Hedge Wraps

Designed for hedgerow planting at scale — fast to install, effective from day one.

Vigilis Hedge Wraps provide a flexible, spiral-form protection solution for hedgerow plants, individual tree stems, and young shrubs. They expand with the plant as it grows, require no stake, and are available in both recyclable and soil-biodegradable formats for plastic-free planting schemes.

Hedge Wraps Products

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a hedge wrap and how does it differ from a tube shelter?
A hedge wrap (or spiral guard) is a flexible, expanding coil of plastic or biodegradable material that wraps loosely around an individual plant stem. Unlike rigid tube shelters, it expands naturally with the growing stem and does not require a stake — though one can be used for additional stability. It provides protection against rabbit and hare browsing, herbicide drift, and accidental strimmer damage. Tube shelters offer greater protection and a stronger microclimate effect; wraps are lighter, cheaper, and easier to install at scale.
Do Vigilis Hedge Wraps need a stake?
A stake is optional but recommended, especially on exposed sites or for taller plants where the wrap might twist or fall. A simple bamboo cane is sufficient for most hedgerow applications. Where stakes are used, secure the wrap loosely to the cane — it should still be able to move and expand as the plant grows.
How long should a hedge wrap stay on the plant?
Recyclable wraps should be removed after 3–5 years once the plant is established, before the plastic begins to constrict the stem. Check annually and remove sooner if the wrap is tight. The Vigilis Bio Wrap is biodegradable and degrades in place — no removal required, though you can take it off earlier if preferred.
Are hedge wraps suitable for Countryside Stewardship hedgerow planting?
Yes — spiral guards are widely used within Countryside Stewardship BN7 and BN11 hedgerow agreements and are among the most common forms of individual plant protection in grant-funded hedgerow schemes. Check the specific eligible products list with your scheme adviser. Vigilis can supply data sheets on request via our contact page.
What species are hedge wraps suitable for?
Vigilis Hedge Wraps are suitable for most single-stemmed hedgerow and woodland edge species: hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, field maple, hornbeam, spindle, dogwood, and similar. They are not suited to very bushy, multi-stemmed plants from the outset — for those, use the Vigilis Shrub Shelter or Shrub Shelter XL instead.

Hedge Wraps: Flexible Spiral Protection for Hedgerow and Shrub Planting

Vigilis Hedge Wraps are spiral-form plant guards designed to protect individual hedgerow plants, young shrubs, and tree stems from rabbit and hare browsing, herbicide drift, and strimmer damage. Their flexible, self-expanding design grows with the plant, making them one of the simplest and most cost-effective protection solutions for large-scale hedgerow planting schemes. Both recyclable and soil-biodegradable formats are available.

When to Choose a Hedge Wrap

Hedge wraps are best suited to single-stemmed hedgerow plants — hawthorn, blackthorn, hazel, field maple — where the goal is to protect the lower stem during early establishment without restricting growth. They are lighter and faster to install than rigid tube shelters, making them practical for high-volume hedgerow planting. For multi-stemmed shrubs or species that need broader protection, the Vigilis Shrub Shelter range is a better fit.

Biodegradable vs Recyclable Wraps

The standard Vigilis Wrap is made from recyclable polypropylene and should be collected and returned via our Protect, Collect, Recycle scheme after 3–5 years. The Vigilis Bio Wrap is fully soil biodegradable and plastic-free — it degrades naturally in situ with no removal required, making it ideal for large-scale or remote schemes where revisiting to collect guards adds significant cost. The RHS and Woodland Trust both advocate for reduced plastic use in planting schemes; our Bio Wrap directly supports that goal.

Suitable for Grant-Funded Schemes

Vigilis Hedge Wraps are used in Countryside Stewardship hedgerow agreements (BN7 and BN11), farm wildlife habitat schemes, and community planting programmes. Find a stockist via our distributor finder or contact us for project enquiries.