When it comes to urban landscaping and street tree care, protecting trees is essential for their growth and longevity. Unfortunately, many commonly used methods, such as tree grates or horse collar tree guards, can harm the very trees they aim to protect. A better alternative is to use open-bed metal tree trunk guards and landscape fencing which provide robust protection while promoting healthy tree growth. In this article, we’ll discuss why metal tree guards are superior, especially when compared to outdated methods, and why open-bed tree guards are the best choice for urban environments.
Why Tree Guards Are Essential
The Role of Tree Guards
Tree guards are protective barriers designed to shield young trees from various threats. Whether it’s physical damage from weed trimmers, animals like dogs and other pests, or the risk of girdling from tightly fitted grates, tree protectors play a crucial role in urban forestry. They help ensure that young trees can grow without interference, allowing their roots to spread and absorb essential nutrients from the soil.
Common Threats to Young Trees
Mechanical Damage: Weed trimmers and lawn mowers can easily cause mechanical damage to the trunks of young trees. Even a small nick on the bark can open the door to pests and diseases.
Animals: In the city a common hazard for trees is dogs. Our tree guards help deter dogs from digging, urinating, or defecating on or near the tree and the soil.
Tree Girdling: Girdling occurs when something wraps tightly around the tree trunk, cutting into the bark and restricting the flow of nutrients and water. This is a common issue with horse collar tree guards and tree grates, which can choke the tree as it grows.
The Dangers Of Tree Grates and Horse Collar Tree Guards
While tree grates and horse collar tree guards may appear to be convenient solutions for urban tree protection, they often do more harm than good. Many cities, including New York do not approve these designs, because they can cause tree girdling, which ultimately strangles the tree.
Problems with Tree Grates
Tree grates are usually made of metal or concrete and installed at the base of the tree, covering the soil. They create a circular shape around the tree trunk, restricting natural root expansion and limiting moisture absorption.
Root Girdling: As the tree grows, the trunk expands and presses against the rigid tree grate. Over time, this can lead to root girdling, which restricts the flow of nutrients and water, causing the tree to weaken and potentially die.
Limited Soil Access: Tree grates block the tree from accessing the surrounding soil, preventing essential moisture and nutrients from reaching the roots. This can cause poor root development and reduced tree health.
Issues with Horse Collar Tree Guards
Horse collar tree guards are often made of rigid plastic or metal and fit snugly around the trunk of the tree. While they may protect against physical damage from lawn equipment, they can choke the tree as it expands.
Strangulation Risk: As the tree trunk grows in diameter, the tight-fitting horse collar can become a noose, effectively strangling the tree and causing it to die from lack of nutrient flow.
Not City Approved: Many municipalities, have moved away from using horse collar guards due to their high risk of causing long-term damage to trees.
The “Do’s & Don’ts” of Street Tree Care
For those who want to protect trees effectively, it’s important to follow best practices and avoid common pitfalls. Here are some essential Do’s and Don’ts of street tree care to keep in mind:
Do’s
Use Open-Bed Tree Guards: Opt for open-bed tree guards, like those offered by Curb Allure, which allow for adequate airflow, moisture retention, and root expansion.
Choose Metal Tree Guards: Metal tree guards provide superior protection against mechanical damage, pests, and animals while allowing the tree to grow freely without restriction.
Install Properly: Make sure the guard is installed at the correct height and distance from the trunk to ensure optimal protection without choking the tree.
Ensure Soil Health: Maintain healthy soil around the tree by removing debris and adding mulch to retain moisture and promote root growth.
Don’ts
Avoid Tree Grates: As mentioned, tree grates can cause girdling and should be avoided to prevent choking the tree’s growth.
Don’t Use Tight-Fitting Guards: Guards that fit tightly around the tree trunk can cause strangulation and impede the natural growth process.
Do Not Ignore Pest Protection: Without proper protection, young trees are vulnerable to pests and animals. Choose a tree guard that offers comprehensive protection.
Advantages Of Open-Bed Metal Tree Guards
Promoting Healthy Root Growth
One of the key advantages of open-bed metal tree guards is that they allow the roots to expand naturally. By providing a barrier without enclosing the soil, these guards ensure that the tree can access moisture, nutrients, and air from the surrounding ground. This helps the tree establish a strong, deep root system, which is essential for long-term stability.
Protection from Mechanical and Animal Damage
Young trees are vulnerable to mechanical damage from lawn equipment and browsing by animals like deer, rabbits, and rodents. Metal tree guards provide a sturdy, twin-walled barrier that protects the trunk without impeding growth. The design also deters animals, reducing the risk of bark stripping and other forms of damage.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Installing metal tree guards is straightforward and requires minimal maintenance. Unlike tree grates, which can be cumbersome and require frequent adjustments as the tree grows, metal guards can be easily adjusted or replaced as needed. This makes them a practical choice for urban environments where regular maintenance may not always be feasible.
Curb Allure’s Open-Bed Metal Tree Guards
Curb Allure offers premium open-bed tree guards designed specifically to protect young trees while promoting healthy growth. These guards are constructed with high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting durability and effective protection.
Why Choose Curb Allure’s Tree Guards?
Durable Construction: Made from high-grade metal, these tree guards are built to withstand urban challenges, from mechanical impacts to harsh weather conditions.
Promotes Healthy Soil and Roots: The open-bed design allows for optimal soil health, preventing issues like root girdling and ensuring that the tree can access necessary nutrients and moisture.
Versatile Protection: These guards provide protection against a wide range of threats, including mechanical damage, pests, and browsing animals. The twin-walled design helps deter insects, rodents, and larger animals like deer.
Eco-Friendly Design: By avoiding the use of harmful plastics and promoting sustainable materials, Curb Allure’s guards help maintain a green environment in urban spaces.
Conclusion
Protecting young trees is a crucial part of urban forestry and landscaping. While traditional methods like tree grates and horse collar guards may seem effective, they often cause more harm than good, leading to issues like tree girdling and restricted growth. Instead, consider using metal tree trunk guards, particularly open-bed designs like those offered by Curb Allure. These guards provide comprehensive protection against mechanical damage, pests, and animals while promoting healthy root development and moisture retention.
If you’re looking to invest in effective tree protection, Curb Allure’s open-bed metal tree guards are an excellent choice. Their sturdy construction, ease of installation, and thoughtful design make us the preferred option for ensuring the healthy growth of urban trees.
Ready to give your young trees the best start? Contact us today and see the difference we can make in your landscape’s longevity and beauty!