Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter

The Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter is a high-performance, soil biodegradable tree shelter developed to provide reliable protection for newly planted broadleaved trees throughout their establishment period. Manufactured from bio-based materials derived from potatoes, wood and corn, it delivers the strength and durability expected from a traditional tree shelter while removing the need for collection and disposal once its job is complete. After approximately six years of mechanical performance, the material gradually breaks down in soil conditions, leaving only water, biomass and minerals with no microplastic residue.

The product has been extensively developed and independently tested through the UK's largest biodegradable tree shelter field trial, supported by more than £360,000 of Innovate UK R&D funding. It has been tested to ISO 17556 for soil biodegradability and EN 13432 for non-toxicity to soil, making it an ideal solution for woodland creation, forestry, conservation, rewilding and environmental planting projects where reducing plastic use is a priority.

Designed with a robust twin-wall construction and integrated laser line to help prevent stem strangulation, the Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter offers excellent protection against browsing animals while creating a favourable growing environment for young trees. Supplied with pre-fitted biodegradable cable ties, it forms a complete plastic-free protection system suitable for a wide range of planting schemes across the UK.

Features & Benefits

• 100% soil biodegradable tree shelter tested to ISO 17556

• Manufactured from bio-based materials derived from potatoes, wood and corn

• Leaves no microplastic residue after biodegradation

• Eliminates the cost and labour associated with tree shelter retrieval

• Maintains mechanical strength for approximately 6 years

• Material gradually biodegrades over a further 2–3 years in suitable soil conditions

• Tested to EN 13432 for non-toxicity to soil

• Twin-wall construction provides excellent strength with low weight

• Integrated laser line helps reduce the risk of stem strangulation

• Muted light brown colour blends naturally into woodland environments

• Supplied with biodegradable cable ties for a fully plastic-free fixing system

• Independently validated through the UK's largest biodegradable tree shelter field trial

• Suitable for woodland creation, forestry, conservation and habitat restoration projects

Protection Against & Size Guide

Select the shelter height according to the browsing pressure expected on your site.

Sizes Available

• 0.6m

• 0.75m

• 1.2m

• 1.5m

• 1.8m

Diameter: 76–110mm

Supplied nested in bundles of five.

Applications

Suitable for:

• Woodland creation schemes

• Forestry planting

• Broadleaved tree establishment

• Estate management

• Conservation projects

• Rewilding initiatives

• Countryside Stewardship and grant-funded planting

• Native woodland restoration

• Environmental mitigation planting

• Landscape and amenity tree planting

Why Choose Vigilis Bio Tree Shelters?

The Vigilis Bio Tree Shelter offers the protection expected from a conventional tree shelter while helping reduce plastic waste across woodland and forestry projects. By removing the need for retrieval and disposal, it can help simplify long-term site management and reduce maintenance costs. Backed by extensive UK field trials and independent testing, it provides a proven biodegradable solution for organisations seeking effective tree protection with reduced environmental impact.

Material Bio-based polymer derived from potatoes, wood and corn

Biodegradability Soil biodegradable (tested to ISO 17556)

Soil Safety Tested to EN 13432

Colour Light brown

Diameter 76–110mm

Construction Twin-wall design with laser line

Functional Life Approximately 6 years mechanical performance

Biodegradation Typically begins after structural failure over an additional 2–3 years in suitable soil conditions

Residue Water, biomass and minerals only

Packaging Nested in packs of 5

Storage Store upright, undercover in dry conditions away from direct sunlight

Fixings Pre-fitted biodegradable cable ties