Tree protection options- spiral vs drainage pipe

[Glenlough Croft]

Hi,

I planted one acre of mixed native saplings over the winter. We are very thankful to have Irish Hares locally and want to protect their habitat but over the past few days they have caused a lot of damage to my samplings which range from just under 1 foot to over 3 feet tall. Locally I have easy access to 2 protection options-

 

1) 80mm or 100mm perforated drainage pipe which I would cut in to 75cm lengths with a slit to allow expansion/removal

2) 75cm spiral tree guards

 

The site is moderately exposed to wind. I would guess that the spirals would be disposed of after a few years, the pipe could potentially be reused on another planting project. Cost including canes would work out about 37pence for spiral, 47 pence for 80mm pipe and 68pence each for 100mm pipe.

 

Just wondering what you guys would recommend from experience,

 

Many thanks