On Sat, 28 Feb 2004 23:34:38 -0000, Chris Wilson
wrote:

I am intending planting about 200 leylandii saplings, each about 2 foot
tall to delineate a boundary. We have a wild rabbit problem and similar
saplings put in about 4 years ago had the protection of rabbit fencing.
This has been removed now, and already some bark damage is evident to
the original, fairly well established plants. The size of the area makes
control difficult. What is the best means of physically protecting the
new saplings from nibbling damage? As we are talking a couple of hundred
plants cost is a major issue. Thanks.

You include your answer in your query. If rabbits are chewing on your
older plants, they will almost certainly chew on younger ones. Rabbits
are persistent and determined when the dinner table's set. Folk
remedies and sprays don't work with hungry rabbits and deer. Physical
barriers are the *only* sure remedy. If there are plastic tubes that
fit the size saplings you propose, it'd be worth a shot. I don't know
how expensive it might be. Otherwise, sturdy fencing is required.