North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Ginda Fisher <list@ginda.us>]

On Oct 29, 2008, at 9:22 AM, D Stubbs wrote:

> With 400 trees to care for and the same problem with voles killing  
> trees - years ago I went to the local hardware store that replaces   
> window screens and asked for the old screen to be saved from the  
> trash. They were most obliging - I got a pickup full by summers end  
> - saved me a pile of money from buying new hardware cloth. I just  
> double fold over the ends to secure.
> Del

With one or two new trees each year, I also went to the local place  
that fixes window screens.  Since I didn't need much, they just  
pulled a couple of pieces out of the trash for me there and then.  I  
cut pieces to size with my kitchen scissors, wrap the screen around  
the base of the tree, staple it closed (with a regular stapler,  
leaving a fold of screen sticking out, where it's convenient to be  
stapled) and every couple of years I go and tug on the screens to  
make sure there's room for the trunk to expand.  (I haven't yet had  
to pry out the staples and re-staple, but expect to do that next year  
on one or two.)  The window screen is very easy to use.

I use the aluminum screen, not the newer fabric screen.  I'm  
concerned the fabric might not deter hungry rodents.  I have lots of  
mice and rabbits and have had zero problems with girdled trees.  I  
think the window screen is good enough.

Ginda