Animals often take interest in new, young trees, and this attention can result in serious damage to your investment. Sometimes, fencing your property might not effectively keep all the pesky animals away, especially smaller creatures like rabbits, wallabies, and possums.
Investing in tree guards not only protects your plants from weather-related damage but animal-related destruction too. The right tree guard creates a physical barrier that prevents browsing, gnawing, and rubbing while still allowing your trees to receive sunlight and air circulation.
Young trees are particularly vulnerable during their first few years of establishment. Animals can strip bark, damage tender shoots, and even kill saplings by eating the growing tips.
Tree guards provide a cost-effective solution that protects your investment without requiring extensive fencing infrastructure. They're especially important in rural and semi-rural areas where wildlife populations are high.
Beyond animal protection, quality tree guards also shield young plants from herbicide drift, wind damage, and extreme temperature fluctuations. This multi-purpose protection helps establish stronger, healthier trees in their critical early stages.
Selecting the right tree guard depends on the type of animals you're dealing with, the size of your planting, and your budget. Different materials and designs offer varying levels of protection and longevity.
The green guard solid design is suitable for protecting olive trees, vines, and natives from the elements, herbicide drift, vermin, and wildlife attacks. Each tree guard is made from thick UV-stabilised rigid plastic for greater longevity and durability.
The guards have no sharp edges therefore no damage will occur to the plant from installation. Only one hardwood or bamboo stake is needed for each tree guard, making installation quick and straightforward.
These guards come welded shut and ready to use, which saves considerable time during planting projects. The solid construction provides excellent protection against larger animals like kangaroos and deer that might otherwise damage your plantings.
A strong UV-stabilised polypropylene mesh tree guard comes pre-cut or on a roll. The 25m roll is used by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as a 1.35m tree guard to protect plants from wallabies and rabbits.
It's popular because it can be cut to size with ease, allowing you to customise protection for different tree heights and species. Two bamboos (10-12mm x 75cm), hardwood stakes (17 x 17mm x 75cm), or steel fence posts are required for each mesh guard installation.
The mesh design allows for better air circulation than solid guards, which can be beneficial in humid climates. It also lets you monitor tree growth without removing the guard.
The cardboard milk carton tree guards are made from surplus recycled milk cartons. There are slits on both sides to slide the stakes through for easy installation.
This is the most economical form of tree guard available, making it ideal for large-scale planting projects where budget is a primary concern. It requires two bamboo stakes, and 8-10mm x 60cm is recommended for each tree guard.
These guards are completely biodegradable, breaking down naturally after a few years once the tree is established. This eliminates the need for removal and disposal, saving labour costs in the long term.
Size matters when it comes to tree guard effectiveness. A guard that's too small won't provide adequate protection as your tree grows, while an oversized guard can be wasteful and difficult to secure properly.
Consider the mature size of your tree species and the height that browsing animals can reach. For small to medium native plantings, these medium-sized metal mesh guards in a 20-pack offer excellent value and protection against rabbits and hares that typically browse up to 40cm high.
For larger trees or areas with deer, kangaroos, or wallabies, you'll need taller protection. The large metal mesh guards in a 10-pack provide extended height protection for situations where animals can reach higher branches.
Installing tree guards correctly is just as important as choosing the right type. Poor installation can result in guards blowing over in wind, animals accessing the tree, or damage to the trunk as it grows.
Always bury the bottom of your tree guard 5-10cm into the soil to prevent small animals from burrowing underneath. This creates a complete barrier from ground level up.
Stakes should be driven firmly into the ground before attaching the guard. For most installations, these 1500mm hardwood stakes in a 10-pack provide the ideal height and strength for securing medium to large guards without the risk of rot that can affect softer timber.
Tree guards aren't a set-and-forget solution. Regular inspection ensures they're still providing protection without restricting growth or causing damage.
Check your tree guards every few months, especially after strong winds or storms. Look for guards that have come loose, been knocked over, or show signs of animal interference.
As your tree grows, monitor the space between the trunk and the guard. Most trees can be left with guards in place for 2-5 years depending on growth rate and local browsing pressure.
Remove guards once the tree has reached a height where the growing tips are above browsing level and the bark has hardened sufficiently to resist damage. For most Australian natives, this occurs when the trunk diameter exceeds 50-70mm.
For large-scale revegetation projects, having adequate support materials on hand makes maintenance much easier. These 1800mm hardwood stakes in a 10-pack are perfect for replacing damaged stakes or upgrading to taller guards as trees mature and require extended protection.
Additionally, interest yourself in All Stake Supply's natural round bamboo canes to prop up and support any tree guard you purchase and install around your young plants. Natural bamboo canes are a strong and durable material that is used for plant and tree guard supports.
Bamboo canes are an economical alternative to hardwood stakes for small to medium-sized plants. They are smooth and non-abrasive and are available in assorted thicknesses and heights.
For more information on these products and how to protect your young trees from animal damage, contact All Stake Supply today on 1300 130 123.
