Protecting trees from winter damage…
How to Protect Trees and Shrubs from Animal Damage Over Winter | Yard and Garden
Snow, ice, and cold temperatures wreak havoc on young and old trees during the winter months. During periods of extended cold and especially heavy snows, animals such as mice and deer will feed on tree bark and twigs. Often, this damage is not noticed until mid-spring and will cause quick decline or death. Deer often chew and destroy the upper tips of very small trees which may alter or ruin the future vertical growth of the main stem. This type of damage usually results in the tree growing into a multi-stem shrub form instead of a single stem natural tree form.
Equally severe damage often occurs from deer antler rubs during the early to mid-fall months. Homeowners, or the landscapers which install the trees, should place secured fencing approximately 6’ in diameter around any newly planted trees or shrubs. The protective fencing should be monitored and maintained for at least the first 2 years after planting trees that are less than 3” caliper. Larger caliper trees may only require a protective sleeve on the lower 5’ of the trunk to protect from deer rubs since the tree’s lowest branches are likely out of “chewing” reach. It is best to use a loose fitting and lightly colored corrugated sleeve to allow for air penetration and to reduce overheating. Homeowners should check the trunk area within the sleeve routinely for insect or moisture problems. We recommend avoiding using a black plastic sleeve since it may cause the trunk to overheat during the winter and result in frost cracks which lead to permanent damage and bleeding cankers.
New trees are expensive to purchase and have installed but are worth their value when properly protected and nurtured during the first 5 years after planting. Proper monitoring during all the seasons is imperative to their success.