As we enter National Tree Week, there’s no better time to highlight the importance of sustainable tree care. Trees are vital to our environment, but their early years require protection from animals, harsh weather, and competing vegetation. While traditional plastic guards have long been the go-to solution, they come with significant environmental and logistical downsides.
Enter Tree Hugger®, exclusively available from Agrovista Amenity, the eco-friendly, biodegradable alternative that’s set to revolutionise how we safeguard young trees.
Why Not Plastic?
Plastic tree guards, typically made from non-biodegradable petrochemicals, pose numerous problems such as:
Environmental Impact: Traditional guards break down into microplastics, contributing to pollution and bioaccumulation in ecosystems.
Animal Safety: Broken plastic fragments can harm small animals.
Aesthetic Issues: As trees outgrow their shelters, abandoned plastic guards create unsightly litter.
Removal Burden: Retrieving plastic guards is costly and labour-intensive, with recycling options often limited and expensive.
Tree Health: Plastic guards can sometimes trap excessive heat and promote weed growth, both of which can hinder healthy tree development.
The True Cost of Plastic
Beyond environmental concerns, plastic guards come with hidden costs. Recycling programmes, while helpful, often have stringent requirements and fees. Labour and transportation costs for removal can range from £1 to £1.50 per guard—excluding VAT—and escalate further for guards located in challenging areas such as roadsides or railway embankments.
Tree Hugger®: The natural choice
Available exclusively through Agrovista Amenity, Tree Hugger® guards provide a much-needed solution. These innovative products are made from biodegradable materials, including loomstate organic cotton and pine rosin from FSC-certified Scandinavian forests. Designed to last a minimum of five years, they protect young trees without the need for collection or recycling.
Key Benefits of Tree Hugger® Products:Plastic-e: Completely biodegradable, eliminating microplastic pollution.
Encourages Growth: The unique visible light spectrum within the guards promotes tree development.
Durable: A lifespan of at least five years ensures long-term protection.
Animal Protection: Guards are strong enough to resist prying animals, including voles.
Ease of Use: No removal or recycling logistics, saving time and costs.
Sustainable Design: Made from organic and recycled materials, meeting international sustainability standards (ISCC PLUS certification).
Product Range
Tree Guards: Available in various sizes (0.6m–1.8m heights and 70–110mm diameters), these guards protect trees during their critical establishment period.
Vole Guards: With diameters of 45–50mm, these guards shield young trees from vole damage by forming a barrier at the soil level.
Shrub Shelters: Designed for shrubs and trees with larger diameters, these shelters improve survival rates and are secured with stakes.
Hedge Wraps: Quick-to-install wraps that protect hedges, vines, and trees during early growth, supported by bamboo canes.
A Greener Future with Tree Hugger®
For every 8,000 trees planted with Tree Hugger® guards, approximately 700kg of plastic is avoided—equivalent to saving 35,000 single-use 330ml plastic bottles. By choosing biodegradable solutions, farmers, landowners, and local authorities can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while ensuring robust tree protection.
By offering Tree Hugger® guards, Agrovista Amenity reinforces its dedication to reducing environmental impact while delivering practical, high-performance products.
This National Tree Week, make the sustainable choice. With Agrovista Amenity and Tree Hugger®, you’re not just protecting trees—you’re protecting the planet.
For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity
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