Lots of complaints have been voiced this winter about wildlife damage to tree plantations. One particular problem most often heard is rodent damage to newly planted trees. One western Missouri Tree Farmer reports losing 50 of the 60 nursery-grown seedlings he planted last fall. He asks if there is any remedy.
Excellent reports have come in on a new repellent that protects trees from deer damage. The product is Nortech Tree Guard and has virtually eliminated deer browsing, but not buck rubbing. The compound contains Bitrex which is reputed to be the most bitter substance in the world according to the Guiness Book of World Records.
Will it work on rodents and other animals? We have no reports, but the product is being tested by the University of Missouri Agroforestry Center in its walnut grazing trials this summer. It may allow agroforesters to plant trees and graze the plantations immediately.
The product is available from Nortech Forest Technologies, Inc., 7600 West 27th St., St. Louis Park, MN 55426. Phone: (612) 922-2520, or FAX: (612) 922-3865.