Voleguards

Voleguards: Protecting Tree Stems from Vole and Rodent Damage

Voles are a significant and often underestimated cause of tree establishment failure. Field voles and bank voles gnaw bark at the base of young stems, frequently causing ring-barking that kills the plant — often undetected until it is too late. Standard tree shelters and mesh guards do not prevent this, as voles can enter at ground level. Vigilis Voleguards provide targeted protection at the base of the stem where vole damage occurs, complementing your primary tree protection rather than replacing it.

When to Use a Voleguard

Voleguards are most important on sites with known vole populations, dense ground vegetation, or a history of unexplained planting failures. They are also recommended on any site where trees are being planted in grass — voles use the grass for cover and can reach stems easily. Forest Research notes that maintaining a 1 m vegetation-free zone around each tree significantly reduces vole attack pressure alongside physical guards.

Biodegradable and Recyclable Options

The standard Vigilis Voleguard is made from recyclable polypropylene and should be removed and recycled at the end of the establishment period. The Vigilis Bio Voleguard is fully soil biodegradable and plastic-free — it degrades in situ with no collection needed, which is particularly convenient given that voleguards are positioned at soil level and can be difficult to retrieve cleanly.

Part of a Complete Tree Protection System

For maximum establishment success, combine voleguards with appropriate tree shelters or mesh guards from the Vigilis range. To find stockists or discuss your project requirements, visit our distributor finder or contact us directly.