We have had the same bark damage in the orchard (I thought it was due to
rabbits, but I talked recently to the owner of a christmas tree farm who is
having the mice problem). We solved it by cutting 18-24 inch pieces of Big
O pipe, split the pipe lengthwise and work it over the tree trunk at the
ground. We found it is better to remove the Big O pipe during the summer
because the bark under the pipe didn't seem to develop the same as the rest
of the tree (perhaps it makes no difference)
Those of you who decry "political" discussions on this list somehow miss
the point that "sustainable agriculture" can be an integral part of a
culture's political expression. The revolution aimed at "consumerism"
during the 1960's did misfire but more people than ever know that
"capitalist, free-enterprise, democracy" is PR flack. I have no intention
of adding to the political discussion, I'm too busy in the greenhouse
seeding this year's early crops (can't get started in the soil yet because
of an unusually wet, cool spring), but I applaud those who wish and need to
learn about alternate systems which, just possibly, can save our egocentric
asses from the biotech evolution planned by the capitalist,
free-enterprise, democratic global corporations.
Good luck with the orchard (sad to say, we are just eating the last fresh
apples from the 1998 season) Don Maroc
Vancouver Island, Canada
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