North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[jim <jmc1@epix.net>]

Although Al foil  used as Vic suggests will keep the critturs out,
there is one hazard that should be remembered:  If the rootstock is
one prone to burrknots, e.g. any of the Malling or Malling-Merton series,
the foil will exacerbate the BK problem.  The combination of high
moisture and lack of light seems to make the BKs pop out exuberantly. 
If the foil is removed in very early spring, likely no problem.

//Jim
www.cumminsnursery.com

victoria l. caron wrote:

 Hello,
Tom - this probably won't help with the rabbits but someone may be able to use it for mice and vole protection.
What has worked well for my nursery trees in 'vole country' NH is heavy duty aluminum foil. I've been using it for over 10 years. It's the only protection I have ever used, having started with it when the budget was tight and trees were few and continuing when the budget was tight and trees were numerous. It' economical and has never been chewed through. I cut strips of the widest heavy duty foil available at the grocery store into appropriate lenghths, 2-4 inches or more depending on size of trees, hold them vertically to wrap with a slightly twisting scrunching motion, being sure to get it tucked in well against the ground. They stay all winter. I have never had rabbit problems so don't know how this would work, but it's great for the little critters....................vic

Thomas Olenio wrote:

Hello List,

Yesterday, I finished moving whips into a small nursery area in my
backyard, in preparation of grafting in the spring.  As I finished the job
I wondered to myself if I should bother with rodent protection.

I convinced myself that living in a subdivision of houses, with very few
trees, that I didn't have anything to fear from rodents knawing my whips.

To make sure I hand not brought any disease into the nursery, I sprayed
the whips with a combo spray of lime/sulfur and Vlok oil.

Well I might as well sprayed them with salt and pepper, as today all the
trees have some damage, to varying degrees.

The most damaged looks like spots on a dalmation pup (1" long x 1/2"
wide"). None of them are girdled (thank goodness), but what should I do
for the spots of missing bark?  Winter is coming.  Should I seal them with
grafting wax?

Just want to stress to all the other neophites that rodent protection is a
MUST.  Don't be fooled by where you are, the darn vermin are everywhere!

Just bought a bundle of plastic, spiral tree guards, but it is too late.
It only took them 1 night to find and feed on the trees.

Thanks,
Tom
--
Thomas Olenio
Ontario, Hardiness Zone 6a

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