The girdling of apple trees by field mice (Microtus spp.) is a common problem in most areas where this fruit is grown. Since these species of mice will seldom cross a bare area to feed, it is desirable to remove all vegetation at the base of the trees to help reduce the possibility of girdling. Many growers maintain such a bare area by slow and costly hand methods. Such methods are frequently employed in late fall, increasing the possibility that the newly exposed trunk area may incur winter injury.