Gardening and planting trees is a rewarding experience, but you need to take additional steps to boost the chances of tree survival and protection.
Tree guards play a crucial role in safeguarding young trees from environmental stress, pests, and accidental damage. Whether you are a home gardener, farmer, or landscaper, tree guards provide an effective solution for protecting newly planted trees.
In this post, you will learn in detail about why you should use tree guards, different types and some commonly asked questions.
Let’s get started.
Why Are Tree Guards Important?
Young trees are vulnerable to various threats, including harsh weather conditions, animal browsing, mechanical damage, and even sunscald. Without protection, newly planted trees may struggle to establish strong roots and healthy growth.
Tree guards act as a barrier that shields trees from external threats, ensuring their survival and healthy development.
Types of Tree Guards
Tree guards come in various materials and designs to suit different needs. Here are some common types:
Biodegradable Tree Guards
These nature-friendly tree guards are perfect if you need to support your trees in a more environment-friendly manner.
- Eco-friendly and naturally decomposes over time
- Ideal for sustainable forestry and conservation projects
- Reduces plastic waste while offering effective tree protection
Biodegradable tree guards are an excellent choice for those looking for an eco-friendly solution. Made from natural materials like cardboard, wood fibers, or biodegradable plastics, these guards naturally decompose over time without harming the environment.
They offer temporary protection for young trees during their critical early growth stages, eventually breaking down into the soil without leaving waste behind. This makes them a perfect option for conservation projects and sustainable forestry initiatives.
These tree guards help shield young saplings from harsh weather conditions, grazing animals, and competition from weeds while allowing airflow and moisture retention.
Plastic Tree Guards
This is an affordable and lightweight option.
- Lightweight and easy to install
- Protect against wind, frost, and pests
- Ideal for urban areas and landscaping
Plastic tree guards are among the most widely used options due to their affordability, lightweight nature, and ease of installation. They provide effective protection against environmental stressors such as wind, frost, and pests while allowing sufficient light and air circulation. Available in various sizes and designs, plastic guards are commonly used in urban landscaping, residential gardens, and commercial orchards.
One of the key advantages of plastic tree guards is their durability. They can last for several years, making them a cost-effective option for long-term tree protection.
However, for those concerned about sustainability, it is advisable to look for recyclable or reusable plastic tree guards to minimise environmental impact.
Metal Tree Guards
Metal tree guards are the most robust option, offering superior protection for young trees in high-traffic areas.
- Provides the highest level of protection
- Used in urban settings to prevent vandalism and accidental damage
- Long-lasting and reusable
They are made from materials like steel or iron, these guards are designed to withstand physical impacts, making them ideal for urban environments where trees are exposed to potential vandalism, accidental damage from vehicles, and heavy foot traffic. Their sturdy structure prevents bending and breaking, ensuring long-term protection.
Though metal tree guards are more expensive than plastic or biodegradable options, they are reusable and can last for decades.
Mesh Tree Guards
Mesh tree guards are an excellent choice for protecting young trees while maintaining proper airflow.
- Allows air circulation while keeping animals away
- Suitable for protecting trees from deer, rabbits, and rodents
- Can be used in both residential and agricultural settings
These guards are typically made from plastic or wire mesh and are designed to keep browsing animals like deer, rabbits, and rodents away without restricting essential air circulation. This makes them particularly useful in agricultural settings, orchards, and forested areas where wildlife poses a threat to young saplings.
Mesh guards allow light penetration and moisture exchange, promoting healthy growth while preventing damage from chewing and scratching animals.
Corrugated Tree Guards
- Made from durable, weather-resistant materials
- Provides strong protection against wind and harsh environmental conditions
- Commonly used for protecting saplings in exposed areas
Corrugated tree guards are crafted from durable, weather-resistant materials, making them highly effective in protecting saplings from harsh environmental conditions. These guards are commonly made from thick plastic or reinforced cardboard and are designed to wrap securely around the tree trunk. Their structured form provides insulation, shielding young trees from extreme temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rainfall.
One of the main benefits of corrugated tree guards is their flexibility and ease of use. They can expand as the tree grows, preventing constriction while still offering reliable protection.
Key Benefits of Using Tree Guards
Protection Against Animals & Pests
- Tree guards help protect young trees from damage caused by animals like rabbits, deer, and rodents.
- These animals often chew on the bark, which can stunt growth or even kill the tree.
Prevention of Mechanical Damage
- Tree guards prevent accidental damage caused by lawnmowers, trimmers, and foot traffic in parks and gardens.
- This is especially important in public spaces and urban environments.
Shielding from Harsh Weather
- Harsh winds, heavy rain, and frost can cause stress to young trees.
- Tree guards provide an extra layer of insulation and protect against winter damage.
Protection from Sunscald
- Sunscald occurs when young trees are exposed to strong sunlight, causing bark damage.
- Tree guards help reduce the impact of extreme sun exposure, keeping the tree healthy.
Encouraging Strong Growth
- Tree guards create a controlled microenvironment that helps young trees grow straight and establish a strong root system.
- This is particularly useful in windy areas where young trees may struggle to stay upright.
Reduces Competition from Weeds
- Some tree guards help reduce weed competition by blocking out light around the tree base, preventing weed growth and reducing the need for herbicides.
Improving Tree Survival Rates
- By minimising threats, tree guards significantly increase the survival rate of newly planted trees, ensuring a higher success rate in reforestation and landscaping projects.
FAQs
How long should I keep a tree guard on a tree?
Tree guards should be kept in place until the tree is well-established and strong enough to withstand external threats. This typically takes 2–5 years, depending on the tree species and growing conditions.
Do tree guards need maintenance?
Yes, tree guards should be checked regularly for damage, pests, or signs of wear. Make sure they are not too tight around the trunk, as this can restrict growth.
Can tree guards be reused?
Yes, many tree guards, especially plastic and metal ones, are reusable. Biodegradable tree guards, however, naturally decompose over time.
Are tree guards necessary for all young trees?
Not all trees require guards, but they are highly recommended for newly planted saplings in areas with high wildlife activity, extreme weather conditions, or frequent human activity.