After the recent floods, we received many concerned comments about the number of tree guards in the debris that accumulated in Merri Creek. Here's what we plan to do about the problem.

As a general rule Merri Creek Management Committee avoids using coreflute tree guards in floodzones as they are too flimsy. However occasionally our clients require us to use materials that they provide. Because coreflute guards have now caused such a litter problem (not all from our own plantings) we are talking with our clients about using more appropriate materials for future plantings in flood-prone areas.

We sometimes use plastic sleeve guards with hardwood stakes in flood-prone areas, and we arrange the stakes so that debris is less likely to accumulate on the guard. This gives the stakes good resistance, making the guard less likely to float away. But they aren’t perfect and some of these were lost in recent floods. We have trialled cardboard and biodegradable guards in the past, but found these tend to fall apart before plants have established sufficiently – defeating the purpose of using tree guards. But this was a few years ago and we are investigating whether there are any new, durable biodegradable options out there. If you've got any suggestions, please let us know.

We will also be raising the problem of tree guard litter at a meeting early next years with local Councils and Melbourne Water to discuss this and other questions about maintaining and expanding vegetation restoration areas along Merri Creek. 

If you find clean and undamaged tree guards along the Merri Creek during a litter clean up you can return them to MCMC and we will re-use them.