Date:         Mon, 5 Jan 2004 15:02:34 -0500
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Steve Huy <Gabboon@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: rfi: suet feeder attachment
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It may or may not hurt the tree.  You are putting a hole through the bark, the tree's best defense against disease, insects, fungus etc.  Some trees heal quickly, others don't.

A sling of wire, rope or clothes line looped around the trunk with only a tiny bit of slack can work just as well.  Just be sure to loosen it as the tree grows.  Natural fiber rope or line is a better choice as it will evetually degrade and drop off.  Wire and synthetics may last too long and cut into the bark.

<Is it o.k. to put a nail in a live tree? I've seen various objects attached that way (placards, etc), but hesitate to drive the nail in myself.  However, if it doesn't harm the tree it would make it easier to attach a suet feeder where the few remaining neighborhood crows are less likely to detach it.>

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