To protect specific trees from being felled, there are two preferred methods. The first option is to build a cage around the tree with a sturdy frame and wire mesh. It is critical that the materials be sufficiently strong (no chicken wire—these eager engineers have iron-plated teeth!) and follow recognized designs to be effective. The second option is to create a mixture of latex paint and sand—you can even match the paint color to the tree’s bark—and paint it around the tree trunk annually. Beavers don’t like the gritty feeling on their mouth and will leave the trees alone. To enhance the success of these tactics, we can plant live willow and cottonwood stakes along the water’s edge to assure the beaver have plenty of their preferred food and building materials to work with.