After many years of avoiding tulips due to loss (squirrels digging up bulbs), I planted 20 new tulip bulbs and have already lost a couple to squirrels. I have placed large flat rocks over the ground where they have been planted. Will that affect the bulbs over the winter as long as I remove the rocks in the spring?

I usually lay a piece of hardware cloth or chicken wire over the planted bulbs. The wire is then covered with mulch. Makes it more difficult for the squirrels to steal.

I use rocks too but not for squirrels. Skunks will dig in any freshly dug soil and always dig up bulbs or my new plants. The only way to discourage them is to cover the area or surround the plants with rocks. I've never noticed any issues with the bulbs in the Spring but I do move the rocks.

bxncbx said:I use rocks too but not for squirrels. Skunks will dig in any freshly dug soil and always dig up bulbs or my new plants. The only way to discourage them is to cover the area or surround the plants with rocks. I've never noticed any issues with the bulbs in the Spring but I do move the rocks.

Thanks for responding. Several years ago, I planted 40 tulips and only 2 emerged. I contacted the seller to complain and he asked if I had any squirrels in my yard. I've lost dozens of heucheras to those tree rats as well and I've tried everything imaginable to deter them short of extermination although that may well be my next solution.

....oooh, and here I was thinking of buying some Heucheras. Thanks for the warning. I will be better prepared to combat the tree rats.