I have a small, 2 - 3 year old, oak tree that I would like to protect this winter from deer & other wildlife. Last year I used numerous tomato cages, stacked, but it didn't look very nice (it's in the front yard.)

I've heard tree tubes are the way to go, but don't know where to get them, how big, which kind, etc. I tried looking on the Internet & it just confused me.

Thanks for any advice you can give me!

Joan

Hello Joan: As long as the trees are smaller and younger, a tree tube may work just fine. As soon as the oaks begin to develop side branches you will have to use wire mesh or cages as you have already done. May not be very nice looking for the winter, but you will enjoy the oak for many years and later you will not have to protect the oak any longer

Agreed.

Now, can you tell me what type of tree tube to purchase and where it can be purchased??? Preferably not as an Internet purchase, but if that is the only way ….

Please, Please, Please????

Thanks.

Joan

Tree tubes (also called tree guards by some) should be available at a good garden center, the bigger hardware stores and as a seasonal item at the big box stores. They can come as a vinyl wrap (white or mottled gray in color normally) that snaps around the trunk and you can use more than one to get the entire trunk covered as high as you like. The other style come in predetermined lengths in white many. These resemble the plastic ridged drain tile used as gutter extensions, but split down one side so you can open them up and snap them around the trunk. This type will fit loosely. They can be purchased in different diameters to accommodate younger and older trees. If you are handy, you can use the plastic tiles themselves if you can cut them vertically, you have a third choice.