Chestnuts - Week 3

The chestnuts seem to be coming along. We have had a good amount of rain in the last few weeks, but the trees seem to have pretty good folliage. However, we're really having a problem with deer. They like the tender foliage and to that end, have eaten between 15%-20% of the trees. The stems are still in place, we'll watch to see if those affected will survive.



Today I ordered "scare tape" from an orchard supply store. I've spoken with farmers that have used this in apple orchards with good success. Basically the tape is about 3" wide and then I'll cut it in 8' lengths. When one end of the tape is attached to a pole, something like a tomato stake, it flaps in the wind, acting as a deterrent to deer and birds. I'll let you know how this works out.