[sausagesandcash]

I wanted to plant a load of trees, most semi-mature (12 ft high), but some are a lot smaller. What damage could the pigs do in anyones experience.

[gavo]

Unless well ring fenced about 2-3 foot out from the tree they'll rip em right out again; aren't TAMS lovely?

[sausagesandcash]

A bit like kids, they don't always do what you want, but you love 'em to bits anyway!!

[HappyHippy]

I've always been told that once trees have been in for 10 years they're pretty much pig proof without fencing. I'll be able to tell you exactly HOW pig proof in a few years 
Maybe your semi mature ones would take quicker, but without fencing them or (if you felt ok about it ) ringing the pigs noses, I think you'd be wasting your cash.

[JulieS]

Sorry to say that they will also try to use them as scratching posts and knock them over very easily.

[Hilarysmum]

OH has just cut up the 15-20 year old oaks that Hilary debarked, ate the roots, rubbed against till they fell down, ate the remainder of the roots, ate the shoots.  Now she complains cos there are no acorns!!!!!

[HappyHippy]

Oh god ! Maybe my 10 year plan is a bit ambitious 
But then again Hilary is somewhat a force of nature - isn't she ? 

[oaklandspigs]

Think you'll find that the law of inverse applies  - if you don't want the trees the pigs will leave them and they will thive, if you do want the tress they'll do their best to remove them.

So plant them with an attitude that you don't want them to survive !! 

We generally find that when the tree trunk is the size of your wrist they will generally leave them alone, but obviously there are execptions (called Hilary apparently, so don't call you pigs that either!), and if you are newly planting, then it is highly likely that your pigs will lean on them and without established roots will simply knock them over, eat the jucy leaves and roots and kill them.

So suspect this will a no-no !

[sausagesandcash]

Argh, more fencing 

[Hilarysmum]

I think that fortunately Hilary is a one off.   

[Snoopy]

The best way of getting rid of tree stumps, is to pour golden syrup all over the base and let the pigs in

What tree stump - gone in minutes 

[HappyHippy]

lol! Julie, I never thought of that - what a great idea ! Think I might need a golden syrup lake to clear the stumps off all my land though 

[Hilarysmum]

Does it work with all/any trees?     Sounds great.