Apple tree scratching post

[jxm]

It seems my cats (or someone elses) have started using my apple trees as scratching posts.

Obviously I'll keep an eye on them and if I catch them in the act they'll get some aversion therapy, bucket of water thrown over them style (unfortunately only effective if it happens while they're doing it).

But in the mean time I have some questions -

1) How much of a problem is this for fairly young trees? Will they just ignore it? possibly get sick? or is this potentially fatal?

2) How can I / do I need to repair the damage done already? Is there a special tape or something I can wrap around it?

3) How can I stop the cats scratching the trees? Is there somekind of wrap around thing I can use to protect them?

[sewer rat]

Dunno the answer to your first two queries, but if your trees are really young, you can buy long tubes that clip round them - you will see them on young plantations all over the country - I suggest you google for tree nurseries - they are bound to sell them, or something similar

[nick the grief]

Shotguns are good for Aversion therapy, guaranteed not to re-offend

You can get a spiral wrap tree guard that may be good or may be 3 canes pushed in the ground & some wire netting would do the trick

[sewer rat]

I was going to mention the short sharp dose of lead poisoning myself Nick but I think that maybe perhaps there are just toooooo many cat lovers on the 'Vine now.

[dexterdoglancashire]

Nick I can't believe what I've just read! As an animal lover myself, I tend to use the hosepipe method on the cat from down the road who sniffs around my front lawn just after I've put the bird food out! No, I don't aim it at the offending creature (I LOVE animals, have 2 cats and Dexter the dog myself!) but just close by to frighten it off! Only problem is, if you live down South (being from the north-west that's south of Wigan!!) and have a hosepipe ban you can't do it! Dexterdog
PS the only animals I HATE are caterpillars, especially the ones that have eaten all my greens !

[nick the grief]

Hi Dexter,
I ("we") used to have 4 cats & 2 dogs - I have to say I don't like cats but wouldn't hurt one ...... frighten the little buggers though, that's a different matter

I think it's cos they are too independant & only really tolerate ypu where as my pooch is always glad to see me. I don't think we have a cat problem in our garden can't remember the last time I saw one - maybe they read the vine & are gun shy

[Earthbabe]

I find the hose jet quite effective, often coupled with ground pepper (buy big bag from local asian cash and carry) around any items I particularly need to deter them from. Fortunately there only ever seems to be one on the lottie which tends to make it's presence known on freshly dug soil. Grrr!!! And the neighbours cats at home have been more of a problem since our cat died and have been much more interested in the rabbit this summer, although as she is an aggressive little tike I don't think they would enjoy taking her on.

I am lucky not to have suffered from a hose pipe ban this year DDL.