Maya Ellison
Plastic tree guards are frequently used to protect young trees from damage caused by people, lawnmowers, and strimmers, and animals. They also help to control weeds and protect against sprayed herbicides. However, there are concerns about their use, as they can be harmful to trees if not removed in a timely manner. Plastic guards can result in girdling, where the bark grows through the splits in the wrap, and can also cause abrasions to the trunk as the tree expands. Additionally, plastic is not an effective insulator, and there are more environmentally friendly alternatives available, such as cloth, burlap, mesh, paper, and biodegradable materials.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect trees from mechanical and rodent damage |
| Types | Tree wraps, tree guards |
| Materials | Plastic, cloth, burlap, mesh, paper, biodegradable, recycled plastic |
| Advantages | Protects trees from rabbits, voles, larvae, caterpillars, and winter moths |
| Disadvantages | May cause fungal disease, girdling, and abrasions to the trunk |
| Alternatives | Cloth, tree bark, woven weed control fabric |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic tree guards can protect young trees from mechanical and rodent damage
- Plastic guards can be tube-shaped sleeves or flexible spirals
- Guards can be made from recycled plastic, burlap, mesh, paper, or biodegradable materials
- Plastic is not suitable for weed control as it restricts oxygen flow to the roots
- Plastic wrapping should be removed from the tree trunk before planting
Plastic tree guards can protect young trees from mechanical and rodent damage
Plastic tree guards are commonly used to protect young trees from mechanical and rodent damage. They are often sold with newly transplanted trees, with the assumption that they will enhance protection. The white plastic tubing is cut to the length of the tree and then cut lengthwise to fit around the tree.
While these plastic guards can help prevent mechanical damage and rodent infestations, they can also have negative consequences if not removed in a timely manner. For example, the tree may become girdled, resulting in bark growth through the splits in the wrap. Additionally, the plastic wrap can cause abrasion to the trunk as it restricts the tree's growth.
Some people also use plastic wrap to protect their trees from larvae, caterpillars, and rabbits. However, it is important to note that plastic does not insulate well and can hold in moisture, potentially causing fungal diseases. As an alternative, cloth or bark can be used to protect trees from the cold, while a woven weed control fabric is recommended for weed management as it allows water and oxygen to reach the roots.
Overall, while plastic tree guards can offer some protection to young trees, it is crucial to be aware of the potential negative impacts and to ensure that the plastic is removed when it is no longer needed.
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Plastic guards can be tube-shaped sleeves or flexible spirals
In addition, as the tree grows, the plastic wrap can cause girdling, where the bark continues to grow through the splits in the wrap, and can leave abrasions on the trunk as it is unable to expand. Plastic does not insulate well, and it can restrict the flow of oxygen to the roots, causing stress to the tree. As an alternative, wrapping the tree in several layers of cloth is recommended to provide better insulation.
Other materials such as burlap, mesh, paper, biodegradable, and recycled plastic can also be used as tree guards. It is important to be mindful of the potential issues that can arise from using any type of guard or wrap on trees, and to ensure that they are removed or replaced in a timely manner to avoid causing harm to the tree.
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Guards can be made from recycled plastic, burlap, mesh, paper, or biodegradable materials
Plastic tubes are often used as guards for newly transplanted trees, protecting them from mechanical and rodent damage. However, there are many other materials that can be used to create tree guards, including recycled plastic, burlap, mesh, paper, and biodegradable materials.
Burlap wraps have been favoured by the University of Minnesota Extension in the past. They recommend keeping hardware cloth, a type of wire mesh, on year-round, provided it is large enough to allow for trunk growth.
Biodegradable tree guards can be made from renewable raw materials, such as bioplastics, plant starch, cashew nut shell resin, or wool. These guards offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic guards, helping to reduce environmental impact.
Some suppliers are also working on maximising the reuse of plastic tree guards before recycling them. For example, careful selection, planning, and management can triple the useful life of a tree tube by reusing it up to three times.
Overall, while plastic tree guards are common, there are a variety of alternative materials available that can provide effective protection for trees while also being more environmentally sustainable.
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Plastic is not suitable for weed control as it restricts oxygen flow to the roots
Plastic wrap is sometimes used around the trunks of new trees. It is assumed that this plastic wrap will help hold in heat and protect the tree from harsh winters. However, plastic does not insulate well, and it is better to wrap the trunk in several layers of cloth instead.
Plastic is also used in gardens to control weeds. Black plastic sheets are used to kill weeds and grass, creating a vegetable garden. The plastic is laid on the ground, and holes are cut out for plants. The plastic blocks sunlight and traps moisture and air, killing the weeds.
However, plastic is not a suitable long-term solution for weed control. It interferes with the exchange of air, water, and nutrients between the soil and the atmosphere, restricting oxygen flow to the roots of plants. Over time, weeds can sneak in and grow in any wood chips covering the plastic, and the plastic will eventually start to tear and break apart, creating a mess.
There are alternative methods to using plastic for weed control. For example, paper mulch can biodegrade and stave off weeds for a season, and perlite or vermiculite can lighten the soil more effectively than styrofoam peanuts. Landscape fabric is another alternative to plastic sheeting, allowing the passage of air and water while resisting tearing.
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Plastic wrapping should be removed from the tree trunk before planting
Plastic wrapping is sometimes used around the trunk of a newly planted tree. This practice is common among landscapers and gardeners, who believe it will protect the tree from mechanical and rodent damage. However, it is important to remove any plastic wrapping from the tree trunk before planting.
While the intention behind wrapping tree trunks in plastic may be good, plastic is not an appropriate material for this purpose. Plastic does not insulate well and will only hold in moisture, which is not beneficial for tree trunks. In fact, it can lead to the development of fungal diseases. Additionally, plastic wrap can cause girdling, where the bark continues to grow through the splits in the wrap, and can leave abrasions on the trunk as the tree is unable to expand.
If you are concerned about protecting your tree from the cold, there are alternative methods to plastic wrapping. One suggestion is to wrap the tree in several layers of cloth instead, as cloth will provide better insulation. You can also buy tree bark from your local farm shop and spread it around the base of the tree to keep the cold from penetrating the roots.
Another concern with plastic wrapping is that it can restrict the growth of the tree. As the tree grows, it may become girdled, and the bark may grow through any splits or openings in the plastic. This can cause damage to the tree and hinder its growth.
In some cases, plastic wrapping may be necessary, such as when trying to cure wounds on trees or protect them from rabbits, voles, larvae, and caterpillars. However, it is important to remove the plastic in a timely manner and not leave it on for extended periods.
Overall, it is best to avoid using plastic wrapping on tree trunks if possible. Alternative methods, such as cloth wrapping or tree bark, are more effective at protecting the tree from the cold while also allowing it to breathe and grow. By removing plastic wrapping before planting, you can help ensure the health and proper development of your tree.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic wrap is sometimes used to protect trees from mechanical and rodent damage. It is also used to cure wounds, and keep rabbits, voles, larvae, and caterpillars away from the bark.
Plastic wrap does not insulate well, and can trap moisture, which is not good for tree trunks. It can also cause girdling, where the bark grows through the splits in the wrap, and can leave abrasions on the trunk of the tree.
Alternatives include burlap wraps, mesh, paper, biodegradable materials, and recycled plastic.
Yes, plastic wrap should be removed from the trunk and roots of a new tree. If the tree is in a pot, holes should be drilled in the bottom of the pot and the plastic to allow for drainage.
