TE9: Parkland tree guard - welded steel

Find out about eligibility and requirements for the parkland tree guard - welded steel item.

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, you must read the CSHT applicant’s guide to understand the rules and how to apply.

How much you’ll be paid 

£402.73 per tree.  

How this item benefits the environment

Protect new standard trees to replace lost trees and restore wood pasture increases biodiversity and helps capture carbon.

Where you can use this item 

You can only use this item with the approval of Natural England (or an adviser acting

You can also use this item on land parcels in these Countryside Stewardship options:

You cannot use this item to replace existing guards to maintain the parkland’s character.

What you must do to use this item

You must:

  • agree a specification for the guards with Natural England
  • install the tree guard to the agreed specification
  • ensure grazing animals cannot reach the stem of the tree by providing enough clearance around the tree

You must not:

  • fasten guards to the tree itself
  • allow guards to rub against, constrict or cause damage to the tree

Evidence you must keep 

You must keep and provide with your claim:

  • photographs of the completed work
  • the agreed specification

You must also keep and provide on request:

  • any consents or permissions connected with the work
  • receipted invoices or bank statements where a receipted invoice is unavailable
  • photographs of the trees to be guarded
  • a copy of the agreed specification you’ll provide with your claim

If you’re applying for this item as part of a Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier (CSHT) application, read the record keeping and site visit requirements in the CSHT agreement holder’s guide.

Advice to help you use this item

The following advice may help you to use this item, but you do not have to follow it to get paid. It’s not part of this item’s requirements.   

Using tree guards

In parkland and areas with public access, use metal tree guards to protect standard trees from:

  • vandalism
  • mowing
  • livestock
  • wild animals

You should use guards traditional to the area.

Updates to this page

Published 2 April 2015
Last updated 10 March 2017 show all updates
  1. Updated for 2017 applications.

  2. Information updated for applications in 2016.

  3. First published.