Biodegradable Tree Shelters, Plastic-Free, 0.6m to 1.8m, with Pre-Fitted Ties

Tree shelters protect young trees from browsing animals while they establish. The trouble with standard plastic tubes is that someone has to go back and collect them years later. These biodegradable tree shelters do the same job without the plastic. They are made from a bio-based polymer derived from potatoes, wood and corn and are 100% soil biodegradable, tested to ISO 17556. Each shelter is twin walled, comes in a muted brown colour, and is pre-fitted with releasable, soil-biodegradable cable ties. Four heights are available, matched to the animal you need to keep out. Foresters, farmers, councils, landscapers and community planting groups use them for hedgerows, woodland creation and new tree planting.

Why it works

No plastic left behind

The supplier states a functional life of about five years, with non-toxic UV stabilisation keeping its mechanical strength for at least six. The shelter then takes a further two to three years to fully biodegrade. It is designed to break down in soil conditions at around 20°C. What remains is water, biomass and minerals, with no microplastics or toxic residues. It is tested as non-toxic to the soil to EN 13432. There is no need to collect the shelters.

Built like a standard shelter

The twin-walled design gives a strong but lightweight tube with a good strength-to-weight ratio. A laser line in the wall helps the shelter split as the tree grows, so the stem is not strangled. The supplier's photographs show a flared rim at the top, which protects the bark as the tree grows out.

Ties already fitted

Each shelter comes with releasable, soil-biodegradable cable ties already in place, one on 0.6m shelters and two on 1.2m, 1.5m and 1.8m shelters. Fitting is quick: push the shelter over the tree and tie it to a stake.

Where it's used

• New hedgerow planting on farms and estates
• Woodland creation and grant-funded schemes
• Roadside, park and amenity tree planting
• Community and school tree planting days

Specifications

Choosing the right option

Choose the height by the largest browsing animal on your site. The supplier's guide is:

• 0.6m for rabbits
• 1.2m for muntjac deer
• 1.5m for fallow deer
• 1.8m for red deer

The 0.75m size for hares is not currently available. If both rabbits and deer are present, size for the deer. Shelters nest inside each other, so diameters vary between 73mm and 110mm. The supplier recommends ordering in multiples of five, as single shelters will vary in diameter within that range.

Installation, use & care

Plant the tree, then drive a stake on the side of the prevailing wind, tall enough to reach near the top of the shelter. Slide the shelter over the tree, push the base slightly into the soil to stop rabbits getting underneath, and fasten it to the stake with the pre-fitted ties. Check shelters after storms and keep weeds down around the base. Stakes are not included.

FAQ

Do I need to remove them later?

No. They are designed to biodegrade in the soil, so there is no need for collection.

Are stakes included?

No. Ties are pre-fitted, but stakes are sold separately.

Which height stops deer?

The supplier recommends 1.2m for muntjac, 1.5m for fallow and 1.8m for red deer.

Why do the diameters vary?

Shelters are nested for transport, so diameters range from 73mm to 110mm.

Ordering & delivery

Shelters are sold individually and priced per shelter. A minimum order of 16 shelters applies, shown when you add to basket. Delivery charges and lead times are shown at checkout.