Devices to protect seedlings from deer browsing

Abstract

Studies on the Allegheny Plateau of Pennsylvania have shown that several types of wire or plastic tubes can be erected around tree seedlings to protect them from deer browsing. The two most promising devices are a 4- to 6-inch diameter plastic tube with small mesh and a 12-inch diameter tube constructed of chicken wire. Both types need to be at least 5 feet tall to provide adequate protection in areas of heavy browsing pressure. The plastic protectors are more expensive than those made of wire, but are somewhat quicker to fabricate, and they offer the added advantage of protection against rodents.

Citation

Marquis, David A. 1977. Devices to protect seedlings from deer browsing. Research Note NE-243. Upper Darby, PA: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Northeastern Forest Experiment Station. 7p.