So, on the whole issue of rodent control, this is why we are wrappring tree trunks in metal screening.
This larger tree was recently snacked on and not girdled. I wrapped it in parafilm to protect the damaged areas.
Not sure how much more we can do.
We cleaned up around every tree before wrapping them.
It was beautiful up there. Tried to take a few photos to show that.
It
When I got to the seedling trees, the damage was more extensive.
Mice and voles have not been the only predating animals on our property. The horse which had broken free in the spring and come across our property then, did so again in July apparently, but was subsequently predated upon.
I wrapped the grafts I have up there tight.
The nights are coming early, and we do not have near the daylight to get things done that we had this summer. We are dark by 7 now.
Sunday morning we went to Bayfield’s Apple Festival. My kids had heard there was a vendor who had deep fried Oreos, and Claire wanted to try them. I had not been to Apple Fest since the early 90s. I remembered it as an apple themed food court at the bottom of a big hill. It still is. But a lot more people.
Every single seedling apricot I planted in the field was eaten down to the ground. The 5 in the high fence area are fine though. I am hoping the window screen protects them for the winter from rodents.
The seedling apple trees we grew from Kleffman/Cortland crosses are fine, and all got screen protectors as well.
So, other than making the mental note that I need to, in the future, do the screen protectors when I am planting, and not waiting until fall, we have the place set for winter. Might make another trip or two up there before spring. We will see.
