Ethan Clarke
Plastic shields, also known as tree guards, tree shelters, or tree tubes, are structures used to protect young trees from browsing animals and other dangers during the early stages of their growth. They are typically made of durable, lightweight plastic and are available in different lengths to accommodate varying sizes of young trees. While these plastic shields are effective in protecting trees from mechanical and rodent damage, there are concerns about their environmental impact, with some researchers suggesting that trees should be planted without these plastic guards due to the challenges of recycling and the potential for vast quantities of plastic waste in natural environments.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Protect young trees from mechanical damage, rodents and other animals, and chemical spray applications |
| Installation time | As soon as a tree is planted |
| Removal time | Before the tree outgrows it; at least twice a year to check on the status of the tree trunk |
| Advantages | Protection from animals, increased survival rate, protection from chemical sprays, reduced UV levels, increased humidity and carbon dioxide levels |
| Disadvantages | May cause damage upon removal, may become entangled with vegetation, may lead to user error, may cause environmental damage, significant carbon emissions from manufacture |
| Alternative materials | Burlap, mesh, paper, biodegradable materials, recycled plastic, milk cartons, plant-based materials, compressed paper and card |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic tree guards protect young trees from animals and herbicides
- They create a mini-greenhouse environment, accelerating growth
- They are rarely recycled, breaking down into microplastics
- Alternatives include mesh, paper, and biodegradable materials
- They should be removed twice a year to check on the tree's status
Plastic tree guards protect young trees from animals and herbicides
Plastic tree guards are an easy-to-use means of protecting young trees from animal-related and herbicide-related injuries. They are available in different lengths for varying sizes of young trees. The best time to apply tree guards is as soon as a tree is planted, but they can be applied at any time of the year before injury occurs. Young trees are at risk of sun and animal-related trunk injury during the winter, so tree guards should be applied as part of yearly preparations for winter. When food sources become scarce in winter, animals like rabbits, wallabies, and mice may chew on tender young bark out of desperation. Tree guards help by creating a barrier between the bark and foraging animals. They also protect against chemical spray applications, such as herbicides and pesticides.
Plastic tree guards also accelerate tree growth by providing a mini-greenhouse environment that reduces moisture stress, channels growth into the main stem and roots, and allows efficient control of weeds that compete with young seedlings for soil moisture and sunlight. Young trees protected by tree guards have a survival rate of around 85%, compared to only about 50% for trees without guards.
While plastic tree guards are the most widely used option for tree protection, there are several alternatives available, such as guards made from milk cartons, burlap, mesh, paper, biodegradable materials, recycled plastic, or compressed paper and card. However, these alternatives may be more expensive, and even "eco-friendly" or biodegradable guards may take 200 years to fully break down, potentially outliving the trees they are designed to protect. Additionally, the recovery and recycling of plastic tree guards are challenging due to vegetation entanglement and the embrittlement of the plastic over time. Therefore, it is essential to develop a good management plan to avoid environmental damage when using plastic tree guards.
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They create a mini-greenhouse environment, accelerating growth
Plastic tree guards, also known as tree shelters or tree tubes, are structures used in tree planting, arboriculture, and tree care. They are typically made of durable and lightweight plastic and are available in different lengths to accommodate varying sizes of young trees. The primary purpose of these plastic shields is to protect young trees from browsing animals and other dangers during their early growth stages.
One of the key benefits of using plastic tree guards is their ability to create a mini-greenhouse environment, which significantly accelerates the growth of young trees. This microenvironment increases humidity and carbon dioxide levels, providing an ideal atmosphere for the tree's development. Additionally, it reduces moisture stress and channels growth into the main stem and roots, allowing young trees to thrive.
The mini-greenhouse effect created by the plastic shields also enables efficient control of weeds. Weeds can compete with young seedlings for soil moisture and sunlight, so by managing weed growth, the tree guards ensure that the young trees have access to the necessary resources for optimal growth. This controlled environment contributes to the higher survival rate of trees protected by plastic shields, which is estimated to be around 85%.
While plastic tree guards offer these benefits, it is important to consider their environmental impact. The production and disposal of plastic shields contribute to carbon emissions and pollution if they are not properly recycled. Some organizations have recognized the potential environmental harm and have committed to phasing out single-use plastic tree guards, exploring biodegradable alternatives, and promoting recycling practices.
Overall, plastic tree shields play a crucial role in creating a mini-greenhouse environment that accelerates the growth of young trees. While they serve a protective purpose, it is essential to balance their use with sustainable practices to minimize their ecological footprint.
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They are rarely recycled, breaking down into microplastics
Plastic tree guards are rarely recycled, and they break down into microplastics, polluting the environment and harming wildlife. The plastic tubes become brittle over time, and when removed, they can easily shatter, leaving small particles behind. The embrittled plastic, even if collected, has negative value for recyclers and is only suitable for incineration. The recycling of plastic tree shelters is challenging and may never be a viable option due to the entanglement of vegetation and the degradation of the material over time.
