How Cast Iron Fencing Can Protect Your Trees From Damage By Deer
Rolling fields dotted with old trees and populated by peacefully grazing livestock can look idyllic, but wild intruders such as deer can cause horrendous damage to your trees.
Deer not only nibble on the tree bark, but also mark their territory by scraping their antlers against the tree's trunk. This activity can kill young trees and severely damage mature specimens. Unfortunately, deer are also creatures of habit and often return to the same trees regularly, further compounding the problem. Although repellents and DIY fixes are available, the most effective method of protecting your trees from attack by deer is to have special tree guard fencing installed. But what is tree guard fencing and how is it fitted?
Tree guards
Cast iron tree guards are specially designed to fit around the trunk of the tree, preventing animals from getting close enough to inflict damage. The fencing should be several metres high and tilted outwards to prevent deer from standing up on their hind legs and reaching over the top to get at the tree bark. Tree guards are constructed from a number of single bars fitted vertically in such a way that deer cannot poke their noses through to reach the trees whilst still allowing plenty of light and air to get to the trunk.
Depending on the look you want, you can choose to have your cast iron fences painted or you could leave them untreated so that they weather naturally to an attractive orange-brown colour.
An additional benefit to having tree guards fitted is that they can provide your trees with additional support during storms and high winds. If the trees are young specimens, you may need to have the guards widened periodically to accommodate growth.
How tree guards are fitted
Before you order any tree guards, it's important that you ask a professional fencing contractor to visit your property and measure the trees so that you buy the correct size. You may also want to consider trimming away any low branches to discourage marauding deer from chewing them before the guards are fitted.
Tree guards are supplied in two halves. The two halves of the guard are bolted together to form a protective shield around the tree. Several stays are then placed through pre-drilled bolt holes in the base of the guard and bashed firmly into the ground. The stays are then bolted to the tree guard to hold it securely in place.
If you have problems with deer damaging your trees, you might want to consider having cast iron tree guards fitted. Why not contact your local fencing contractor for more advice and information?
Share