Gridled fruit trees

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I hate @#$%ing voles!!!

Small apples just getting started. Stems/trunks got to ~ 1 1/2 " dia.

Had 3' rabbit fence up, God damm voles took off about a foot of bark a few inches above the ground. I don't think there is any hope for the tops? but wonder if the tops are cut off if the roots/remaining stems might put out new shoots?

I have some small replacements, trying to decide if I should dig up the whole girdled trees and replant there, as the soil was prepped.
 
I hate @#$%ing voles!!!

Small apples just getting started. Stems/trunks got to ~ 1 1/2 " dia.

Had 3' rabbit fence up, God damm voles took off about a foot of bark a few inches above the ground. I don't think there is any hope for the tops? but wonder if the tops are cut off if the roots/remaining stems might put out new shoots?

I have some small replacements, trying to decide if I should dig up the whole girdled trees and replant there, as the soil was prepped.
Got cats? Mine killed more Voles than Mice it looks like.
 
If they girdled the trees at or below the graft the trees are a lost cause. I had 5 of 6 of my first apple trees girdled the first winter. I was a bit angry to say the least.

I haven't had any trouble since. I now spray the ground underneath the trees so there is no grass around the trunk. I also put trunk protectors on over the winter.
Like this
20210412_120406.jpg
Lee
 
If they girdled the trees at or below the graft the trees are a lost cause. I had 5 of 6 of my first apple trees girdled the first winter. I was a bit angry to say the least.

I haven't had any trouble since. I now spray the ground underneath the trees so there is no grass around the trunk. I also put trunk protectors on over the winter.
Like this
View attachment 900744
Lee


Girdles are above the grafts.

Should have had the trunk protectors or a circle of 1/4" mesh wire fence. I've also cut strips of surplus roll roofing material and used that as a makeshift trunk protector.
 
Girdles are above the grafts.

Should have had the trunk protectors or a circle of 1/4" mesh wire fence. I've also cut strips of surplus roll roofing material and used that as a makeshift trunk protector.
Prune just below the girdled area and see what happens. You just may be able to save some.
Good luck,
Lee
 
Got cats? Mine killed more Voles than Mice it looks like.
I've got foxes, coyotes, fishers, owls and bobcats on the job. One left me a 1/2 of bunny. Pictures this fall in the orchard, the owls are shy

My cat passed away and I need to adopt a kitten.
 

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