Mowing around trees

[wildfire]

I planted 25 american plum, 25 manchurian apricots, 25 dolgo crabs, 25 harbin pear. The only thing used was 5' tree tubes. Last year no mowing happened, but 7 trees had the tubes shredded by bucks. The grass-weeds were 3-4' tall. Did I make a mistake by mowing?

 

[dipper]

As long as u didn't now any down, job well done

 

[wildfire]

Used a zero turn 52" mower.

 

[sandbur]

Let us know how it works out, Jerry.

Can you add a conduit or fencepost to make the tree tubes more durable? I would put the fenceposts in upside down for easier removal after a few years.