Tree Guards

Robust protection for individual saplings against browse, weather, and mechanical damage.

Vigilis tree shelters protect young trees from deer, rabbit, vole, and livestock browsing during the critical establishment phase. Available in recyclable polypropylene or soil-biodegradable formats, our range covers everything from commercial forestry plantations to rewilding and agroforestry schemes.

Tree Guards

Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter

Soil Biodegradable

Tree Guards

Vigilis Bio VentAir Tree Shelter

Ventilated Soil Biodegradable Protection

Tree Guards

Vigilis Tree Shelter

Recyclable & Collectable

Tree Guards

Vigilis VentAir Tree Shelter

Recyclable & Collectable

0.6m 2ft

Rabbits

Standard UK planting requirement

0.75m 2.5ft

Hares

Open farmland & upland sites

1.2m 4ft

Roe Deer

Woodland edge & upland sites

1.5m 5ft

Fallow Deer

Lowland estates & parkland

1.8m 6ft

Red & Sika Deer

Highland & high-pressure sites

Tree Guards are used in

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Frequently Asked Questions

What height tree shelter do I need?

The right height depends on the browsing species on your site. A 0.6 m or 0.75 m shelter protects against rabbits and hares, while 1.2 m is needed for roe deer and muntjac. For sites with fallow, sika, or red deer, choose 1.8 m — always size to the largest threat present. Forest Research publishes species-specific guidance to help you assess your site.

What's the difference between a biodegradable and recyclable tree shelter?

Our biodegradable shelters — the Bio Tree Shelter and Bio VentAir — are made from plant-based materials that break down safely in the soil over approximately six years, leaving no plastic to collect. Our recyclable shelters are made from UV-stabilised polypropylene and can be returned through the Vigilis Protect, Collect, Recycle scheme at end of life. Both options provide equivalent protection — the choice comes down to your sustainability commitments and whether site access for collection is practical.

Do tree shelters need a stake?

Yes — all tube-style tree shelters need a stake to keep them upright and prevent wind-rocking. A single stake beside the shelter works for most sizes; 1.5 m and 1.8 m shelters on exposed sites may benefit from two. Our Vigilis T-Band Anchor Tie is designed to secure the shelter to the stake without damaging the bark.

When should a tree shelter be removed?

Remove recyclable shelters once the main stem has reached around 3 m in height — typically five years after planting, though slower-growing species may take longer. If a shelter splits or begins to constrict the trunk, remove it sooner to prevent girdling. Biodegradable shelters do not need to be removed; they break down naturally in situ, eliminating the cost and effort of post-planting collection.

Are tree shelters suitable for rewilding projects?

Yes — tree shelters are widely used in rewilding schemes where natural regeneration or direct planting is combined with high deer or rabbit pressure. They protect individual whips while allowing wildlife to move freely across the site. For species that establish better with open-sided protection, our Vigilis Mesh Guards are a complementary option.

Can tree shelters be used in agroforestry systems?

Yes — tree shelters are a standard component of silvoarable and silvopasture agroforestry systems, protecting newly planted trees from livestock browsing and accidental machine damage. Heights of 1.2 m–1.8 m are typical where cattle or sheep are present. The Forestry Commission includes tree protection as a core consideration in its Environmental Land Management agroforestry guidance.

Tree Shelters: Protection for Every Planting Scheme

Vigilis tree shelters protect young trees throughout the critical establishment phase, guarding against deer browse, rabbit grazing, vole damage, and livestock pressure. A well-fitted shelter improves both survival rates and early growth — research consistently shows sheltered trees outperform unprotected whips in the first five years. Our range is manufactured in the UK and is available in recyclable polypropylene and fully soil-biodegradable formats, giving you a choice that fits both your site requirements and your sustainability commitments.

Choosing the Right Shelter Height

Shelter height should always be matched to the largest browsing species on your site. Rabbits and hares are managed with 0.6 m–0.75 m shelters; roe deer and muntjac require 1.2 m; fallow, sika, and red deer require 1.8 m. Where multiple species are present, size to the greatest threat. Forest Research and Forestry England both provide detailed species-by-species guidance to support your site assessment.

Biodegradable or Recyclable: Understanding Your Options

Vigilis offers two material approaches to suit different project types. Our Bio Tree Shelter and Bio VentAir Tree Shelter are fully soil biodegradable and plastic-free — they degrade safely in the ground at end of life with no collection required, making them ideal for remote sites or grant-funded schemes with plastic-reduction conditions. Our standard Tree Shelter and VentAir Tree Shelter are made from UV-stabilised recyclable polypropylene and are designed to be collected and returned through the Vigilis Protect, Collect, Recycle scheme. The Woodland Trust and Forest Research are conducting long-term trials comparing both approaches.

Where Tree Shelters Are Used

Tree shelters are used across commercial forestry, farm woodland creation, rewilding initiatives, ELM-funded agroforestry systems, and amenity landscaping. They are equally at home on large-scale Forestry England grant schemes and private estate planting programmes. To find your nearest stockist, use our distributor finder, or contact the Vigilis team directly.

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