Woodchucks are a real nuisance and some gardening techniques to prevent damage are helpful.

Woodchucks, or groundhogs, are found in the Northeast, the Mid-Atlantic, parts of the Midwest, and most of southern Canada. You are most likely to see woodchucks in the early morning or late afternoon, munching on a variety of plants. Woodchucks hibernate during winter. They’re most likely to be a pest in early spring, eating young garden plants.

Fences: A sturdy chicken-wire fence with a chicken-wire-lined trench will keep out woodchucks.

Barriers: Some gardeners protect their young plants from woodchucks by covering them with plastic or floating row covers in spring.

Once woodchucks, or gophers, have made themselves at home in your yard, they are difficult to get rid of. For some strategies, please see our FAQ How can Gophers be Controlled Without Toxins?

For tips on a variety of gardening topics, see our Plant Information Guides.
- Courtesy of NYBG Plant Information Service