Many of us have experienced tree damage from rodents ( beavers)  in the area.    Daniela from Brandy Lake suggested this THIS Cottage Life LINK that has a few suggestions to discourage the rodents however..they will simply go to the next available tree according to the article.

The Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources recommends 120 ml of masonry-grade sand for every litre of latex paint. Of course, you’ll probably have to keep re-applying these treatments, and this won’t necessarily make the beavers abandon your property—it may just drive them to go after different trees, shrubs, or ornamental plants.