Forestry

Shelter height depends on the browsing pressure on your site. For rabbit-only sites, a 60cm guard is usually sufficient. Where roe deer are present, 1.2m is the standard minimum; fallow and red/sika deer (or white-tailed deer in North America) require 1.2–1.8m shelters. Our tree guards range covers heights from 60cm to 1.8m to match your specific threat level. For high-deer-pressure sites, mesh shelters offer additional airflow suitable for certain species. Forest Research provides detailed guidance on predation management for woodland establishment.

In the UK, biodegradable and non-plastic tree shelters are actively encouraged under the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO) and Countryside Stewardship. In the USA, USDA NRCS programs also support non-plastic options. Our Vigilis-Bio tree shelters are manufactured from plant-based biopolymers and biodegrade in soil, removing end-of-life collection costs on large-scale schemes. This eliminates the risk of old plastic guards scattering as they degrade. For UK scheme requirements, see the Forestry Commission guidance on plastics in woodland creation.

Most forestry trees need shelter protection for 3–5 years until they grow above the browse line. On productive sites with favourable soils, broadleaf species can establish above deer height within 4–5 years; on poorer or exposed sites, shelter may be needed longer. Standard polypropylene shelters should be removed and collected at end-of-life. Biodegradable shelters naturally break down over 3–5 years, significantly reducing post-establishment labour on large-scale schemes. See our full tree guards range for material specifications and expected service life per product type.

Tree guards and shelters are standard capital items funded under many government woodland creation schemes. In the UK, these include Countryside Stewardship and EWCO grants; in the USA, USDA FSA and NRCS programs support tree planting capital items. We supply contractors and land agents working on publicly funded woodland schemes across multiple regions. Contact us for trade pricing and scheme-compliant product specifications. Always confirm accepted materials with your scheme administrator before ordering, as requirements vary by programme and territory.

In forestry, a tree shelter is a solid or vented tube that fully encloses the tree, creating a warm microclimate that accelerates early shoot and root development alongside browsing protection. A tree guard is typically an open-mesh structure providing physical protection without the microclimate effect. Shelters suit most broadleaf whips where growth acceleration is valued; mesh guards are better for species sensitive to the warm, humid shelter environment. Browse our tree guards and mesh shelters for full specification comparisons.

Standard broadleaf woodland creation plants 1,100–3,300 trees per hectare depending on scheme specification and target stocking density. Each tree requires one shelter. A 10-hectare scheme will typically require 11,000–33,000 units. We offer volume pricing for large orders and can stage deliveries to match your planting schedule. Get in touch with your project area and scheme type and we will produce a quote and confirm lead times. Our team can advise on the right specification for your site and species mix.