Do Moles Kill Trees ?

[Mrwurm]

Well, we have been over-run by Moles this year. I've heard several accounts from others that this is a big year for moles. I'm not sure why they're so abundant this year.

I've noticed something perculiar. I've seen a few well-established trees that have died on my neighbors lot. (white pines) Around the base of these trees there are multiple Mole tunnels. I also lost an established plum tree this year with the same mole activity around the base. Did the moles kill the trees or are they simply attracted to dead trees. This is a 'which came first' thread.

Also, the moles seem to be tunneling deeper this year. I have a foot of topsoil on top of my engineered septic field. The field is covered with about 4 feet of sand. The moles are actually tunneling down in the sand layer and pushing up the sand to the surface.

I have read all the tips at moleman.com and have not managed to trap a single mole this year. I've tried to locate main tunnels by collapsing a small area and waiting for the repair. Trouble is, they never repair them. Seems they never use the same tunnel twice.

Very odd behavior for moles this year /forums/images/graemlins/mad.gif

 

[riptides]

I don't know about the moles holes... but IMHO white pines are not the hardiest of trees. I had a large number planted by professionals, lots went dead a few weeks after planting. Out of the original lot I'd say 1/2 suffered some mortality before they reached their peak years. In my area really big ones would go belly up for no particular reason, leaving gaping holes in the landscaping.

They just seem overly sensitive to stress and natural diseases.

Maybe just age related?

-Mike Z. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[DrRod]

Can't say about the moles, but a properly planted stand of white pine should have a 95% survival rating. Lots of things can go wrong during the planting process -- the roots can dry out when pulled at the nursury, during shipment, or when handling in the field; sticky soil or turf can prevent a good snug backfill of the planting hole; wrong sub-species for the area; etc.

 

[hudr]

I too have noticed a lot more mole and gopher activity this year here in East Texas. We have also lost several established trees but I think that is due to the severe drought we are experiencing. Also, this is the first I remember people cutting hay in November (and we will still have a deficit of hay this year). And my yard varmits have been hard to kill also. I have done the waterhose thing, gopher bombed them and just when I think I have them dealt with, I notice a fresh mound. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[MossRoad]

Moles are carnivorous. They eat meat, not plants. There are probably bunches of insect larvae or worms in the soil under the dead pines, so the moles are feasting on them.

Moles follow their food. If the worms go deep, the moles go deep. They don't hibernate, either. They just go below the frostline like the worms.

 

[PhilNH5]

I have moles and chipmunks. I lost a specimen Japanese maple due to (I think) the excessive number of holes and tunnels at the base and rootball of the tree. I think they dug enough tunnels to epose the roots to air - hence the dead tree.
Chipmunks are no longer the cute little critters I thought they were. I trap them or shoot them on site. The dogs get a few as well.
Like you I have had no success with the moles. I have the spike plunge trap and spent countless hours monitoring and moving it. No luck. Think I will try mole poison soon.

Phil

 

[getut]

It is actually the exact opposite.

Moles are unbelievably HEALTHY for nearly any vegetation. Areas that have moles are typically well rounded ecosystems that are living in balance.

But if there is an unusual amount of mole activity around a particular tree, the tree is most likely already damaged and on its way out. It is the other activity from insects and the like feasting on the tree that is attracting the moles.

 

[genelp]

I've always understood that moles are attracted to a location because of a ready food-supply (grubs).
I also noticed that we had moles for the first time in several years this summer (my wife's flower beds).
I have also had problems the last three summers with something that makes mole-like hills, but no visible tunnels. fortunately this is in the yard behind the dam, so I'm the only one that sees them.

genelp

 

[MossRoad]

Mole hills are where the moles put their dirt to get it out of the tunnel. It has to go somewhere, right? So, they tunnel straight up and push the dirt out there, on the surface.

 

[mudcat]

I buried bucket in the ground in the middle of a mole mound, hoping to catch one. I could not see any tunnels so I buried the bucket deep enough that the top of it was about 12" deep and then covered the hole with a piece of plywood. The next morning I went to check the hole and there wasn't one. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gifThe hole was completely filled with dirt. I don't Know what direction to go now. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif