Case Study
Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter
Soil Biodegradable
Protect new planting without the retrieval burden. The Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter breaks down completely in the soil — no microplastic residue, no retrieval labour, no landfill. Supported by £360,000+ in Innovate UK R&D funding and validated in the UK's largest independent field trial for a biodegradable tree guard.
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Product Overview
The Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter is the UK’s most extensively trialled biodegradable tree shelter — a soil-degradable tree tube engineered to protect newly planted broadleaves through the critical establishment period, then break down completely in the ground.
Unlike conventional plastic tree guards, this biodegradable tree tube leaves no microplastic residue, no retrieval labour, and no landfill burden. The plant-based material maintains full mechanical performance for around six years — long enough for oak, ash, birch, hazel and other broadleaved species to outgrow browsing pressure — before degrading naturally in the surrounding soil.
Field performance is validated in the UK’s largest independent biodegradable tree guard trial, with over £360,000 of Innovate UK R&D grant funding behind the product development. For grant-funded woodland creation, Countryside Stewardship agreements, and rewilding projects requiring plastic-free compliance, the Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter meets the brief on documentary and field-trial evidence.
The shelter is available in five heights — 0.6m, 0.75m, 1.2m, 1.5m, and 1.8m — covering protection from rabbits through to red deer. Each Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter is supplied with biodegradable cable ties for fixing to a stake, completing a fully plastic-free protection system.
Looking for a different option? See the standard Vigilis Tree Shelter for projects where retrieval-and-recycle is preferred, or the Vigilis Bio VentAir Tree Shelter for species that benefit from increased airflow.
Product Specifications
Diameter
76-110mm
3.0in to 4.3in
Colour
Light Brown
Packaging
Nested in 5's
Material
Soil biodegradable — breaks down naturally after use, leaving no plastic in the ground.
Protects against
Rabbits
0.6m 2ft
Hares
0.75m 2.5ft
Roe Deer
1.2m 4ft
Fallow Deer
1.5m 5ft
Red & Sika Deer
1.8m 6ft
Available Sizes
| SKU | Height | Fixings |
|---|---|---|
| 200154 | 0.6m 2ft | 1 Non-releasable Biodegradable Cable Tie |
| 200161 | 0.75m 2.5ft | 2 Non-releasable Biodegradable Cable Ties |
| 200178 | 1.2m 4ft | 2 Non-releasable Biodegradable Cable Ties |
| 200185 | 1.5m 5ft | 2 Non-releasable Biodegradable Cable Ties |
| 201250 | 1.8m 6ft | 2 Non-releasable Biodegradable Cable Ties |
Innovate UK Backed
Fully Soil-Biodegradable
Breaks down naturally in the soil — no retrieval labour, no plastic recovery, no landfill. Supported by £360,000+ in Innovate UK R&D grant funding.
Field-Trial Proven
UK's Largest Biodegradable Tree Guard Trial
Performance validated in the largest independent UK field trial for a biodegradable tree guard. Results available on request.
Downloads
- Vigilis Bio Tree Guard Data Sheet View / Download
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a biodegradable tree shelter last?
The Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter provides full protection for approximately six years, after which the plant-based material begins to degrade in the soil. This covers the critical establishment period for most broadleaved species. Degradation rate varies slightly with soil conditions — shelters on drier or colder soils may persist a little longer, which is beneficial in slower-establishing species.
Do I need to remove the Bio Tree Shelter?
No — the Bio Tree Shelter is designed to be left in place. It breaks down naturally in the soil without leaving plastic fragments, so no collection visit is required after planting. This eliminates a significant management cost and makes the Bio Tree Shelter particularly well suited to remote, difficult-to-access, or grant-funded sites where post-planting collection would be burdensome.
Is the Bio Tree Shelter truly plastic-free?
Yes — the Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter contains no conventional plastic and is made from certified plant-based materials that break down safely in soil. For projects requiring documentary evidence of plastic-free compliance — such as Countryside Stewardship woodland creation agreements or certain rewilding grant conditions — product data sheets are available on request via our contact page.
Which tree species is the Bio Tree Shelter best suited to?
The Bio Tree Shelter is suitable for most broadleaved species used in UK woodland creation, including oak, ash, birch, hazel, field maple, and cherry. It provides the same browsing protection and growth-promoting microclimate as the standard Tree Shelter. For faster-establishing species or sites where airflow is a priority, consider the Bio VentAir Tree Shelter as an alternative.
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