How to cover a run with trees in it?

[BrightHorizons]

We are wanting to cover our run with hardware cloth to protect against predators but we have a large tree in the middle of it. Does anyone know how to attach it to the tree trunk and make it predator proof? Pictures would be great!

 

[Kelsie2290]

If you are not wanting to nail/staple the wire directly to the tree, use a squirrel tree baffle and attach the wire to it. If the trunk is an odd shape you may have to do some creative bending of the sheet metal to get it to fit if you don't want to use nails on the tree.

 

[BrightHorizons]

Thanks! I have never heard of a "squirrel tree baffle".... I will definitely have to look that up!

 

[BrightHorizons]

Hmm, the photos I am seeing of squirrel baffles seem to be small umbrella things on posts. This is a large oak tree, (like at least a foot in diameter.) I guess I was just wondering if there was a nice looking solution other than just patching and stapling a bunch of stuff up there on the trunk. We are in TX so we really needed the shade.

 

[Kelsie2290]

I think you are seeing the ones for bird feeders? Same idea, just a lot bigger I do not know what is commercially available in your area, but you can make your own to fit out of sheet metal or that metal flashing stuff for roofs, you can get that at any home improvement type store. Also, any metal working shop should be able to make one for you to size. Usually a cone shape with a flair around the bottom to attach the wire too. Just cut it too size, and rivet or bolt or wire etc it together to fit where you want it. It is usually easiest to drill holes around the outside edges to wire the hardware cloth on. Since you are using it for predator protection (racoons?) you will want to fasten it pretty solid and make it tight to the tree, so you will have to adjust it every couple of years to give the tree room, if you leave some overlap on the metal you can just loosen it to make it bigger. Other common problem is if the tree is pretty even in diameter, you might have to put a post or two near there to support the hardware cloth and baffle at the height you want it, but since you are covering the top of the run, I assume you have some sort of frame work up anyhow.

 

[Chirp 2011]

I use galvanized fence (with 2 x 4 openings) to wrap around the tree first: I cut from one end until the piece can be wrapped around the tree. They are easier to bend and shape against the tree. The piece is cut slightly bigger so the cut end can be overlapped then secure with steel wire. Several pieces of hardware cloth then placed on top of the galvanized fence holding together with steel wire. The galvanized fence and hardware cloth are screwed onto the wood frame.

 

[BrightHorizons]

Sounds like good ideas... I am having a little bit of a hard time visualizing it though. Do you have a photo of the wire and how it hooks up at the tree trunk? Oh and YES we have racoons!

 

[Crooked-Creek]

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We are building a coop and run right now and this is how we did it. 2x4 wire and we framed around the trees. Kept frame 3 1/2" from tree for future grown and wind. Then hand cut blocks to insert and close the gap around the tree till the tree grows bigger. Pictures are picture of pictures. Quality isn't all that good. I can send better picture From iphone if you private message me your phone number. Good luck !!!

 

[Chirp 2011]

Side 1 from the top



Side 2 (opposite side) from the top



Taken from inside of the coop from below




I also have another tree sticking out from the side. I did it the same way except no hardware cloth immediately around-- hard to do because the branches formed a "Y".

 

[BrightHorizons]

Thanks so much for the photos you all.... these are helpful!