Protecting new trees to be planted in run

[cchristensen]

We have multiple small runs to allow us to keep each breed separate. Our New Zealand summers can be quite intense, and I'm going to plant a tree in each run so that all can have shade. I've purchased two fig trees to start us off. Does anyone have any thoughts on what I might need to do to protect them while they establish? They're quite small now, trunk is only about an inch to inch and a half in diameter. They'll need staking to prevent damage from the elements but aside from that is there anything specific I'd need to do to prevent my girls damaging the little trees? Many thanks!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Three posts (step on, t, tall garden stakes, etc) and small square mesh (plastic wire, etc) as a "cage" around each or they will strip them.

 

[Gray Farms]

Make a cage of hardware cloth around the tree. At least 6 inches from any portion of the tree. On all sides and the top. You'll have to adjust the "cage" as the tree grows. They will strip every leaf if the can get to them.

 

[aart]

Caging trees with mesh definitely needed, root area need to be protected so cages should be pretty large in diameter too.

Curious, are your runs open at the top?