They also provide shelter and shade for livestock, crops and pastures and generally improve the aesthetics of a property. Grazing animals can cause extensive damage to trees, both young and old. Seedlings are removed and mature trees chewed, bunted and rubbed against by goats, sheep and cattle. Horses are particularly destructive animals and can ringbark a mature tree overnight or even completely remove it in a couple of days. Livestock also erode and compact the surrounding soil and often contribute to the declining health of the tree.
Opinions vary as to why livestock attack trees.
Figure 1 Horses attempting to reach tree Farmers and small property owners use a variety of methods to successfully protect their young and mature trees. Permanent fencing Mature trees need protection from ringbarking, leaf grazing, bunting and rubbing. Without protection, young trees may be completely removed by grazing animals. Permanent fencing around young trees can be constructed so that it will continue to provide protection once the tree matures. Permanent fencing can also be erected around mature trees.