When I initially plant the trees, I protect them with 4 to 5 foot diameter fences, after the trees have grown somewhat, I replace the larger diameter fence and install a smaller fence as shown in post #41. No problems with deer, the bear however are another story.Excellent orchard pictures Nature boy. The pictures show quite narrow diameter fencing on the larger trees. Did you grow them fenced with a wider diameter and then redo the fencing to more narrow when the tree got older or did you grow them from the start with the smaller diameter fencing? Also did the deer give you any problems as you had them fenced?
As others have said very good job in your orchard project and thanks for posting all about it.
What’s the stats on your smaller fence? I’m using these now just to keep the antlers off my trunk as my lowest branches are pretty safe now. Makes it easier mowingWhen I initially plant the trees, I protect them with 4 to 5 foot diameter fences, after the trees have grown somewhat, I replace the larger diameter fence and install a smaller fence as shown in post #41. No problems with deer, the bear however are another story.
I generally use field fence from Tractor Supply. A 330' long by 47" high roll goes for slightly less than $200. When making my large diameter fences I will use three or four posts and secure the fencing with the bottom about 18" off the ground. Once the trees are larger, about the third of fourth year, I cut the larger fence pieces up to make several 12 to 18" diameter sections with the fence bottom resting on the ground and secured with 2 posts. This makes mowing easier and allows the deer to access the apples that have fallen while protecting the tree trunks from rubbing bucks..What’s the stats on your smaller fence? I’m using these now just to keep the antlers off my trunk as my lowest branches are pretty safe now. Makes it easier mowing
I took advantage of the mild weather yesterday to get an early start pruning the orchard. The varieties that I noted to still have hanging fruit were: Goldrush, Sundance, Kerr and Golden Nugget. I was able to get apples of the Kerr, Goldrush and Sundance to fall with a gentle shake of the trees. The Golden Nugget trees ( bushes) took a harder shake to dislodge fruit. No feedback on Galarina as my only tree was taken out by a bear last fall.