How to protect young trees from dear, rabbit, possam and other animals?

Young trees are at risk from animals like deer, rabbits, possums, kangaroos, and wallabies, especially in Australian landscapes.

One of the best ways to protect young plants and trees is by using tree guards. Tree guards provide the most reliable, long-term physical barrier to protect from these animals.

This guide covers improved protection strategies, with a strong focus on selecting, installing, and maintaining tree guards for maximum success.

Why do animals target young trees?

Deer rub their antlers on trees and eat leaves up to about 1.5 metres high.

Rabbits and hares chew bark close to the ground, usually within 60 centimetres.

Possums strip bark from branches, while kangaroos and wallabies can jump to reach leaves in open areas.

These actions can damage the tree all the way around the trunk, stopping water and nutrients from moving through it. This often kills young trees before they can grow properly. In many parts of Australia, especially where possums and wallabies are common, trees are very likely to be damaged if they are not protected.

How do tree guards protect young trees from these animals?

Tree guards form a rigid or flexible cylindrical shield around the trunk and lower canopy, physically blocking access by chewing, rubbing, or leaping animals.

• Against Deer and Kangaroos: Tall guards (1.5–1.8m) prevent antler rubbing and high browsing; smooth surfaces deter climbing or jumping attempts.
• Rabbits and Hares: Ground-pinned bases stop gnawing at the soil level, with no gaps for burrowing underneath.
• Possums and Wallabies: Ventilation slits allow air but block branch access; UV-stabilised materials resist clawing and weather exposure.
• General Mechanism: Guards create a “no-touch zone” for 2–5 years, allowing bark to thicken while excluding herbivores entirely, unlike sprays that animals habituate to.

This barrier effect achieves 90%+ success rates in field trials, making guards essential for sapling survival.

Additional strategies

While tree guards provide a good layer of defence, you can do more to add an extra layer of defence.

• Repellents: Capsaicin or garlic sprays on outer foliage (reapply post-rain).
• Fencing: Perimeter deer netting (1.8m+) for orchards.
• Plant Choices: Native species like callistemon resist browsing better than exotics.
• Habitat Modification: Remove ground cover to reduce rabbit habitat.

Buying quality tree guards from Sage Horticultural

Sage Horticultural offers a range of tree guards in different designs and materials. Explore the full range of tree guards and buy as per your needs.