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.

Product Overview

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

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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