Tree Shelters

Tree shelters are ideal items for helping to establish young trees. These simple gadgets are used extensively to protect younger trees from the cold winds but also from any browsing animals that might be in the area. Often on very difficult sites, such as isolated windy coastal spots, tree shelters are the only option available as other methods of protection may fail (see windbreak netting below).

Tree shelters also have insulating properties which can promote faster growth. In some cases it is possible to see up to six times more growth in a season when using tree shelters. Another advantage is that they encourage stronger stems with far fewer side branches and they also make weed control far easier.

Most come in two forms, light weight and heavy weight. They are manufactured from twin walled polyethylene making them hard wearing but light. The best are round in shape (but usually arrive flat packed for easy transport) as a round shelter offers much less resistance to the wind than square ones. Another important factor to consider is the very top which should always have a curved or very smooth lip so that it does not damage the tree.

There are other types of shelter available including spiral tree guards which are designed to protect the tree from damage by rabbits and other creatures. They are usually available in either opaque or clear plastic. Mesh polyethylene guards are also available to protect bushy shrubs, conifers and other landscaping trees, from rabbits etc. Both types will require an additional cane for support so that they remain upright.

Other Tree Shelters: Windbreak Netting

Anybody who lives in a windy situation will be well aware of the fact that it is incredibly difficult to get young plants and trees established. No sooner do you see a plump young shoot appear on a branch than a wind picks up to damage it, turning it black within a day or so. Even if the tree or landscaping plant manages to produce leaves the constant racking to and fro in the wind can lead to serious damage to the delicate fibrous roots. Furthermore the wind can seriously dehydrate any plant.

While tree shelters can protect young trees sometimes it is better to protect the area with a screen of windbreak netting placed on the windward side of the site. In really severe areas it may be advisable to place the screen all around the tree to encourage faster growth. This will also help protect it from frost damage.

Windbreak netting typically offers around 50% wind and 40% shade protection at a very reasonable cost. However in windy locations it is highly likely that it will become damaged in areas within the first season so it is always best to order more than you actually require to allow for replacements. In isolated areas where it may not be possible for you to continually check the status of your screen you may be better off using the tree shelters mentioned above in conjunction with a screen of windbreak netting just to ensure full protection for your trees.

Eric Johnstone has been a landscape gardener, specializing in outdoor lighting, for 15 years and writes for a small number of gardening sites in his spare time.