How to Keep Sheep & Goats From Eating Trees

Caring for sheep and goats can be a rewarding yet challenging experience. For some people, a sheep or a goat proves to be an ideal companion because they respond well to human attention. For others, sheep and goats are viewed as a valuable livestock commodity. However, sheep and goats can quickly become a nuisance when either decides to eat trees. Fortunately, you can build a wired fence to prevent sheep and goats from eating trees.

Things You'll Need

  • Five 6-foot tall wooden stakes
  • Chicken wire
  • Wire cutters
  • Leather gloves
  • 20 zip ties
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Instructions

    • 1

      Set up five 6-foot tall wooden stakes into the ground. Position the stakes an equal distance apart around the trees. Make sure the stakes are at least 3 feet away from the trunk of the tree. The height will prevent the goats and sheep from using the wire as a ladder to reach parts of the tree they couldn't reach before.

    • 2

      Measure and mark a cut line on the wire to fit your preferred dimensions. Allow enough length for the chicken wire to wrap around the five stakes with a 3-inch overlap. The length of the chicken wire will depend on the width of the tree trunk and the distance between the wooden stakes.

    • 3

      Use sharp wire cutters to cut the chicken wire. Wear a pair of heavy leather gloves to avoid injury. Start at one end and cut the wires along the line until you have cut the wire to your preference. Cut the chicken wire in a straight line to prevent a cutting or poking hazard to sheep and goats.

    • 4

      Wrap the chicken wire around the outside of the stakes. Make sure the chicken wire is tight to prevent sheep and goats from tearing on it with their teeth.

    • 5

      Secure the chicken wire to each of the stakes with plastic zip ties. Use at least four zip ties per stake so that the chicken wire is securely in place. The overlapping ends of the chicken wire should be secured together by plastic zip ties.

    • 6

      Rewrap the trees each year to prevent the wire from growing into the tree.