Protecting trees from hares and rodents in winter: methods of protection

Gardeners need effective methods to protect trees from rodents and hares during the winter. Due to food shortages, animals forage, destroying young shoots and gnawing at the bark. Failure to act can lead to tree death, which is unavoidable.

Why are hares and rodents dangerous in the garden?

With the onset of winter, rodents often go hungry and are constantly on the lookout for something to eat. The same applies to hares living in the forest. They can enter orchards and gnaw on fruit trees. These pests prefer apple trees, plums, apricots, currants, and hawthorn. Cherry and pear trees are less affected, and hares and rodents rarely bother them. Increased activity is observed towards the end of winter, when food is especially difficult to find.

When penetrating a garden, pests first actively eat young shoots. Their bark is juicier. After this, mature trees begin to suffer. The lack of bark during severe frosts can lead to the death of trees.

Hare the Demolitionist

Not everyone realizes, looking at damaged bark, that a hare-like pest has taken up residence in the garden. The presence of the animal is indicated by the characteristic marks left behind:

• the hare stands on its hind legs and eats the bark in a circle - this is clearly visible;
• the height of damage is approximately 1 m from the ground;
• The animal eats the young shoots heavily. It looks like they were trimmed with scissors or pruning shears;
• Near the trunk, small depressions are visible in the snow on the ground. It might look like someone has been digging.

The first signs of this should be a signal that you need to start protecting your trees from rodents, as they could die in winter.

How to recognize animal activity

Animals appear in gardens to feed on young shoots and bark before dawn, at night. Tracking them is quite difficult. Hares have excellent hearing and can instantly recognize rustling sounds and spot movement in their direction. Afterward, the animals quickly flee. Hares visiting a garden and causing damage can be detected by characteristic signs of activity:

• young seedlings are almost completely destroyed;
• the bark on mature trunks is partially absent;
• in the garden you can see undercuts and holes;
• Animal feces can be seen on the snow.

Bridge grafting

Bridge grafting is entirely justified if the trunk has been severely damaged by rodents. During the last months of winter, hares and mice can actively gnaw the bark on all sides. If left untreated, the tree will likely die.

Preparing cuttings

It's best to prepare cuttings for grafting in the fall or early spring. The prepared material can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag with a cloth soaked in water. If you have many cuttings, you can store them in a container with damp sand or sawdust.

You should also follow a number of recommendations for preparing cuttings:

• The thickness of the scion depends on the degree of damage to the bark. On average, the branches should be 4 mm in diameter. If thick scions are needed, they must bend easily;
• The number of scions should be determined based on the thickness of the trunk. If buds appear on the cuttings before grafting, they should be removed;
• Scions can be harvested from different tree varieties. For apple trees, even material from wild trees is suitable;
• the height of the cutting should be 10 cm higher than the height of the damage;
• Only a certain number of scions can be placed on the bridge, the distance between them is 1-2 times the diameter of the cutting used.

Vaccination procedure

Gardeners graft when the sap begins to flow. At this point, the bark can be easily separated from the trunk. In most regions, the procedure is performed in May. By this time, damaged areas have become significantly dry and should be protected from this. Coating the trunk with natural drying oil or garden putty is sufficient.
First, prepare your gardening tools: sharpen and disinfect them. Make sharp cuts on both sides of the cuttings. They should be smooth and free of any rough edges. The cut length should be 4-5 times the diameter of the cutting.

Bridge grafting requires careful attention. It follows a specific procedure:

• the damaged part of the trunk should be cleaned with a sharp knife until it begins to shine;
• carefully remove the bark above and below the damage;
• make an indentation of 1-2 cm below the healthy bark;
• Make a T-shaped cut with a knife. Repeat the procedure on the other side so that the cuts are symmetrical;
• spread the edges of the cut bark in different directions;
• insert the prepared cutting inside;
• close the bark;
• cover the top with garden pitch;
• Secure it firmly with a bandage. The cutting should fit tightly to the trunk;
• repeat the manipulation with the second end of the cutting.

