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Otherwise, each tree can be protected by surrounding it with burlap or any type of material, but this material should not touch the trees foliage. Another alternative, the one I frequently use, is to surround each tree with plastic snowfence or chicken wire, held in place with posts made up from 3/8 or 1/2 inch thick cement re-inforcing re-bar that has been cut into 4 or 5 foot lengths. Pound 4 or 5 of these posts into the ground around the tree, being sure each one is about 10 inches or so away from the tree, and tie the snowfence or chicken wire to the re-bar with soft wire. A piece of burlap can be used with the chicken wire on the side of the tree which faces the prevailing winds to help prevent winter browning of the needles.
A fairly reliable non-toxic animal repellent called 'Skoot' may be used to help deter the deer. This repellent works by leaving a very awful taste in the animals mouth. They seldom come back for a second mouthful. It is either painted or sprayed unto the tree or shrub. It should be available at most garden centers or hardware stores, but if you can not find it locally, here is the address for one source: Early's Established 1907, 2615 Lorne Ave., Saskatoon Saskatchewan, S7J 0S5, Canada Email: earlys@sasktel.net Website: www.earlysgarden.com.
Bloodmeal can be scattered on the ground around the trees to help deter the deer, but it becomes ineffective after a heavy snowfall, so additional applications are required. It is best to keep it several feet away from the trees as it is quite high in nitrogen.
Some folks claim hanging strands of human hair near each tree will work, but I've never tested this method. Setting bait out for the deer, as far away from the trees as possible should help to some degree. If all else fails, fencing the trees may be the only solution.
