How to keep trees protected?

[WhoDatChick]

I am making a yard for the gals around the coop/run and was wondering how do I keep the newly planted trees from being dug up? Would cement pavers work?

 

[Kessel23]

For our dogs we make a wire cage to put over the small plants with 2x4 wire.

Similar to the wire I use to stop ducks from swimming in their water bowls. You could probably make a modified version of this to keep the chickens out.

 

[WhoDatChick]

For our dogs we make a wire cage to put over the small plants with 2x4 wire.

Similar to the wire I use to stop ducks from swimming in their water bowls. You could probably make a modified version of this to keep the chickens out.

Okay, thank you! I will have extra wire from the fencing so that could work... I would still would like to know if pavers work.. if anybody has tried that?
Thanks again

 

[aart]

Okay, thank you! I will have extra wire from the fencing so that could work... I would still would like to know if pavers work.. if anybody has tried that?
Thanks again

I would go with the wire mesh cylinders until the tree is well established, like a year or two.
Pavers might work to keep them from digging at the roots after that, but it's really best not to cover tree roots as it can impede air transfer in the soil that feeds the roots.

 

[WhoDatChick]

I would go with the wire mesh cylinders until the tree is well established, like a year or two.
Pavers might work to keep them from digging at the roots after that, but it's really best not to cover tree roots as it can impede air transfer in the soil that feeds the roots.

Okay, great! Thank you so much! That’s just what I needed to know

 

[Ridgerunner]

Personally i'd go with the wire. You will likely need to get in there to pull grass and weeds even if you mulch it. And remember newly planted trees need a lot of water. You don't want chickens flying or jumping in either. Think a bit on how you put that wire.

I don't know what trees you are planting. If they are grafted that graft has to be above ground level. In any case they should be planted the same elevation as they were growing. Too deep and the roots can't breathe, sort of like Aart said. Too shallow and they can dry out. A lady on the sister gardening forum that makes her living landscaping said to limit mulch like wood chips to no more than three inches, but that was an established tree. On a newly planted tree I'd be a bit more cautious.

 

[WhoDatChick]

Personally i'd go with the wire. You will likely need to get in there to pull grass and weeds even if you mulch it. And remember newly planted trees need a lot of water. You don't want chickens flying or jumping in either. Think a bit on how you put that wire.

I don't know what trees you are planting. If they are grafted that graft has to be above ground level. In any case they should be planted the same elevation as they were growing. Too deep and the roots can't breathe, sort of like Aart said. Too shallow and they can dry out. A lady on the sister gardening forum that makes her living landscaping said to limit mulch like wood chips to no more than three inches, but that was an established tree. On a newly planted tree I'd be a bit more cautious.

Okay, thank you for the tips! I planted a Sycamore and a weeping willow in the yard I plan to put a fence around for the gals... and they are young.. we just planted them.. they are way taller than me though..

 

[Folly's place]

I used stone around the tree and shrubs next to my coop; 2" to 6" diameter rocks, so water gets to the plant, and the birds can't dig them up. Then some mulch on top, but very little. Where I apply mulch, the chickens dig it up and rearrange it.
Mary

 

[trumpeting_angel]

If you mulch your trees, don’t let the mulch touch the trunk. Give the trunk a couple of inches - it cuts the risk of fungus and other diseases.

 

[WhoDatChick]

If you mulch your trees, don’t let the mulch touch the trunk. Give the trunk a couple of inches - it cuts the risk of fungus and other diseases.

Good to know.. thank you!