Maintain a mulched area of a two-foot radius around the trunk of young trees. The most economical mulch is wood chip material made from chipped trees and brush. Avoid any cultivation around the tree. Digging in the soil can sever new roots of young trees. Many tree diseases are spread through such damage to the roots, and the tree's ability to take water and nutrients from the soil is inhibited.
Many trees are attractive to winter foraging animals.
They will often gnaw at the trunk and damage vascular tissue. We recommend placing a two foot high ring of chicken wire around the lower tree trunk to prevent this damage. Other forms of protection are not necessary and would not be allowed under current Village Ordinance. This protection is not necessary after three years of establishment and it is best removed at that time. You may pick up a list of species not favored by winter foraging animals, especially deer, at the Village Office.