Metal Tree Guards

Product Information: Metal Tree Guard

Manufacturing Standards

Customer Images

Application & Uses

The strength and dimensions of our metal tree guard exceed the recommendations for tree protection outlined by The Tree Council’s Protecting Young Trees report.

Installation Instructions  Video

• Tree Guards

• DIY Tree Guards

To Do	Explanation
Completed Installation	Measure the tree and choose a guard of suitable size and strength. Install stakes, place the guard around the tree, then secure it with staples and cable ties. Lastly connect the two ends.Full instructions below or watch this video
Step 1 – Measure Diameter	Measure the diameter of the tree trunk to determine the correct size of the tree guard needed.
Step 2 – Determine Height & Strength	The height and strength are dependent on the animal/environment you need to protect against. Please see the application guide above.
Step 3 – Install Stakes	Place one or two wooden stakes beside the tree guard, depending on the level of support you need.  Mark its position so you can remove the guard, then hammer the stakes into the ground.
Step 4 – Position Tree Guard	Place the tree guard around the tree.
Step 5 – Attach to the Stakes	Use Staples or Cable Ties to attach the tree guard to the stakes.
Step 6 – Attach Mesh Ends	The mesh ends can be connected easily with cable ties.
Step 7 – Inspect and Maintain	Periodically inspect the tree guard to verify it remains secure and effective.
Optional – Additional Support	Taller, larger, or weaker trees may need extra support, such as two stakes with a crossbar and rubber straps.

 

If you would like to make your own tree guards, please visit our Weld Mesh page.

 

To Do	Explanation
Completed Installation	Measure the tree then cut a piece of wire mesh of suitable size and strength. Install stakes, place the mesh around the tree, then secure it with staples and cable ties. Lastly connect the two ends.Full instructions below or watch this video
Step 1 – Measure	Measure the diameter of the tree trunk to determine the correct size of the tree guard needed.
Step 2 – Determine Height & Strength	The height and strength are usually dependent on the animal/environment you need to protect against. Please see the application guide above.
Step 3 – Mark the Mesh	Unroll the wire mesh. Mark the length and height.
Step 4 – Create a Curve (Optional)	Optional: If you would like a curved edge on your tree guard, you can roll the mesh into shape by hand or with the help of a rounded object.
Step 5 – Install Stakes	Place one or two wooden stakes beside the tree guard, depending on the level of support you need.  Mark its position so you can remove the guard, then hammer the stakes into the ground.
Step 6 – Position Tree Guard	Place the tree guard around the tree.
Step 7 – Secure to the Stakes	Use staples or cable ties to attach the tree guard to the stakes.
Step 8 – Join Mesh Ends	The mesh ends can be joined with Cable Ties.
Step 9 – Inspect and Maintain	Once the tree guard is installed, Inspect it to ensure it’s securely in place and providing adequate protection for the tree.
Optional – Additional Support	Taller, larger, or weaker trees may need extra support, such as two stakes with a crossbar and rubber straps.

Questions & Answers

Why should I choose metal mesh tree guards over solid plastic tree shelters?
Plastic tubes can trap excess heat and moisture, creating an ideal environment for trunk rot, fungal growth, and insect nesting. Metal welded mesh tree guards allow full airflow and natural sunlight to reach the trunk.

Metal mesh protects your saplings from physical damage without altering the microclimate around the stem, ensuring stronger trunk and root development. Additionally, galvanised steel guards resist chew-through from persistent rodents and cannot be torn down by livestock or deer.

What height tree guard do I need to protect against specific animals?
The correct guard height depends entirely on the wildlife or livestock active in your area.  Please see the product comparison table above.

• 1.2m (120cm) Guards: Ideal protection against small ground pests like rabbits, hares, voles, and lawnmower/strimmer damage. Also, the industry standard for sheep, Roe deer, and medium livestock protection.
• 1.8m (180cm) Extra-Tall Guards: Protect against Red deer, Fallow deer, horses, and cattle that can reach higher branches and bark.

Should I buy pre-formed mesh guards or tree guard mesh rolls?
Both options use heavy-duty galvanised wire, but they cater to different project scales:

• Pre-Formed Tree Guards (sold on this page): Delivered pre-rolled into 20cm, 25cm, or 30cm diameter cylinders. They are split down the side for instant placement around established saplings and quick securing with cable ties or staples.
• Welded Mesh Rolls (5m, 10m, 30m): Best for large-scale woodland planting or custom trunk sizes. You simply unroll, cut the exact circumference you need with wire cutters, and form your own guards.  Visit our blog to discover how to make your own tree guard.

How do I secure a metal tree guard so it doesn’t blow over or rub against the trunk?

To prevent wind damage and keep the guard centred so it doesn’t rub off delicate bark, always secure your guard to external wooden stakes driven outside the root ball.

• Drive 1 or 2 treated timber stakes into the ground roughly 5cm–10cm away from the trunk base.
• Enclose the tree with the guard, ensuring the trunk sits in the middle.
• Fasten the mesh guard firmly to the stake(s) using Heavy-Duty Cable Ties or Metal Staples

Will a metal guard constrict the tree as it grows?
Not if you choose the proper diameter. Our standard metal tree guards are pre-sized at 20cm to 60cm diameters, leaving ample room for saplings and young trees to mature over several years without restriction.

Because our guards clip together along an overlapping seam, you can easily undo the cable ties, expand the diameter, or remove the guard entirely once the tree bark has thickened enough to withstand local wildlife.

These tree protection FAQs were compiled and answered by our technical customer support team members, Joy and Erno. They reflect the most common questions asked by woodland managers, fruit growers, and homeowners buying tree guards.

Our team has experience in installing DIY tree guards, as well as almost a decade of advising customers about options for protecting against animals. If you need assistance selecting the right mesh gauge, roll length, or stake sizes, please get in touch.