Gridled fruit trees

[Mad Professor]

I hate @#$%ing voles!!!

Small apples just getting started. Stems/trunks got to ~ 1 1/2 " dia.

Had 3' rabbit fence up, God damm voles took off about a foot of bark a few inches above the ground. I don't think there is any hope for the tops? but wonder if the tops are cut off if the roots/remaining stems might put out new shoots?

I have some small replacements, trying to decide if I should dig up the whole girdled trees and replant there, as the soil was prepped.

 

[lone wolf]

I hate @#$%ing voles!!!

Small apples just getting started. Stems/trunks got to ~ 1 1/2 " dia.

Had 3' rabbit fence up, God damm voles took off about a foot of bark a few inches above the ground. I don't think there is any hope for the tops? but wonder if the tops are cut off if the roots/remaining stems might put out new shoots?

I have some small replacements, trying to decide if I should dig up the whole girdled trees and replant there, as the soil was prepped.

Got cats? Mine killed more Voles than Mice it looks like.

 

[Lee192233]

If they girdled the trees at or below the graft the trees are a lost cause. I had 5 of 6 of my first apple trees girdled the first winter. I was a bit angry to say the least.

I haven't had any trouble since. I now spray the ground underneath the trees so there is no grass around the trunk. I also put trunk protectors on over the winter.
Like this

Lee

 

[Mad Professor]

If they girdled the trees at or below the graft the trees are a lost cause. I had 5 of 6 of my first apple trees girdled the first winter. I was a bit angry to say the least.

I haven't had any trouble since. I now spray the ground underneath the trees so there is no grass around the trunk. I also put trunk protectors on over the winter.
Like this
View attachment 900744
Lee

Girdles are above the grafts.

Should have had the trunk protectors or a circle of 1/4" mesh wire fence. I've also cut strips of surplus roll roofing material and used that as a makeshift trunk protector.

 

[Lee192233]

Girdles are above the grafts.

Should have had the trunk protectors or a circle of 1/4" mesh wire fence. I've also cut strips of surplus roll roofing material and used that as a makeshift trunk protector.

Prune just below the girdled area and see what happens. You just may be able to save some.
Good luck,
Lee

 

[Mad Professor]

Got cats? Mine killed more Voles than Mice it looks like.

I've got foxes, coyotes, fishers, owls and bobcats on the job. One left me a 1/2 of bunny. Pictures this fall in the orchard, the owls are shy

My cat passed away and I need to adopt a kitten.

 

[lone wolf]

I've got foxes, coyotes, fishers, owls and bobcats on the job. One left me a 1/2 of bunny. Pictures this fall in the orchard, the owls are shy

My cat passed away and I need to adopt a kitten.

The damn Coyotes will eat the cats.