Since fruit trees take so long to grow and produce, it is especially frustrating when young, tender branches get eaten by hungry deer, or your berry harvest is devoured by birds. Potted trees can be kept in an enclosed garden (as long as they don’t shade other plants) or greenhouse for protection, but in-ground trees will need some further protection from deer, mice, feral cats, and other animals.
Title: How to Protect Fruit Trees from Animals
Author/Source: WikiHow
Description: There are various methods to protect your fruit trees, depending on the problem animal and your personal preference. This article discusses options such as repellents, traps, and tree guards.
Most insect problems can be avoided by pruning your tree, not over-fertilizing it, sticking to a proper watering schedule, and replacing its mulch each spring to deter overwintering pests. If that doesn’t work, you can still address the problem without resorting to pesticide sprays; try removing the insects by hand (if possible), or “bag” the fruit to allow it to mature undisrupted. Bagging involves sealing individual immature fruits in paper bags, then removing them about two weeks before harvest. There are a variety of oils that can be sprayed on fruit trees, either while dormant or during the growing season, that smother and kill pests and their larvae. Chemical pesticides, such as pyrethrin, should only be used as a last resort and should always be applied at dusk, to avoid harming bees and other pollinators.
Title: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County
Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Westchester County
Description: Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators are available to answer questions about vegetable and flower gardening, and home and garden pest management practices for county residents. Horticultural Hotline (914) 285-4640. Also: .