Question
I live in an area highly populated by deer.  I also have many young trees and the deer have been active in rubbing their antlers on my trees this season.  In an effort to protect the trees from further damage, I bought rubber drainage pipe, slit it and put it around the trunks of my young trees.  This has worked, but should I remove the piping after the season so the tree can get the sunshine?  When will it be safe to take off the pipe??  

Answer
Mary, You definetely want to remove the pipe from the tree after rutt when then males lose their antlers. Leaving this on the tree can strangle the tree and hold moisture against the trunk potentially exposing the tree to disease. You can use it for a short period each year or you can buy a protective wrap designed for dear that is porous and allows moisture to escape away from the trunk and can be kept on the tree for extended periods. I have also tried hanging pieces of irish spring soap in the tree, the powerful scent is a deterent but dear are very adaptible!  Good Luck!

               Cheers, Gary Overton