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Aerated tree tubes deter rodents?

North Lakes Farm

North Lakes Farm

New Member
Aerated tree tubes

Recommended by our local forester, but I’m worried about rodent damage. I cage my trees also, but have a bunch of these extra aerated tubes I’ve used for dogwood, spruce etc, but I’m a little worried about using them on fruit trees, chestnuts, more valuable ones.

Any thoughts?
 
Thanks
 

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I tested tubes for Kansas years ago before hey cost shared.I use tree pro ventilated tubes.They are not the mesh like above but tubes that create a better environment for the seedling.I don't use on fruit trees as I had issues with mold,only oaks.Walnuts and chestnuts didn't like them in my area.
 
Yeah I wonder if anybody is farther north than me. I was reading a bit and it was saying ventilation is good but the severe cold/wind protection is lacking.
 
It all depends on what you are trying to do,the springy look guards might keep the rabbits from eating them but I have seen animals just pull them off.Hardware cloth i haven't tried but about the same as drainage tile as far as doing what a tree tube is designed to do.The tree tubes create a terrarium effect while letting the trunk move alittle.I would call tree pro or your local USDA and see which tubes they recommend for their programs.
 
Whatever method you guys use...do something is my advice. I started an orchard at my new house last fall and dutifully caged off the new trees to keep deer off of them, etc. but did NOT protect the trunks. Something, presumably rabbits, chewed the trunks quite a bit this winter. I may have to replant some of them...DRAT! I then used some screen and protected the lower 2' of the trunks, but may be too late to save them all. Ugh.

I have read that ADS tubing is not good because mice will get inside of it and possibly nest and then also chew/girdle the trunks.
 
I don't use tubes on fruit trees.Also don't use that plastic spiral wrap as I have had it girdle trees.Screen with simple stapler to fasten edges together.For you guys that get snow don't forget to go high enough to protect against rabbits on top of snow.I haven't ever had a rabbit go in the 2x4 wire that I know of.
 
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