That's more or less what we do!

Oh, the deer are guardians of the forest? :)

floral_uk thanks for those pix. That looks like a great idea, simple, long-lasting and easy to put up and maintain, neither paint nor creosote required.

My example is from horsey country and subject to cribbing.

Wouldn’t it make sense to construct some “artificial” shade? Even a plastic tarp attached to some t-posts would be better than nothing. I would spend some money constructing consistent shade.

That would, of course, work as a temporary fix but planting trees is infinitely more attractive, better for the environment and leaves a gift for future generations. On second thoughts a plastic tarp on T posts probably wouldn't stand up long with large animals around.

The problem we've had with trees for sun protection is, loosing a whole herd of cattle laying under a tree and lightning strikes the tree.

I use 3 tee posts and a wrap of field fence - 47" high. Then I wind barb wire around it for 2-3 wraps to keep cows from rubbing too much on fence.

Bill I never thought of that. We don't have thunderstorms here. What do people in the Midwest do?

It's an infrequent occurrence (thank goodness) and has made the news several times over the many years (google: 'cattle die in lighting storm' for images). The cattle weren't mine but belonged to a neighbor a couple of miles away. And it's not just the trees, metal buildings, wire fence. anything can transmit the current some distance. I think the root system of the tree causes the electricity to spread further across the ground.

There are precautions to take when thunder is heard and people are occasionally injured when struck by lightning, some fatally.

Being out in open country like on the lake or golf course is obviously not recommended (Lightning tends to strike the highest object).

I've lost radios, computers and other electronics plugged into the power grid, when lightning strikes the power lines causing a 'power surge'.

You use power strips with 'surge protectors' for valuable electronics. Saves on unplugging everything when you hear thunder coming. :-)

Interesting link about lightning.