The world of arboriculture is forever changing, and each passing year brings its own set of challenges and opportunities.

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Over 3,300 native trees have been planted by over 600 volunteers, using new non-plastic and the more traditional tree guards. (Image: Westonbirt)

THIS spring saw the annual Arb Show descend on Westonbirt, the National Arboretum. With over 3,000 visitors, many working in the forestry sector, the show provided a great opportunity to demonstrate how Westonbirt is pioneering new ways to reduce the need for single-use plastic when planting trees.

For many years, the answer to protecting trees from browsing deer and other animals whilst they get established was to use plastic tree guards. These guards can be difficult to retrieve and recycle once trees grow and foliage becomes dense, resulting in forests being littered with plastic guards. Plastic guards can also trap animals or break down into microplastics, polluting soils and water.

With more trees being planted in the UK to meet climate targets, the use of plastic tree guards in new woodlands could see an unprecedented rise. But there are potential solutions, and the Silk Wood Community Planting Project at Westonbirt aims to showcase what could be possible.

Three years ago, over 6.5 hectares of native ash trees had to be felled in Silk Wood due to Chalara ash dieback – a fungal disease which kills ash trees. Since then, over 3,300 native trees have been planted by over 600 volunteers, using new non-plastic and the more traditional tree guards.

More than 20 forestry professionals visiting the show joined project manager Oscar Adams, as he demonstrated what alternative materials are now available, and how they hold up to pressures such as bad weather and animal activity.

Project manager Oscar Adams (Image: Westonbirt Arboretum)

Seven different types of tubes are being used on site, including sugarcane, corn and starch; organic cotton and pine tree rosin; plant resin and recycled wood residue; cardboard; and even a mix of wood, corn, and potatoes.

Jack is away this month

📷 Picture of the month

A collection of five prints created from the trunk of the Sycamore Gap tree have gone on public display.

Printmaker Shona Branigan was approached by the National Trust to create the artworks, which are being exhibited at four locations along Hadrian’s Wall.

READ THE FULL STORY HERE

Other arb-related stories not to be missed this month

• MANUFACTURER MenSe has announced several of its heavy-duty excavator brush cutters have been approved by Network Rail.
• MORE than half of the 11,000 trees at London’s Kew Gardens could be at risk by the late 21st century as the climate changes, a report has warned.
• AN orchard has been infested with "unprecedented" numbers of ermine moths. The cider business, based near Kingsbury Episcopi in Somerset, has 15,000 trees and says at least half are currently infected.

What do you think of the Arborist? Get in touch by emailing jack.haugh@forestryjournal.co.uk