What should you wrap trees with in winter to protect them from mice and hares? - briefly
Wrap the trunk in a snug metal or hardware‑cloth mesh (1‑mm gauge, 1–2 in. openings) and then cover the mesh with burlap or frost cloth for insulation. This barrier prevents mice and hares from gnawing while protecting the bark from cold.
What should you wrap trees with in winter to protect them from mice and hares? - in detail
Winter protection for tree trunks against small rodents and lagomorphs requires a barrier that resists gnawing, prevents bark damage, and endures low temperatures. The most reliable solutions are physical wraps combined with secure anchoring.
- Hardware cloth (galvanized wire mesh, ½–1 mm opening) – strong enough to stop chewing, easy to cut to length, and can be fastened with staples or wire ties. Choose a mesh size small enough to exclude the target animals while allowing airflow.
- Burlap or horticultural fleece – breathable fabric that shields against frost and wind. When used alone, it must be overlapped and secured tightly; for rodent resistance, combine with a thin inner layer of wire mesh.
- Plastic tree guards (UV‑stabilized polyethylene) – waterproof, lightweight, and available in pre‑formed tubes. Seal seams with heat‑shrink tape to eliminate gaps where pests could enter.
- Rigid metal collars (steel or aluminum, 2–3 mm thickness) – provide permanent protection for high‑value specimens. Drill small ventilation holes to avoid moisture buildup.
Installation steps
- Measure trunk circumference at breast height; cut the chosen material to a length that provides at least 30 cm of overlap.
- Wrap the material clockwise, ensuring the opening faces upward to discourage climbing.
- Secure the lower edge with stainless‑steel staples or heavy‑duty zip ties, spacing fasteners every 10 cm.
- Overlap the upper edge by 10–15 cm and fasten similarly; for mesh, twist the overlapping portion to create a tight seal.
- Anchor the lower portion to the ground using stakes or heavy stones to prevent animals from lifting the barrier.
Supplementary measures
- Apply non‑toxic rodent repellents (e.g., capsaicin‑based sprays) to the outer surface of the wrap, re‑applying after heavy rain.
- Remove nearby brush, fallen fruit, and seed heads that attract foraging.
- Install a low fence (30 cm height) around the tree base, using the same mesh material, to block hopping hares.
Maintenance
- Inspect weekly for tears, rust, or displaced fasteners.
- Replace damaged sections before the first hard freeze.
- Remove the wrap in early spring to allow bark expansion and prevent girdling.
By selecting a durable mesh or composite wrap, fastening it securely, and reinforcing with repellents and site hygiene, trees remain protected throughout the cold season from both gnawing rodents and browsing hares.