A buck rubbed his antlers on the trunk and branches of the limber pine Beate and Tim gave Andy last summer.
Fortunately it only destroyed the bark two thirds around the trunk, so the tree may survive.
Andy figured the stake supporting the tree spared the undamaged part, so he added a net and two more stakes around the tree.
He says it might be closing the barn door after the horse has been stolen, but it may also be better late than never. If the tree lives there’s no guarantee the buck won’t come back sometime.
Bucks rub their new antlers on trees to remove the velvet. Here’s a picture of one rubbing against a post.
It’s too bad ours didn’t like any of our dead trees. We have plenty of those.
fascinating.
i’m so glad andy helped the little tree. i say better late than never. and it will thrive!
maybe you should just put up a clean post or two. they . . . or at least we know the one above! . . . like it! no pesky branches to get caught in. and nice and smooth to lick occasionally! LOL.
isn’t wildlife wonderful. destructive here. but just wonderful.
I’m afraid Andy is the pioneer type. “Wonderful” isn’t exactly the word he would use to describe animals that destroy his trees and plants. 😉
Would life be any less worthwhile if your prediction doesn’t come true?
I’m betting the tree will survive. Even if Andy hadn’t added the new protection. Survivation against all odds. (I made up that much needed word.)
As usual, we will have to see what happens to the tree. Needless to say, I will let you know.
that’s A GREAT WORD!
i love making up words. i can’t think of any of mine right at the moment.
but someday they’ll be in common use. LOL
One of our limber pines was turned into a toothpick the first winter and died. The other one was reduced to half its height but survived so far. No trouble in its second winter. The difference might be that one was easily accessible and the other is between some downed trees.
If need be we try again next year!
Andy is hoping it will survive, and he thinks he can protect future trees without putting ugly fences around each one. Thank you and Tim for giving it to him — and planting it!