3 Simplest Ways to Protect Saplings and Trees from Rodents in Winter

On the eve of winter, all gardeners will certainly rush to protect their trees and seedlings from rodents. And this is quite reasonable, because these small representatives of the fauna can significantly damage the bark of trees, which will lead to their death.

Among all the variety of ways to protect seedlings and trees from the tricks of rodents, I use only three, the effectiveness of which I have tested over the years.

Simple and affordable, not requiring financial and time expenditures, these methods will help you keep your favorite trees safe and sound. I will gladly tell you about my proven methods.

Using cover

This is an old method, which was used by my grandmother, in fact, she recommended it to me. Various materials can be used as a shelter, but spruce branches have proven themselves best.

Spruce, pine or juniper branches are used to shelter trees. Preference should be given to material with the longest spines. The branches should be slightly buried in the soil so that the rodents cannot dig into the soil.

The height of the winding is from half a meter to a meter, while it is important to place the branches with the needles down. I like spruce branches as a covering material, because it is well ventilated and tree bark

Whitewash

Whitewashing trees to protect them from rodents also applies to the old, but still relevant methods. It is held in late autumn, but always before the first frost.

Manufacturers add substances to the whitewash composition that have a deterrent effect on rodents. To achieve greater efficiency, it is recommended to add tar soap shavings to the whitewash.

And the maximum result is promised by the addition of zinc oxide - a substance used as a poison for rodents.

Use of deterrents

This is one of the most humane ways to protect trees from rodents. For example, you can hang large black plastic bags on the lower branches of trees.

They will rustle and imitate a scarecrow. Small black circles cut out of cardboard and hung at the bottom of the trees will also be a good scarer.

Some gardeners hang cans on the branches of a tree, which, when in contact with each other, have a loud deterrent effect.

The considered three methods of rodent control are effective. Choosing them, you can be sure that over the winter, all trees and seedlings will retain their healthy appearance.