Written question WQ89366

The Welsh Government encourages those planting trees to consider whether tree guards are required and if they are, whether non-plastic alternatives may be more appropriate. In many cases, they serve limited practical purpose, whilst adding costs, may harm a tree if not properly maintained and they are a source of plastic pollution if not collected.

NRW have been trialling the use of alternatives to plastic, including products made from wool, as have other Welsh organisations such as Stump Up for Trees. There is further work to do to understand the potential of other types of guards before a ban could be considered.