Breathing Fresh Air Made Easier With Tree Guards

By Author: Sunil Punjabi
Total Articles: 2554
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Vegetation covers are shrinking all over the globe. Rapid urbanization has hastened the process and we have seen the emergence of concrete jungles in place of the real ones. Global warming and the allied effects on the environment are pushing the limits and we are on the threshold of climatic catastrophes. Butwe owe it to ourselves and our planet to introduce some green elements into our immediate neighbourhoods. The task of greening the environment is too important and humungous to be restricted to only rural areas and urban residents must play a role in the process. But preservation of the green infrastructure in the form of trees and other vegetation is as crucial as our efforts to plant more trees. This is where we perceive the importance of tree guards.

tree guards are protective covers placed around tree trunks in order to preserve the structural integrity of the tree trunk. The tree trunk is crucial in the conduction ofnutrients and water from the subterranean roots to the other parts of the tree, found above the ground. Any damage to the trunk and the underlying cambium tissue deals a mortal blow ...
... to this conduction systemand results in the death of the tree.

tree guards protect against damage resulting from a variety of causes. Weather is one such factor. Exposure to high velocity winds can be fatal to the strength of the tree. Frequent exposure to sudden changes in temperatures can lead to cracks in the trunk and be the focal point of further decay. Animals like mice and rabbits can damage tree trunks by creating rings where the trunk has been stripped off the tree. These bare sections often serve as seeding areas for insect infestations and rotting. Poor drainage and water retention can also be the primary reasons for fungal infections of the bark. In case of parks and trees lining pedestrian pathways or traffic routes, constant movement around the tree can physically damage the trunk and the surrounding soil. Careless handling of construction equipment and even those used in the maintenance of the gardens can be lethal to the tree.

tree guards are available in a wide range of materials but metal ones are the preferred choice. The wide range of colours and shapes available increase the desirability of metal guards. They also allow for adequate drainage and circumvent the attendant problems. Sandblasting and protective coating help prevent rusting and ensure longevity in addition to sturdiness. The guards should be installed at a depth of at least 5cms below the ground, extending to at least 20cms above. This ensures satisfactory safe guarding against subterranean animal attacks, especially in winters. In colder climes, lighter colours may be preferred to reflect sunlight and break the vicious hot and cold cycles. Installation should be done with care and with consideration to the ultimate size of the tree. Photo reflective coatings can be of invaluable assistance in the prevention of collisions after sunset!

It takes years to grow a tree. Please ensure that the trees grown with such painstaking efforts are well protected by the use of tree guards.

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