Rabbits are the most likely culprit.
Rabbits clip off pencil-sized stems cleanly at a 45° angle, while deer leave a jagged, torn edge on stems of this size or larger. Rabbits can cause damage any time of the year. During spring, rabbits prefer young, growing vegetation, like tulips, garden vegetables (carrots, peas, beans, lettuce, beets), and grass. In winter, rabbits gnaw tender bark off young trees and shrubs and eat the green, inner bark. Much damage can occur during cold winters with snow cover.
Look for tracks, visual clues, and other signs of the offending animals. Identification of the culprit is the first step in developing an appropriate management plan.
Online Resources
Cottontail Rabbit Control