After completing the grafting process, tie the trunk with bast. Wrap it with a layer of roofing felt on top. Sprinkle with sawdust. The bandage can be left in place as the bast will gradually rot. The top layers should not be too dense to prevent growth. If plastic film is used to secure the entire tree, it is best to remove it in June or July. It is essential to remove any shoots that emerge from the grafts. This year, blossoms should be removed from apple trees and other trees to relieve the strain.

Methods for protecting apple trees from hares and rodents, how to protect your garden

All types of rodents pose a danger to garden plots. These small animals are capable of destroying many garden crops. Apple trees are considered their favorite. To protect your trees from hares and other rodents in winter, you can use popular and effective methods.

Cleaning up the garden

Cleaning is the best way to prevent pesky rodents from invading your garden. Remove all fallen leaves, branches, and other debris. These provide an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Mice hide under the leaves. A clean garden will discourage rabbits from entering, as they are easily spotted in the open. The more open space you have, the fewer pests will settle in.

Digging up the garden

To protect garden trees from small rodents, dig up the soil to a depth of 40 cm. This method destroys underground mouse tunnels. Keep in mind that hares are also capable of digging, so digging up the soil will make it more difficult for them to enter the garden. Careful excavation is essential, as this can damage the root system of the trees.

How and from what to make fences

Fencing is the best way to protect small apple trees from rodents during the winter. Chain-link fencing, stone, or brick can be used. Wooden fences are not recommended, as rodents can easily climb them. Fine-mesh metal mesh is best. It should cover the most problematic areas of the tree. Fencing should be up to 130 cm high and buried 30 cm deep in the ground around the tree.

How to wrap trees to keep out hares

Over the years, gardeners have tried various methods to protect apple trees from hares during the winter. Spruce branches are the most affordable and effective. Fold the spruce branches in several layers and wrap them around the trunk. It's best to have the needles facing downward, as they will prick the hares. Wrapping the trunks should be done before the snow appears, after the leaves have fallen—after the first snow, hares are left without food.

In the spring, the wrapping is removed, as it can contribute to excessive heating of the trunk. As a result, the tree's bark cracks due to sudden temperature changes. To protect apple trees and other trees, use burlap, parchment paper, and nylon tights. If possible, line the trunk with reeds, as hares dislike them.

Protection using odorous substances

Tar and cryolite mixed with limestone are used to treat wood. They have a pungent odor that repels rodents. However, their scent is not very persistent, so sawdust soaked in these odorous substances can be spread around the trunk. Solid oil, kerosene, and various oils can be used as impregnations. These should be used carefully, as they can scorch the wood.

Burnt wool repels mice and can be hung on tree branches. Coriander can also be used, spreading it near the seedling. This spice can also be planted near trees.

Use of roofing felt

Roofing felt is often used to protect wood from mice. However, it's important to remember:

• Roofing felt can only be used to cover the tree during the winter; it must be removed in the spring. The dark surface becomes very hot, which is harmful to the bark of the seedlings;
• It is necessary to exclude the possibility of prolonged contact of resin-impregnated material with bark - this will negatively affect the tree.

First, wrap the trunk with burlap and paper, then apply roofing felt. The gap between the wrappings should be tightly sealed. This will prevent water from accumulating, which would shrink the seedling when it freezes. When the tree is ready, remove the wrappings. This process should not be delayed, as this protection hinders oxygen circulation.

Treatment of apple trees with chemicals

Chemical compounds are effective for protecting apple trees from small rodents and hares in winter. A special whitewash based on copper sulfate is the most common remedy. It's easy to apply and doesn't wash off in rain. Treating the trunk with black pepper is an equally effective method. Special repellents are available in stores, but they need to be reapplied regularly, as they are constantly washed off by rain. A good alternative to chemical compounds is a 1:1 solution of manure and clay. The smell of this mixture repels all pests.

