Seedling protectors

[Rio_Grande]

This may be in the wrong spot.

I have 200 seedlings that came in this week. I want to get them in the grouns this weekend. When I picked them up the biologist asked if I was going to put protectors on them and I said no. He advised that if I diddnt the deer will kill them.

Asuming this is accurate, what protectors would you recomend and who ships quick??

 

[slowp]

Around here, vellux tubing is used. That helps unless the deer/elk pull them off. But our trees outgrow it after a couple of years. There are some sprays that work, for a while, and then in N. California, a guy who worked with reforestation discovered that if he let the brush grow around the seedlings, that more survived the deer problem. When the trees got about 5 or 6 feet tall, it was time to cut the brush around them.

 

[forestryworks]

Yes, if deer browse is a problem, protect your seedlings! They'll easily devour 200 seedlings in one night.

Try Forestry Suppliers. Up on the top right, click on the first circle button.

Forestry Suppliers, Inc. 800-647-5368

I've got to get some tree shelters for my pines. Not because of browse problems, but because of the damn South winds here.

 

[madhatte]

It's worth noting that in certain seedling/protector combinations, using the tubes can increase the price per seedling by an order of magnitude! However, I've lost whole research plots (painstakingly laid-out 1/3 acre square plots, no less) to browse. Forestryworks sent me an article not too long ago about using jackstrawed debris as an obstacle to ungulates. I like that idea, as the debris would decay at just about the right speed to make the area available again about the same time as the trees are able to survive browsing. Either way, do your research; fit the seedlings to the site, and the protection to the seedlings. As usual, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

 

[Samlock]

In case you're not able to find any chemicals/shelters before the weekend. Them buggers may chew your seedlings before Monday morning, if they happen to wander about. An instant deer protection: Make a tripod over each seedling using slash/other sticks. More hairy the sticks are, the better cover they make. You may tie the tripod up with a bright colored ribbon to make it more sturdy. Deer don't like sticking it's head into a suspicious shaky looking heap. I know few older landowners protecting their seedlings that way.

 

[OlympicYJ]

It's worth noting that in certain seedling/protector combinations, using the tubes can increase the price per seedling by an order of magnitude! However, I've lost whole research plots (painstakingly laid-out 1/3 acre square plots, no less) to browse. Forestryworks sent me an article not too long ago about using jackstrawed debris as an obstacle to ungulates. I like that idea, as the debris would decay at just about the right speed to make the area available again about the same time as the trees are able to survive browsing. Either way, do your research; fit the seedlings to the site, and the protection to the seedlings. As usual, there is no one-size-fits-all answer.

I really like that! If either one of you guys has the article could I get you to send it to me?

To add to the browse thing i've audited whole clearcuts that were severley suppressed and or large parts killed by browse; Elk love them some cedar :bang: Browse is a serious problem not to be taken lightly. A cheaper option to the tubes is the netting material but a major PITA to put on. Another option though if cost is a major factor.

 

[forestryworks]

I really like that! If either one of you guys has the article could I get you to send it to me?

To add to the browse thing i've audited whole clearcuts that were severley suppressed and or large parts killed by browse; Elk love them some cedar :bang: Browse is a serious problem not to be taken lightly. A cheaper option to the tubes is the netting material but a major PITA to put on. Another option though if cost is a major factor.

I don't remember the article Madhatte mentions. Must have been something else.

Here's where the jackstraw research originated: Spotlight: Katelynn Jenkins - Spotlight - Ecological Restoration Institute

 

[OlympicYJ]

I don't remember the article Madhatte mentions. Must have been something else.

Here's where the jackstraw research originated: Spotlight: Katelynn Jenkins - Spotlight - Ecological Restoration Institute

Thanks! Sounds like it could hold some promise.

 

[ChrisIsThis]

I have used the Forestry Suppliers blue plastic tube protectors before. I zip tied them to 1/4" rebar that was anchored into the ground to prevent the wind from blowing them over. They can be frustrating to put on, but definitely worth it.