Protecting Trees from Damage

Protection from the Weather

If you have planted your tree in an exposed spot, such as a hillside, you may want to consider protecting it with a tree shelter. This is a biodegradable plastic structure up to 1.2m (4ft) long, and between 8 cm (3 in) and 15 cm (6 in) across, designed to help young trees become established.

Protection from Animals

After planting your tree, you may find it necessary to protect it from damage caused by rabbits or other animals that strip bark. This can be done quite simply by surrounding with a barrier of wire netting or chicken wire held in place by canes or stakes.

Alternatively, you could place a proprietary tree guard around the tree trunk. These are readily available from nurseries and garden centres and include rigid, plastic guards; heavy-duty plastic or wire mesh; spiral, wrap-around guards made of flexible plastic or even biodegradable plastic guards. Tree guards are normally available in a range of heights from 60 cm (2 ft) up to 2 m (6 ft).