Which of the following is a common animal injury to plants?

• A. Girdling
• B. Browsing
• C. Compaction
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Gaining a full picture of how animals injure plants helps you recognize problems in the field. Girdling happens when animals chew or rub away the bark and cambium around the base or trunk, forming a complete circle. That interrupts the flow of nutrients up and down the tree, often killing or severely weakening what’s above the damaged spot. Browsing is the feeding on leaves, shoots, or buds, which reduces photosynthesis, stunts growth, and can alter plant form or vitality. Compaction results from animals trampling soil, pressing it down and reducing pore space; compacted soil limits root growth, air exchange, and water infiltration, stressing the plant and slowing development.

Each of these is a common way animals harm ornamental and turf plants, so including all of them covers the typical injuries you’d see. That’s why choosing all of the above is the best answer.