The presence of microplastics in the environment is a significant concern. These tiny plastic particles can contaminate soil and water sources, impacting the health of plants, animals, and even humans. Microplastics have been detected in various ecosystems, including forests and oceans, contributing to the growing issue of plastic pollution.
While plastic tree guards may offer protection to young trees, their negative impact on the environment cannot be overlooked. The plastic guards can break down into microplastics, releasing harmful particles into the surrounding ecosystem. Additionally, the manufacture of these guards also contributes to carbon emissions, further exacerbating their environmental footprint.
To address the issue of recycling, some companies offer recycled plastic guards, reducing the environmental impact at the supply chain level. However, even with these efforts, the recycling process for plastic tree guards remains challenging. The entanglement with vegetation and the degradation of the plastic over time complicate the recycling process, requiring significant manpower and resources.
As an alternative to plastic tree guards, fencing off young trees can provide protection from accidental damage without the need for single-use plastic. Additionally, biodegradable options, such as guards made from waste products or plant-based materials, are being explored as potential solutions. These alternatives aim to balance the need for tree protection with the environmental consequences of plastic pollution.
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Alternatives include mesh, paper, and biodegradable materials
Tree guards, also known as tree shelters or tree tubes, are used to protect young trees from browsing animals and other dangers, such as chemical sprays and sun damage. Plastic tree guards have been popular due to their durability and ability to withstand up to 10 years in all weather conditions. However, there are growing concerns about their environmental impact, especially when they are left in the soil after a tree has outgrown them.
Various alternatives to plastic tree guards have emerged, including mesh, paper, and biodegradable materials. Mesh or wire tree guards have been used in the past and can be left on year-round as long as they are large enough to allow for tree growth. Paper and cardboard guards are more recent innovations, but they may be brittle and prone to snapping, especially in harsh weather conditions.
Biodegradable tree guards offer a promising solution, with some made from waste products like cashew nut shell resin, plant starch, or wool. However, one concern with biodegradable guards is that they may take a long time to fully break down, potentially even outliving the trees they are meant to protect. Additionally, the cost of these eco-friendly alternatives may be prohibitive for larger planting schemes.
While these alternatives to plastic tree guards exist, there is still limited scientific evidence about their effectiveness and durability over time. Organizations like the Woodland Trust and Forest Research are actively researching and trialling these options to promote sustainable tree protection and reduce plastic waste.
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They should be removed twice a year to check on the tree's status
Tree guards are essential for protecting young trees from various threats, including animals, mechanical damage, and chemical sprays. They are typically made of durable plastic and come in different shapes, sizes, and lengths to fit varying tree sizes. While tree guards are crucial for safeguarding young trees, they should not be permanent fixtures.
It is recommended to remove plastic tree guards at least twice a year to check on the tree's status and ensure its healthy growth. Late summer and late winter are ideal times for these checks. During these inspections, you can loosen the tree guard if the trunk has grown significantly. It is also essential to clean out any vegetation that may have accumulated between the guard and the trunk.
Removing the guards twice a year allows you to analyse the tree's growth and overall health. This proactive approach ensures that the guard is not restricting the tree's growth, a phenomenon known as "girdling." Girdling can negatively impact the tree's health and restrict its growth. By removing the guards periodically, you can prevent girdling and promote the tree's well-being.
Additionally, regular checks enable you to maintain the guards effectively. You can clear any debris, such as leaves or soil, that may have built up, reducing the risk of dampness or rot. Furthermore, it helps to manage weeds around the tree's base, minimising competition for nutrients and water.
While plastic tree guards are commonly used, there are also biodegradable options available, such as spiral guards, which break down naturally over time without requiring removal. These eco-friendly alternatives are ideal for projects prioritising sustainability, such as reforestation or sustainable landscaping. However, it is worth noting that even biodegradable guards may take a long time to break down, emphasising the importance of proper management and removal when they are no longer needed.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic shields, also known as tree guards, tree shelters, or tree tubes, are used to protect young trees from browsing animals and other dangers as they grow. They create a physical barrier to protect the tree from animal and mechanical damage, as well as chemical spray applications.
Plastic tree shields can help increase the survival rate of young trees. They also create a mini-greenhouse environment that reduces moisture stress, channels growth into the main stem and roots, and allows efficient control of weeds. Plastic tree shields are durable, lightweight, and reusable.
Plastic tree shields have been criticized for their negative environmental impact. They can become brittle over time, leading to microplastic pollution when they break down. Additionally, the recovery and recycling of plastic tree shields can be challenging due to vegetation entanglement and the embrittlement of the plastic.
