How can trees be wrapped to protect them from hares and mice? - briefly
Wrap trunks with smooth, tightly‑tied wire mesh or hardware cloth, extending the barrier at least 30 cm above ground and securing the lower edge to prevent burrowing. Apply a layer of tree guard tape or plastic film over the mesh to deter chewing while allowing airflow.
How can trees be wrapped to protect them from hares and mice? - in detail
Protecting young or vulnerable trees from the foraging of hares and the gnawing of mice requires a physical barrier that deters mammals while allowing air, light, and water to reach the trunk. Effective solutions combine suitable material, proper sizing, and secure attachment.
Materials commonly employed include:
- Plastic or polypropylene mesh: fine enough to prevent animal entry, resistant to weather, and easy to cut.
- Hardware cloth (galvanized wire): ½‑inch or smaller openings, durable, suitable for long‑term exposure.
- Rigid plastic tubes or PVC sleeves: provide a smooth surface that animals cannot grip.
- Commercial tree guards: pre‑formed collars of corrugated plastic or fabric with reinforced edges.
Installation steps:
- Measure trunk circumference at a point 6–12 inches above ground level. Add 10–15 % to accommodate expansion and ensure a snug fit.
- Cut the barrier material to a length that exceeds the measured circumference, allowing overlap of 2–3 inches for securing.
- Form a cylindrical shape around the trunk, ensuring the lower edge sits just above the soil line to prevent burrowing.
- Fasten with non‑corrosive staples, zip ties, or wire at the overlap, spacing fasteners every 4–6 inches to avoid gaps.
- Seal the bottom with a strip of metal flashing or a layer of mulch, creating a continuous barrier against digging.
Maintenance considerations:
- Inspect weekly during the growing season for signs of wear, displacement, or animal attempts to breach the guard.
- Replace damaged sections promptly; compromised areas invite renewed feeding.
- Remove the guard in late autumn if the tree is mature and the bark has thickened, preventing girdling and allowing natural bark development.
Additional tactics enhance protection:
- Baited repellents: apply non‑toxic, scent‑based deterrents to the outer surface of the guard; reapply after rain.
- Physical deterrents: place smooth stones or metal plates around the tree base to discourage digging.
- Habitat management: clear dense vegetation that provides cover for hares and mice, reducing the likelihood of close approach.
By selecting a durable, appropriately sized barrier, securing it firmly, and monitoring its condition, growers can effectively shield trees from mammalian damage while maintaining optimal growth conditions.