Watering New Ponderosa Pines and Preventing Deer Damage

Newly planted 3-inch diameter ponderosa pines need 1 inch of water per week (measure with a pan under sprinkler). Mulch 3 inches deep, no fertilizer first year. Deer rubbing antlers on young aspens can girdle and kill them if bark is removed full-circle. Clean wound edges, don't use wound paint. Protect trees with 6–8 ft angled fencing, tree guards, or repellents (soap bags). Deer return to same spots, so protection must be maintained.

Deer Protection Options

• Fencing: 6–8 ft high, angled 30°.
• Tree guards: plastic mesh or spiral wraps.
• Repellents: deodorant soap in mesh bags, replaced monthly.