Protecting conifers from roe deer

[burnie]

Hello

 

I am planting a hectare of woodland comprising braodleaves and conifers which are to be planted as an intimate mixture. Being in North East Scotland, where there are more than a few deer now, the broadleves will be protected by 1.2m tree shelters. Any suggestions as to how to best protect Norway Spruce and Scots pine within the woodland. Would 0.6m mesh guards be adequate to allow establishment? Or would i chance leaving them unprotected and hope the deer dont notice them!!

 

Any comments much appreciated

[easy-lift guy]

Hello

 

I am planting a hectare of woodland comprising braodleaves and conifers which are to be planted as an intimate mixture. Being in North East Scotland, where there are more than a few deer now, the broadleves will be protected by 1.2m tree shelters. Any suggestions as to how to best protect Norway Spruce and Scots pine within the woodland. Would 0.6m mesh guards be adequate to allow establishment? Or would i chance leaving them unprotected and hope the deer dont notice them!!

 

Any comments much appreciated

 

Here in the States we have a product called Liquid Fence, all natural based and EPA approved. Deers hate it and is applied as a spray. Hope this helps.

easy-lift guy

[Alycidon]

I dont think .6m would be anywhere near tall enough. Roe are the size of a sheep so can browse over 1m if so inclined. They prefer to eat certain grasses and it would be benifical to sow those if you can as deer lawns in wide openings between blocks of trees, this allows any excess deer numbers to be culled with a suitable rifle.

 

I have asked a friend who has been involved with Roe for well over 50 years to register and comment.

 

A

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

I have installed individual mesh guards for a client this year in North east of Scotland for just this purpose. The alternative is deer fencing.

If you would like assistance with this send me a PM.

[Paul Smith]

I dont think .6m would be anywhere near tall enough. Roe are the size of a sheep so can browse over 1m if so inclined. They prefer to eat certain grasses and it would be benifical to sow those if you can as deer lawns in wide openings between blocks of trees, this allows any excess deer numbers to be culled with a suitable rifle.

 

I have asked a friend who has been involved with Roe for well over 50 years to register and comment.

 

A

 

As above, good information. If your going to guard them 1.2m would be needed. You could also consider planting sacrificial trees to discourage them from the good ones.

 

Make sure you have an adequate deer management plan. Consider a WIGS grant as they will give you money to help with deer management plans, high seats and a stalker if required.

[daveindales]

As above, good information. If your going to guard them 1.2m would be needed. You could also consider planting sacrificial trees to discourage them from the good ones.

 

Make sure you have an adequate deer management plan. Consider a WIGS grant as they will give you money to help with deer management plans, high seats and a stalker if required.

 

however, conifers and shurbs don't do too well in 1.2m guards. They tend to flop over after they emerge from top of guard. Hardwoods, no problem with 1.2m

[Paul Smith]

Most plantations of Norway Spruce are unprotected or fenced. Sort the deer and the trees will be fine!

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi]

however, conifers and shurbs don't do too well in 1.2m guards. They tend to flop over after they emerge from top of guard. Hardwoods, no problem with 1.2m

 

Not entirely true. It depends on the style size of the guards. Mesh guards approx. 1m diameter and 1.2m high should work fine. They are just pricier than your standard shelters/guards.

[daveindales]

Not entirely true. It depends on the style size of the guards. Mesh guards approx. 1m diameter and 1.2m high should work fine. They are just pricier than your standard shelters/guards.

 

I'm not saying they all fall over, but confiers in Tubes 1.2m are a risk. Iv'e seen it time and time again. However, most of my experience is in upland areas.

[Capreolus Capreolus]

I dont think .6m would be anywhere near tall enough. Roe are the size of a sheep so can browse over 1m if so inclined. They prefer to eat certain grasses and it would be benifical to sow those if you can as deer lawns in wide openings between blocks of trees, this allows any excess deer numbers to be culled with a suitable rifle.

 

I have asked a friend who has been involved with Roe for well over 50 years to register and comment.

 

A

 

Hello Geoff

Thanks for pointing me in direction of this thread of which I will give an honest opinion based on my years of experience within Deer management and wildlife Control.

 

cheers

stuart