Tree guards protect young trees from grazing animals, but if they're not removed in time they can become plastic pollution or even grow into the tree itself. We explore why millions are still used each year, whether biodegradable alternatives really work, why funding schemes often make them the default, and what better options exist for protecting newly planted woodland.

This episode of Recycled Content, is the 'Rubbish or Not' from episode 84 of Talking Rubbish, which first aired on 5th March 2026.

While every effort has been made to provide the most accurate information, recycling guidance changes quickly and some advice may become outdated over time. Always check with your local council for the rules that apply to recycling in your area. On the main Talking Rubbish podcast, we include an additions and corrections section where we update anything we may have got wrong.

These clips come from the weekly show, Talking Rubbish - The Recycling Podcast

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