On Tree Protectors

On the left is an aspen tree protected by a Tree Cage.  On the right is an aspen tree with lower branches removed, and with a custom, smaller-circumference protective cylinder.  The “elk line”—the height to which the trees are protected—is approximately 8 feet.  While both trees are healthy and growing, the tree on the left is growing faster and it is closer to its natural shape.

These are regenerating aspen.  The tree on the right is more established, with a “leader” (main tree stem) of (only) 1 - 1 1/2 inches diameter.  It has been nursed along in a heavy deer and elk environment for, a rough guess is, seven years (this is from when an effort was first made to save it; “naturally” it would be eaten to the ground every year).  It had been heavily pruned to grow up.  Little effort was made to retain branches below the elk line.

A standard 52” circumference Tree Cage was installed on the tree on the left a year ago.  For this tree, as many lower branches as possible have been retained.  It was recently pruned, but only because it looks as though it can take it.  This shape (the split stem or leader), for an aspen tree of this size, is definitely not a problem.  I believe it is a

Here are some healthy aspen trees.  See how the branches grow up?

Tree Protectors alone cannot protect trees that are not established and out of reach to deer and elk.  They are great, once the tree is established.  Until then, the Tree Cage is the answer.

Update 8 days later.

The tree on the right is older and has a bigger leader or main stem.  The Tree Cage tree, the one growing in a more natural shape, is growing faster.

They grow directly up and don’t really straighten out.  The one on the right is drooping—it is almost as if the more it grows the more it sags and, even at at branch height of 8 feet, it has become vulnerable to elk.  Branches were trimmed (even in the middle, thought to be a no no) and a Tree Protector was installed.  Again, the main stem is strong.  I figure, it is going to droop slightly anyway—and grow where and how it needs to--and it looks better this way.  I believe it is strong enough and tall enough to survive.

This view is mostly north.  I should mention that the sun rises from the right front, and there is an established aspen tree just to the right of these.  While both trees receive plenty of full sun, the tree on the left tends to receive more morning sun.