How to Protect Young Plants from Rabbits and Rodents: A Practical Guide
Why it is important to protect plants in the early years
The first years of life are the most delicate for a plant: the trunk is tender, the bark is thin and the ability to recover from damage is very limited. Wild animals such as rabbits, hares and rodents represent a constant threat, especially in agricultural areas, nurseries and forest environments. Without adequate protection, the risk of loss or abnormal growth is high.
The most effective solutions: nets and shelters
One of the most common and effective methods for protecting young plants is the use of protective tubular nets (also called shelters). These structures are applied around the trunk and prevent animals from gnawing or breaking the plant.
Networks can be:
- Made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) : strong, lightweight and long-lasting.
- Biodegradable : ideal for low environmental impact projects, they degrade naturally over time.
- Self-supporting or to be combined with supports, based on the conformation of the ground and the type of plant.
Arbrì offers various solutions, including the LAPIN , RODEX , TRONX models and the BIO or SilTech® versions for professional applications.
How to choose the most suitable protective net
The choice of shelter depends on three main factors:
- Plant type : young trees, shrubs or already developed plants.
- Local fauna : in the presence of rabbits, light shelters are sufficient, but for wild boars or deer more rigid structures are needed.
- Project duration : temporary (2–3 years) or long-term.
For example:
- BioLAPIN is ideal for small sustainable systems.
- RODEX PRO is suitable for areas with heavy game pressure.
- SilTech 300 BIO is perfect for adult plants in structured reforestation.
Good installation practices
- Always install the shelter in contact with the ground, to prevent passage from underneath.
- Use braces to increase stability, especially in windy areas.
- Check periodically that the shelter does not hinder the growth of the plant.
- Choose appropriate heights (60 to 120 cm) based on the average height of local animals.
An investment that protects the future of your system
Investing in the protection of young plants means increasing the chances of rooting , improving the future shape of the plant and drastically reducing maintenance and replanting costs .
With Arbrì you can choose from a complete range of products, ready for shipment and selected to guarantee real performance in the field.
