Winter rodents represent real danger for apples, plums and other fruit trees. In search of food they get on garden plots and gnaw the bark where they can do it. For trees such injuries are often disastrous.
Particular risk young apple trees. They are soft and "juicy" crust, which strongly attracts mice, hares and wild rabbits.
To rodents spared your garden party, tree trunks must be protected. Make it is not difficult. There are many ways to suit different tastes and budgets.
In this article I will discuss six of the most effective ways to protect fruit trees from rodents raid.
1. Fence mesh
Fencing stem apple fine metal mesh - the most effective, but the most expensive way. It is necessary to take the net with the smallest weave and wrap its trunk at a distance of not less than 20 cm from the bark of a tree. From below, the net buried in the ground to a depth of 10-15 cm. To the grid is not developed, it is necessary to secure the wire.
Also possible to use a flexible plastic mesh. Just be careful, the cold bent plastic can crack, and the tree will be left without protection.
Such protection does not cover the light and does not interfere with air exchange. In fact, the tree does not feel any discomfort.
The only disadvantage of this method - the price. The fine metal mesh for all the apple trees in the garden can get a lot of money.
2. Winding fir branches
Over budget, but at the same time is quite an effective way. tree trunk should be tightly wrap fir paws from the ground to a height of 70-75 cm. Paws need to tighten the rope, so they do not have slipped under the weight of snow.
On top of spruce branches, you can wrap a thick film. In this case, the trunk will not penetrate even the smallest mouse. However, the film will prevent the full air exchange.
Of course, but full air exchange can not be called the air will circulate between the fir paws.
Spruce paws in which you'll wrap up the trunk must be free of thick branches. Otherwise, they will not fit tightly to the trunk forming a dangerous space where can get the mouse.
3. whitewashing apple
Many means for whitewash purchased apple contain substances that repel mice, rabbits and other rodents common. Such agents include water-emulsion paint designed for whitewash bark.
From personal experience I can say that for the protection of young apple trees is best to use a mesh or plastic bottles (discussed below).
Before whitewashing always thoroughly clean the barrel of dirt, algae and other parasites. Otherwise, whitewash quickly descend revealing a tree trunk.
4. Bait with poison
Winter bait with poison operate quite efficiently, but they need to be updated frequently. Besides, if you leave the bait in the open air, it can easily be covered with snow.
There is one global disadvantage. These lures are very dangerous to pets. Even if you have taken away their pets in the city, the settlement can wander the neighborhood dogs or cats. For them, the contact with the bait may turn severe poisoning or even death. Be careful.
5. ultrasonic repeller
Use ultrasonic repeller can be used only if you live all winter in the country. This device needs a constant power supply and supervision.
If you do decide to stay for the winter in the country, ultrasonic repeller becomes an excellent protection. They have a wide range and almost do not consume electricity.
6. Plastic bottles
Another very economical, but at the same time effective method - protection using plastic bottles. Cut off the bottom and the neck of the bottle. The resulting cylinder cut side so that it can be put on the trunk. Tightly shade the ropes get protection.
This method has one significant disadvantage. Plastic completely prevents air circulation.
Bottle bottom must be prikopat the ground 5-10 cm. This is to ensure that before the snow rodents have not been able to make a tunnel to the trunk.
These simple but effective methods that will protect the apple stem from the sharp teeth of rodents.
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