Theres a very large oak in my neighbors yard in which about half my yard is under the oaks canopy. Why do they have to dig in the mulch and not anywhere else though? They don't seem to bother my perennials in the mulch but rather dig around it which is probably equally as damaging

Chipmunks are hibernating in my area right now. What else might burrow - voles maybe? Or maybe raccoons digging to find something tasty down there? If you have any snow yet, tracks would give you a clue. I do the stone/brick trick, too, it does help (especially with my dog, who is a terrier mix = ratter/digger).

Around here, squirrels are burying nuts & peanuts.

one of the purposes of mulch is to retain heat ... ergo ... the soil is softer under it ... longer into the cold weather ....

also ... they seem to be stimulated.. any time of year .... by freshly dug soil ... perhaps they think you planted some nuts for them ...

if you have a few stakes around ... you can get a box .... open top and bottom ... place around the plant.. and stake 2 corners ... this also keeps rabbits away ...

ken

Along with squirrels, raccoons and skunks are active and will dig if the weather is above freeing. Both are more active dusk to dawn than during the day, so you might never see them, but there were many in the suburban neighborhood where I grew up.

Ah I see.. so thats why they dig in soil that was just dug up. So I guess fence them out until the plant gets established and once it gets established the critters wont bother them anymore like perenall says.

Even if its something else thats digging, I don't understand why they don't touch the plant and just go around it. Its like they're avoiding it

"I don't understand why they don't touch the plant and just go around it. Its like they're avoiding it"

They are :-) The plant(s) is in the way. They simply bury their treasure where the plant is not. Squirrels routinely 'plant' horse-chestnuts in all of my containers and usually in the ground as well.....even in the middle of the lawn. I never notice until spring when I need to repot or the dang chestnuts germinate and start growing! They never bother any plants at all. The only time that is an issue is if they dig up bulbs like tulip or crocus to eat.

Squirrels s like to dig in my mulch. That's how I now have a 60 ft Pin Oak. It was rescued from the mulch when it was 6 inched tall. Prettiest tree on my property.