Poisoned baits

Using poisonous baits is the most effective way to protect a garden plot. However, pets can also ingest the bait, so use it with extreme caution. Among the many baits, "Efa" is considered the most effective. A rodent only needs to consume the bait once or twice to die. The bait should be placed in burrows and near trees, refreshing it periodically. The rodents die within a couple of days of consumption.

In addition to store-bought remedies, a mixture of sugar, vegetable oil, flour, and cement has proven effective. After consumption, the cement and flour harden in the animal's gastrointestinal tract, causing its death.

Ultrasound

This is a fairly popular and simple method, but not the most practical. It requires a constant power supply and batteries to be replaced. Sound waves cannot penetrate fences and walls; they only work within a certain radius. If the garden area is large, multiple ultrasonic devices will be required.

Plastic bottles

This is probably the simplest and most accessible method for protecting young trees. Remove the bottle's bottom and neck, cut it lengthwise, and wrap it around the tree trunk. The bottle shouldn't be wrapped too tightly around the trunk, as moisture accumulates under the plastic, leading to rot. It's important to remove this protection promptly, otherwise the trees will be damaged.

Protecting a creeping apple tree

This is a low-growing variety of apple tree, which has virtually no trunk. For wintering, the tree's branches are pressed as close to the ground as possible, secured with metal pipes and poles. Plastic bottles are buried under the trunk, baited with poison, and holes are made in them. These apple trees overwinter under snow and are covered with special nets for additional protection.

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Folk methods

The pungent scent of mint repels all rodents, so essential oil and the plant itself can be used for protection. Bunches of mint are applied to branches and trunks. Elderberry and marsh wild rosemary have similar properties and are also used to repel mice.

Compacting the soil around the tree can prevent mice from moving under the snow. Compacted, frozen ground will prevent rodents from moving freely. It's best to compact the soil along with the snow. This promotes the formation of an ice layer, preventing mice from digging burrows and damaging the root system.

Garden Treatment: What to Do if Hares Have Already Eaten Your Trees

Preventative methods and recipes don't always help damaged trees. They're often only considered when the bark has already been thoroughly chewed by rodents. Saving your beloved apple or plum tree requires quick and decisive action. The damaged area should be thoroughly treated with a special product available at gardening stores.

You can prepare your own treatment mixture, which includes cow manure and clay. Afterward, wrap the trunk with nylon or burlap to speed up the healing and restoration process. Of course, timely protection of fruit trees from pests will yield greater results, but effective preventative measures should also be taken.

How to protect trees from hares and rodents: tips and reviews of methods

Fruit tree bark-munching critters should be stopped promptly to prevent significant or even irreparable damage to the garden. The easiest way is to build a wire mesh fence around the trees. Large animals won't be able to get past this barrier. The mesh fence can be removed in the spring and left in place until next year—a worthwhile investment that will last a long time.

There's another gardening secret: carefully tie the trunks with spruce branches, and add a little dog hair to the ends of the branches. The distinctive smell will repel pests. Of course, it's also worth taking advice from those who regularly deal with rodents.

Antonina

I tie the bottoms of apple trees and other trees in the garden with spruce branches. I tie ribbons to the top, which I coat well with tar. The smell repels mice. In winter, you can change the ribbons periodically or add a little dog hair. Hares also won't come near such trunks. Cats also help control them; if they wander around the property and mark their territory, no additional protection may be needed.

Ivan

Last year, rabbits completely destroyed the young seedlings. It looked like all the trees had been cut down with pruning shears. In the fall, I decided to prepare for the next infestation and, after planting the new trees, immediately placed plastic bottles on top. It took several, but it was easy and effortless. In the spring, I'll simply remove the bottles. I also installed a wire mesh fence, so my garden is no longer in danger.

Rodents that come to your garden plot in winter to feast on young bark can be a major problem. Trees can die after severe damage. It's best to protect your garden from these unwanted neighbors in several ways. This will help preserve all your plants, ensuring they survive the winter without damage and offer a variety of fruits during the growing season.