What are the best tree protection products for landscapers?

Tree protection products at a glance

Trees are an investment – the last thing anyone wants is for them to be hindered while they’re trying to establish.

So what options are there to protect saplings and young trees from pests, animals, children, and harsh elements?

• Fencing
• Tree shelter
• Covers for frost protection
• Tree root protection barrier

Let’s take a look at the main benefits of each type and how to source the best tree protection products for your landscaping or gardening business.

What is fencing for tree protection?

Fencing for tree protection can come in many different types: steel wire, lightweight polypropylene, and wood to name a few.

• A steel wire fence is ideal when planting in an area populated with rabbits
• Polypropylene fencing is often used where deer need to be kept away
• In urban areas, fencing is important to avoid compacting surface soil compaction around newly planted trees

A specialist landscaping supplier will stock a wide range of tree protection products at competitive prices. This allows you to buy everything you need all in one place.

There are a number of fencing products available through our partner Selco. And Checkatrade members can get exclusive rates through our member’s app.

It’s simple, become a Checkatrade member today and you can enjoy the same necessary supplies at a fraction of the cost.

How to use a tree shelter

A tree shelter can be referred to as many things. Sometimes known as tree protection tubes, they can also be named tree shelter tubes, tree protection guards, or even tree protector mesh.

They are designed to offer a young sapling protection while it grows. There are other benefits too.

• Tree shelters provide a tree sapling protection from animals such as rabbits, mice, voles, and horses (they like to eat the shoots and leaves and strip bark)
• Protection tubes can also protect newly planted trees from any chemical spray on nearby land
• Saplings can grow quicker by using tree protection guards by providing a greenhouse environment

Tree shelters will also trap rainwater and moisture, directing it to the roots.

To help keep the cost down, speak to your supplier about their tree planting protection packages. These provide everything you need to protect and support newly planted trees at a great price.

What are tree covers for frost protection?

Newly planted trees and shrubs are especially vulnerable to frost damage, which can adversely affect their long-term health.

However, there are a number of products that can help to protect young trees from frost. They cover from the canopy to the roots.

• Use a tree guard or protective tree wrap to protect the trunk
• Use a cover with an insulating material, fleece, or burlap over the canopy

Ideally, tree covers should be put in place at the first sign of frost, normally between September and November.

Applying frost protection to trees is just one of the jobs that gardeners and landscapers do during the winter.

Using a tree root protection barrier

A tree root protection barrier is essential if you’re planting near other works. For example:

• Utility pipes
• Building foundations
• Invasive root system (like Bamboo or Japanese Knotweed)

A good landscape supplier will stock a variety of root barriers. It is worth stocking up as a landscaper, to avoid having to shop around.

These are some of the main options:

• Permeable barriers – Impermeable to roots but permeable to water (where flooding or slow water drainage could be problematic)
• Root barrier RollRib – Installed vertically to guide roots downwards (useful if planting near utilities)
• Bamboo Root Barrier – When you need something to withstand particularly invasive root structures, such as Bamboo
• CuTex Copper Root Barrier – Use against the damaging root structure of Japanese Knotweed
• Root Barrier Panels – Designed for urban tree planting projects, where roads and utilities need to be protected from roots
• Root Barrier Roll – Creates a barrier between the roots of two trees from growing together, making it simpler to keep them separate

Using a specialist landscape supplier will give you access to product experts with years of experience. If you’re unsure, they’re more likely to be able to give specific product advice.

Using a trusted landscape supplier will give you peace of mind that you’re getting the most suitable tree protection products for your projects.

Quick summary

Tradespeople like landscapers and gardeners should source materials from specialist landscape suppliers, who have a wide range of tree protection products. With a variety of different products on the market, it’s not the case that one size fits all.

Tap into the expert knowledge of specialist landscape suppliers. They will have experienced everything from the challenges of planting urban schemes to the pain of invasive root structures. Ask for their advice if you’re unsure.

Ask about trade discounts or store accounts to help keep your costs down.

Checkatrade members can save on a range of business essentials, including tools and materials from suppliers like TradePoint and Selco.