Tree guard installation is critical for protecting a new tree during its development. When a tree is young, the bark is thinner and more susceptible to damage. Installing a tree guard will help protect the bark from animal damage when it is most vulnerable. Another good reason to install a tree guard around the trunk of your tree is to protect the bark from mower or trimmer damage. Even the most conscientious person can accidentally skin the bark with their trimmer or mower. When the bark is removed from the tree, you expose the tree to possible insect and other infestations. The damaged area will eventually produce a canker , which may look unsightly depending on how deep or large the wound was. Young trees can also be susceptible to frost cracks. If you want to minimize winter frost cracks on your tree, covering the bark with a tree guard will definitely help. A tree guard will reduce the sun exposure by reflecting the sunlight in the winter. This will keep the tree from forming a crack caused by the thawing and then freezing of moisture.
Where to purchase a tree guard to protect your trees.
Tree guards can be purchased at most local nurseries. You want to make sure that you purchase a some-what heavy plastic guard as opposed to a fiber or cardboard guard. Plastic tree guards will last longer and stand up to the elements. One of the best tree guards in the market is produced by Rainbow LTD. They produce a white pvc tree guard that is perfect for protecting young trees. AM Leonard also sells a pvc tree guard for more mature trees. These tree guards are quite a bit more money because they are built tougher for larger trees. Most 1.5″ caliper or smaller trees would do fine in the Rainbow LTD tree guard. Trees up to about three inches would do well in the AM Leonard tree guard.
