How to Protect New Fruit Trees from Gophers When Planting

Planting new fruit trees can be a great way to enhance the aesthetics of your garden and enjoy the tasty fruits that they bear. However, planting new fruit trees can also attract gophers to your yard, which can significantly damage the trees and impact their growth. To ensure that your trees remain healthy and thrive, it is important to protect them from gophers when planting. Here are some tips to help you protect your new fruit trees from gophers:

Choose the Right Planting Location

One of the most important things you can do to protect your new fruit trees from gophers when planting is to choose the right planting location. Avoid planting your trees in areas that are known to have gopher populations, such as areas with loose soil or sandy soil. Instead, choose an area that has compact soil, which can be more difficult for gophers to burrow through. You can also consider planting your trees in raised beds, which can make it more challenging for gophers to access the roots of the tree.

Use Mesh or Wire Baskets

Another effective way to protect your new fruit trees from gophers is to use mesh or wire baskets. When planting your trees, wrap the roots in a mesh or wire basket before placing them in the ground. This will prevent gophers from accessing the roots and chewing on them. You can also place mesh or wire baskets around the trunk of the tree to prevent gophers from burrowing around the base of the tree.

Use Gopher Repellents

If you want to protect your new fruit trees from gophers without using physical barriers, you can also consider using gopher repellents. There are many products available that can be spread around the perimeter of the planting location to deter gophers from coming near. These products typically contain natural ingredients, such as peppermint oil or castor oil, which can repel gophers without harming the tree.

Keep the Area Clean

Gophers are attracted to areas that are cluttered and untidy. To prevent them from coming near your new fruit trees, make sure to keep the area around the trees clean and free of debris. Remove any fallen leaves or grass clippings, and avoid leaving piles of wood or other materials near the trees. Keeping the area clean and well-maintained can help deter gophers and keep your trees healthy.

Conclusion

Gophers can be a significant threat to new fruit trees when planting, but with the right precautions, you can protect your trees and ensure that they grow healthy and strong. By choosing the right planting location, using mesh or wire baskets, using gopher repellents, and keeping the area clean, you can prevent gophers from damaging your trees and enjoy their bountiful fruits for years to come.