Protecting trees from string trimmers

[Shimon]

We have about a dozen small trees (2-4" diameter) and I found a plastic protector that fits around the trunk called ArborGard but they were $3ea at the store ($1.75 on the net + shipping).

Instead I bought some of that 4" corrugated drainage hose (photo below) with slits which was about $6 for a 10' long piece. I was going to cut it down to size and slit it lengthwise to put around the trunks.

Any other ideas? I'm looking for some cheap protection.

 

[Willl]

Your 'corrugated drainage hose' idea is exactly what I used on my trees. It work very well.

Wouldn't hesitate to do the same again.

 

[Jimbrown]

I use somthing similar mainly to keep the rabitts from chewing the bark of. Only because I had a bunch laying around. I use 6 in perforated septic drain pipe and slit it the same way.

 

[kossetx]

mulch, 3' from the trunk... better for the tree and you don't have to weed eat anywhere close to the trunk.

 

[Chuck52]

And when weeds come up in/through the mulch, Roundup (or the generic equivalent).

Chuck