How to Protect My New Tree Plants If Wildlife Areas

Planting new trees is an excellent way to enhance the environment and add beauty to any area. However, when wildlife is present, it can pose a threat to the young and vulnerable plants. Protecting your new tree plants from wildlife is essential to ensure their longevity and growth. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to protect your new tree plants in wildlife areas.

Understand the Wildlife in Your Area

The first step in protecting your new tree plants from wildlife is to know the kind of animals that inhabit your area. Different creatures have various tendencies, and their habits will decide which kind of protection you need to consider. For example, deer love to browse through young trees, while rabbits love to chew on the bark. Squirrels and raccoons may climb trees and damage the branches. Identifying these types of animals will help you decide which protective measures to take for your new tree plants.

Use Fencing to Protect from Wildlife

Fencing can be one of the most effective ways to keep wildlife away from your new tree plants. A simple fence can be constructed using chicken wire or deer netting that can be wrapped around new tree plants. The fence should be at least five feet tall, and the wire or netting should extend to the ground to prevent animals from burrowing or digging underneath.

If the wildlife in your area is more determined, an electric fence can be a more effective method of protecting your new tree plants. It may seem cruel, but it is suggested that it is not enough to discourage wildlife. It is not dangerous, and it merely produces a mild shock that will be enough to startle and convince any animal that they should not return to the area.

Use Tree Tubes to Protect from Wildlife

Tree tubes are an alternative to fencing and can be erected in minutes. They can be made from plastic, and their openings are covered with mesh or netting. Tree tubes are most effective for preventing rabbits, mice, squirrels, and other small animals from eating or destroying new tree plants.

An added benefit of using tree tubes is that they provide a microclimate around the new tree plants, which helps to promote growth. It reduces the amount of water required, increases the temperature near the tree, and protects against frost during winter.

Use Repellents to Protect from Wildlife

Repellents can be used as another method of protecting new tree plants from wildlife. They are chemicals that are sprayed on or around plants, and they have an unpleasant smell or taste that encourages animals to stay away. They are available in both organic and synthetic forms; repellents can be effective but must be reapplied regularly.

Some of the organic repellents include hot pepper, garlic, and vinegar; these have a strong smell that can dissuade animals from searching for new tree plants. The synthetic varieties may last longer but can be harmful to the environment and costly. It is essential to consider which type of repellent you want to use to protect your new tree plants and ensure that it is safe to apply around animals and humans.

Conclusion

In summary, protecting new tree plants from wildlife is important for their growth and longevity. There are several methods to protect your new tree plants in wildlife areas, including using fencing, tree tubes, and repellents. By knowing what wildlife is in your area and which method will work best, you can ensure the protection of your new tree plants from wildlife and help them thrive for years to come.