sap that collects in the openings or to feed it to their young. They most frequently attack pine, birch, maple, spruce and fruit trees and do the most damage during breeding season and territory establishment between February and June. Beavers girdle the bases of stems 3-6 inches in diameter, and girdle the roots of larger trees. This often weakens or kills trees. In the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, the eastern grey squirrel is also known to girdle or entirely strip bark from trees. Bucks (male deer) inadvertently girdle trees by rubbing their antlers on trees of various ages. One of several ways rabbits damage the environment in Australia is by girdling. By vines Trees can be girdled by climbing, twining, and ground-creeping (rampant) vines. There are several invasive species that harm trees in this way and cause significant damage to forest canopy and the health of ecosystems dependent on it. Oriental Bittersweet, Oriental Wisteria, and English Ivy all can damage and kill trees by girdling. See also Debarking (lumber) Forest pathology Pruning grafting Arborist Coppicing Fruit tree forms Lopping Pollarding Pruning fruit trees Topiary Dead hedge (which can be made from pruned branches to attract insects for hibernation and pollination) Annual growth cycle of grapevines Propagation of grapevines List of animals referred to as girdled References External links Girdling Effects Forestry Horticulture