The efficacy of stem guards in protecting Pinus patula seedlings in KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa

The provisioning of stem guards at first planting is a widespread silvicultural practice in the UK, where it is perceived to reduce tree mortality from browse damage and enhance early growth. The adoption of this practice in South Africa has been slow. Here we present evidence to show that the use of stem guards in Pinus patula plantations is primarily beneficial, however as the young tree outgrows the height of the stem guards or the guard degrades, these benefits subside. We conclude that stem guards offer neither permanent protection nor a permanent growth advantage in the case of Pinus patula. We do, however, suggest that guards may be beneficial where the tree species has more economic worth at maturity or to protect the early growth of trees in conservation areas.