026, 8:07 PM EST

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This work is supported in part by New Technologies for Ag Extension grant no. 2020-41595-30123 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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