Sperry said, “If a pecan tree is free-standing, that is, not touching other trees, power lines, etc., you can put a sheet metal collar in place around its trunk.” ...

For instance, metal bands and cones midway up the trunk of a tree can thwart squirrels, rats or other rodents from climbing up and nesting in the branches or accessing attics of nearby houses ...

There are other benefits to wrapping metal around a tree trunk, too. When wrapped around fruit or nut trees, baffles can hinder animals from scurrying up to steal the goods.

Sometimes called baffles, metal bands wrapped around a tree trunk like a belt are strapped on to protect trees from pests that could be harmful. Arborists and other experts often recommend this ...