Burning Bush Trimming

Question

I am having trouble with rabbits eating our burning bushes bark in the winter. I was hoping you could tell me if it is okay to trim the bush now. We live in northeast central Wisconsin near Green Bay and I thought to cut them back when the leaves have dropped off and put a fencing up. Do you recommend this now or do I have to wait till spring?

Answer 1

I would wait until spring. Pruning now may cause the bush to start growing again instead of going into dormancy which would leave it vulnerable to the winter cold. Instead, I would try wrapping the lower trunk with tin foil. This will keep the rabbits away from the bark until spring.