Fencing Options for Tree Seedlings: A Simple Guide

Protecting young tree seedlings from wildlife is essential to ensure their survival. Hungry animals will snack on your trees, if they can get to them! Protecting the terminal bud is especially important because it represents the main point of growth at the top of the tree. Damage to the terminal bud, such as from wildlife browsing, can stunt the tree's vertical growth and affect its shape.

Help your seedlings thrive, with our straightforward guide to tree fencing options!

Wire Fencing

For coniferous trees like white pines and cedars, wire fencing is the best option. Create a circular cage with wire fencing, with about a 3-foot radius, to keep deer and rabbits away from your tree seedlings. Wire fencing can also be used to create a larger “exclosure” or fenced area that protects many seedlings together.

Best For: Coniferous trees like white pines and cedars.
Fencing Options: Discounted metal fencing is available seasonally through the North Shore Forest Collaborative, and hardware stores carry metal fencing also.
Considerations: Don’t leave metal fencing around your trees forever. Once the tree reaches about 6-7 feet tall, remove the fencing and reuse it for new seedlings.
Benefits: Wire fencing provides reliable protection and can be reused for future planting projects.

Tree Tubes

Tree tubes work best for deciduous trees (conifers need more lateral space for their branches, so tree tubes should not be used for pines, cedars, etc.) Tree tubes are plastic enclosures that offer protection from animals and can even help accelerate growth by creating a “mini greenhouse” effect around the seedling, depending on the style you purchase.

Best For: Deciduous tree seedlings.
Fencing Options: Online forestry suppliers offer a variety of tree tube products.
Considerations: The plastic can restrict branch growth, so monitor your seedlings and adjust the tube as needed. Remove tree tubes when the tree is 3-6’ tall, and the trunk feels sturdy enough to withstand deer rubbing.
Benefits: Tree tubes protect seedlings from animals and may boost early growth.

Plastic Mesh Fencing

Plastic mesh fencing is another option; in tube form it should only be used for deciduous trees. However, plastic mesh fencing can also be used to create an “exclosure” or fenced area that protects many seedlings together, regardless of tree species.

Best For: Deciduous trees (when fencing individual trees).
Fencing Options: Online forestry suppliers offer a variety of mesh fencing products.
Considerations: Plastic mesh is not as durable as wire mesh, especially in areas with high wildlife pressure, and may need to be replaced more often.
Benefits: Easy to install, flexible, and can be cut to fit various sizes.

Bud Capping

Bud capping is a simple method of protecting your tree seedlings, however it is also the least effective. Bud-capping simply means taking a piece of paper or card stock and covering the terminal bud. Fold the paper over the top of the seedling and staple it several times to keep it securely in place.

Best For: Areas with less deer pressure.
Considerations: Bud-capping really is a temporary solution that doesn’t provide the same level of protection as fencing. It should only be used in regions with minimal wildlife pressure, or as a stopgap until proper fencing can be installed.
Benefits: Inexpensive and easy to apply.

Conclusion

Protecting your seedlings from wildlife is crucial for their survival and growth. For coniferous trees, metal fencing is the most effective solution, while deciduous trees can be protected with tree tubes or plastic mesh. Bud-capping is the least effective option, but it is still better than doing nothing. By selecting the right protection method based on your tree species, you’ll give your seedlings the best chance to grow into healthy, mature trees that will thrive for generations to come.