Protecting Trees in Winter

Nater11

Hello!
I live in Shiocton, WI. The deer population here is incredible, I know most numbers are down but here I count 100+ during the winter evenings. Last year I planted 25 white pine trees and a few oak trees. Deer ate everything, only 2 or 3 pines made it because they were completely covered in snow.
I need to get these pines and oaks thru a few winters until they are tall enough. What can I cover them with? I was thinking about Wal-Mart bags (cover them and twisted tie at base) and I was thinking about garbage bags. I do not want to spend alot on supplies. I know a chicken wire fence around each tree will work but that is a ton of trees (I now have about 75 trees planted).
What can I do to get the trees thru winter? I really do not want to use deer-off spray either.
thank you!!
nate

Nater11

Hello? anyone?

Nater11

what good as a forum when noone replies?

Brent Ferris

How big is the area where the trees are. Installing a double fence -- the inside one at least 6 ft high, preferably 7, the outer at least 5 ft high and no more than 3 ft apart should stop them. They can jump pretty high, but -- so I have been told -- they can't jump a high fence if they haven't got enough room. It is possible an electric fence wire at the top of each would dissuade them as well.

Good Luck!

I have never had to deal with deer. But if they need food this much, see if you can't get hay provided to them if the snow cover is deep.

Incidentally, we're all volunteers here. If you ask a question outside the knowledge base of most of us, then you have to wait until someone with knowledge looks at your query. To the best of my knowledge, the forum does not provide an unanswered question alert.

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Willard Holmen

Chicken wire wrapped around 4 stakes and over top the new trees should keep the deer out.
Seeing you'er in the northern US, cover the south and west side of the wire with fabric, burlap etc to keep the sun off the tree during the winter months. Don't wrap the tree to prevent winter and spring dessication, the wrap would trap heat in the early spring sun and further dry out the tree, seeing the ground is still frozen. A 2 sided blind about a foot from the tree and slightly higher is recommended.
Willard.