Protecting newly planted trees

[caithnesscrofter]

Am planning to go up north in two weeks time to start planting a few willlow trees for a windbreak. Anyone have good ways to keep the deer and rabbits from eating them? I was going to use the bog standard plastic tree shelters & stakes and have read an article about using square fencing laid on the ground around the tree to keep animals away. Anyone ever try this?

[Andy Hamilton]

Way back in the midsts of time when this forum first started someone wrote in with a problem with rabbits and apart from killing them on sight the other option involved placing a barrier underground so that they can't enter your property.

[farmerdrea]

I have read and heard that cat poop is supposed to keep away rabbits and hares and human hair tied in old stockings is supposed to keep away deer. Both must be refreshed reguarly, usually after a rain. My mother did use the hair in an old stocking with success in keeping the deer away from a long row of newly planted redwood trees (which they won't eat when they're mature, but apparently relish when they're young). This was in California, and about 15 years ago, and now those trees are quite large!

Cheers
Andrea
NZ

[caithnesscrofter]

well... the beginnings of our plastic forest. lol started on the windbreak with salix viminalis . this is the first row of 4 only half done.



hopefully this will keep the bunnies and roe away. if not i'll be looking for some human hair and cat poop!

[eek]

I wouldn't bother with the cat poop. I've got 3 cats who like to lounge in the garden and still have rabbits. Maybe it depends on what you are feeding the cats....

Good luck!

[paradox]

my dad used pop bottles with both ends cut off so you have a plastic tube.
he then cut a slit up the side and wrapped an elastic band round them so the plastic could expand as the tree grew.

This coupled with a mulch mat made from old carpet has protected loads of trees hes planted over the years.

I hope this helps

[red]

ooo now that is a good idea.