after the tree prep, mulching

[Tossdart]

Only 3 months until spring now. The good news is I can usually put an apple in May 15 or so. Then I can meet your challenge. You must understand please we have 8 months of winter here on a good year. Sometimes it seems to give a lot of summer a skip in August & back to winter. I haven't forgot Christian! It was -35 C yesterday & -30 this morn & wind chill. I'm thinking of a Burr Oak. Tossdart

[anniequilts]

Doesn't all that compost piled around the tree attract mice that would live in the compost and then chew the bark of the living tree?

[theproducegarden]

nah, not at all, it compacts over time and the watering would deter them, they're here but in other places, lol

[Tossdart]

I had bad wind burn on some young Colorado Blue Spruce 160 to be exact. Watching a show encouraged me to allow nature to go ahead. I allowed the grass to grow thinking to protect from our terrible winds. I got an explosion of meadow voles lived in the base of all but 17 trees & they were 3 year olds by then. Gone, girdled around. Broke my heart. the neighbour dog did in the rest. I planted at that same time a few Siberian Larch mowed about them & they are 8 ft now. Whine cry weep.

[mukwah1111]

I like the idea of a compost pile around the trees. Dont forget your egg shells, coffee grounds, tea too !