Pre-Cut Hardware Cloth Screen

It may seem extravagant to buy screens instead of cutting your own from a 3-ft. roll of hardware cloth, but having those screens right there when you plant (instead of, “Oh, the trees will be OK until I get a chance to pick up a roll at the store...” and later, “Damn! I meant to get that tree screened!”) makes all the difference.  After years of hearing sad stories about girdled fruit trees, we started offering our customers the same 11/2-ft. hardware-cloth screens that we use in our own orchard. We recommend hardware cloth instead of plastic guards or wraps because it allows air to circulate freely around the stem, keeping away molds and rot. The screen will make a 4-inch diameter cage. Instructions included.