Is there reason people rather paint than put on protection like 6x6mm wire mesh cage for rabbits and mice and then a stick/ bamboo stem fence for sun protection? We have used butter acid for mouse and rabbit in the past maybe of interest to add to paint for some of you as it can be cheap and stiiiinky.
I understand the metal should last 30 years or more if it is well made (galvanized 0.7mm thick 6x6mm mesh cut into 50cm pieces) $1.30 per tree
The bamboo or make your own out of basket willow stems, i purchased a grass cane fence and cut it into 20-30cm pieces. should last 3-5 years or more. $1 per tree
I also use plastic tubes for starting some trees, but see the issue with plastic breaking down, heat accumulation in the tubes and limited lifespan compared to these where replacing the woody sun protection is the main thing.
That is what i put on the bamboo for. I had a few older trees bark tear from winter sun burn. I have not seen a summer sun issue before but it would also do better than paint i imagine because it is a loose airy separation from the sun. Or am i missing something… @clarkinks
Bamboo should work if it’s long enough pieces. My pears have very few rodent problems. Graft them over later after the rodents have learned their lessons. The rootstocks have wicked thorns.
I make my “solar fences” about 3 feet tall. what is the max typical height you think is needed? I understand if the sun can’t heat up the base the sap won’t flow to a higher hotter part of bark… but maybe the sap in the bark higher up still can activate? I understood it comes from the roots. Curious to understand it better cuz it sucks to have a old tree split it’s trunk bark.
Planting in N-S rows I understand also helps shade the trunks or having the first scaffolding branch on the south side of the tree.
3 feet should be good. The fence should be even with the foliage. Even if you white wash the trunks, it helps. Think this thread will help you understand my strategy Full Size Pear Tree Regret . Pear tree trunks develop very thick bark, unlike apples and other fruit trees. The rodents can not damage mature trees. The one in the photo is 30 feet tall. Pear trees that produce bushels of fruit and avoid disease
