PROTECTION OF FRUIT TREES FROM RODENTS 



59 



BANKING WITH SOIL OR CINDERS 



The soil or cinder mound as a protection against tree injury by 

 field mice is first described, not only because it is quite effective in 

 itself, but because it is recommended in conjunction with various 

 other mechanical 

 protectors de- 

 signed to prevent 

 injury by the 

 larger rodents. 



Mice rarely in 

 jure trees except 

 where grass, 

 straw\- manure, 

 boards or trash 

 of some kind 

 about the base of 

 the tree provide a 

 hiding place; they 

 will not come out 

 into the open to 

 work, but choose 

 to perform their 

 depredations und- 

 er cover. 



I n mounding 

 fruit trees for 

 protection from 

 mice there are 

 three important 

 points to observe: 



First, clear 

 away the grass, 

 trash or mulch 

 from the base of 

 the tree for a foot 

 or more in all directions. 



Second, with the foot, or, better with a "post tamper," thoroughly 

 firm the surface of the soil about the base of the tree. This breaks 

 down and fills any runs or burrows that may be just below the 

 surface. 



Third, with a few shovelfuls of fresh soil or cinders form a 

 small mound (twelve or fourteen inches in diameter at the base 

 and from 4 to 6 inches high) about the stem of the tree, firming the 

 soil well. 



Fig. 5. Wheie danger lurks. 



