How to Landscape to Prevent Digging
Damage from digging in a landscape is often attributed to wild animals like squirrels and chipmunks as well as the family dog. Roots and bulbs of landscape plants and flowers can be damaged from animals which are trying to bury nuts for the winter or a bone to get a subsequent moment. Digging in the landscape can be controlled with a few simple steps that dissuade the digging activities of animals without actually causing injury to them.
Lay welded wire mesh with small-diameter holes on the ground about landscaping plants and shrubs to create a barrier which prevents access to the bottom so that animals cannot dig. Cover the mesh with mulch to soften it.
Eliminate any mulch such as pine bark nuggets or pine straw that’s been placed on bare ground. Replace the mulch with a 2 to 3 inch layer of stone or gravel to prevent digging. Select a kind of rock that matches the landscape plantings, theme and surrounding structure or furniture.
Plant thorny shrubs to deter animals from getting into the place all together and prevent digging. Choose practical and appealing flowering shrubs like the Victory Pyracantha (Pyracantha koidzumii “Victory”) and also the Knock Out Shrub Rose (Rosa x “Radrazz” P.P.#11836), both of which are acceptable for use in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.
Attach chicken wire or another similar kind of wire to the bottom of fencing to prevent animals from digging under it to get in your yard or garden area. Dig a 6-inch-deep trench at the bottom of the fence and then attach the wire so that it hangs down into the bottom of the trench. Cover the trench back up with dirt.
Add stones around the base of plants or trees to prevent digging around the roots. Use stones which match with the overall landscaping, like river stones, sand granite or stone.