How to Protect Young Trees From Buck Damage
This time of year, it is common to find damage on trees caused by “buck rubbing”, which is a behavior that male deer engage in for the purpose of marking their territory and attracting female mates. They are also known to simulate battle with trees as practice for real-life defense situations. Regardless of why bucks rub their antlers on trees, the outcome is usually a damaged tree. If your landscaping trees are subjected to this type of wildlife interference each spring, it is time for you to learn how to put a stop to it for good. Continue reading to learn how you can protect your new and young trees from future buck damage. Basics of Buck Rubbing When bucks rub their antlers on young trees, the repetition of the act causes the thin, vulnerable bark of the tree to peel off. When peeling occurs around the entire tree, it can be described as “ girdling .” Fortunately, trees are resilient, and in most cases, can easily come back from buck damage. However, the best practi...