tree guards

Tree guards give the trunk extra protection against mechanical damage, such as abrasion from grass-cutting equipment, accidental impacts from vehicles and vandalism. This matters most in the first years after planting, when a young tree's bark is most vulnerable to lasting damage.

They are standard equipment for street tree planting carried out by local authorities as part of urban greening programmes. We make them from timber, galvanised steel or plastic and fit them directly around the trunk as an open-frame guard that does not restrict the trunk's natural growth. Tree guards complete the full range in the tree grilles and guards category, alongside both square and circular grilles.

A grille protects the soil around the trunk, while a guard protects the trunk itself at the height where mechanical damage is most likely. This is usually from ground level up to about one metre, where the risk of abrasion from a mower or strimmer, or of an accidental impact, is greatest.

Timber guards suit natural park settings well, but they need regular treatment with wood preservative. Galvanised steel and plastic guards need almost no extra maintenance throughout their service life, which can be an important factor when planning green space maintenance budgets.

The open-frame design is vital for the tree's health. A solid, sealed wrap would cut off air to the bark and trap moisture, which increases the risk of fungal disease. A well-designed guard therefore protects the trunk from mechanical damage without harming the tree's natural processes.

Resistance to vandalism is often a key factor when planting in areas with a higher risk of damage. Fixing the guard firmly to the ground or to the grille makes it harder for anyone to pull it off or move it.

Inspecting the guards at least once a year shows whether a young tree is starting to outgrow its guard. As the trunk grows, parts of the guard are often adjusted or replaced with a larger size, so that the guard does not end up restricting the growth of the tree it was meant to protect.

Guard height is chosen to suit the tree's age and trunk thickness when it is installed. Younger trees are usually protected with a lower guard with a denser open frame, which can later be replaced with a taller model as the tree grows.