Where planting is taking place in a hostile environment such as exposed sites, anticipated strong weed growth or the presence of vermin, the use of some form of tree protection can assist in reducing damage to young plants as well as assisting in locating plants for maintenance and providing protection against chemical herbicides used to control weeds..
Whilst shelters will usually enhance early growth of most plants, it should be remembered that at some stage plants will have to fend for themselves. Shelters alone will not make trees thrive where otherwise they would fail due to inappropriate species choice.
Various options are available ranging from the traditional shelter commonly used at the time of planting to aid establishment, vole guards to protect the lower stem of established young trees, to spiral guards which are designed to prevent browsing on more established trees.
Sheltersshould be inspected regularly to ensure that they are not impeding the growth of the plant. Where there is evidence that the plant is being restricted the shelter should be removed in order to avoid damage to the stem.
Vermin Protection - recommended shelter sizes
Pest
Size (cms)
Use the smallest shelter that will provide the required protection. This will ensure that the plant growing inside does not become drawn. This in turn will promote a stronger base to the stem and provide a better plant in the future.
