Re: [nafex] Orchards and borer attack and mulch

[Phil Norris <COUSINPHIL@ACADIA.NET>]

Del,

He uses upholstery foam available as scraps from any upholstery shop. 
He tapers the ends so they can overlap and also so the collar can be 
expanded as the tree grows in diameter.  Isn't amazing how every time 
you turn around the trees have out grown their tag wires.  When I 
label my trees I put a big loop of wire around the trunk or a branch 
but before I know it they are tight against the bark.

Phil
East Blue Hill Maine
Z4

>Phil, this sounds like just the idea I've been needing. I've now got enough
>free window screen for 200 trees and have started stapling the tubes around
>them. It's easy! Should lsat 5 years.  I'm going 2' high wherever possible
>because that is above the normal snow line and voles are the main problem
>here. But in discussions this winter it became clear that screen is a
>perfect permanent deterrent of borers. My orchard is too young to know if
>they will pose a problem, but the foam seems to be a great solution to how
>to seal the top from them and not cause abrasion or constriction.
>The screen prevents the dreaded weed-whip disease also, and perhaps most
>importantly....it allows me to start heavy green manure mulching near the
>trees - which my heavy clay is so in need of.
>
>Question....I think most foam would sun deteriorate, what material and what
>thickness does your friend use?


 

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