Are Three Guards Required in a Planting Strip?

Planting strips are a common feature in urban areas. They are usually narrow, vertical sections of land that are set aside for the purpose of planting trees, shrubs, bushes, and other vegetation. These strips serve to beautify the urban landscape while also providing important environmental benefits. But one question that often arises is whether three guards are necessary to protect the vegetation in a planting strip. This article will explore the answer to this question.

The Purpose of Planting Strip Guards

Before we can understand whether three guards are necessary, we first need to discuss what guards are and why they are used. Planting strip guards are usually small, plastic or metal grids that are placed around the base of a tree or other plant. Their purpose is to protect the plant from damage caused by pedestrians, dogs, and other urban hazards. Guards also serve to prevent soil compaction around the base of the plant, which can impede its growth and health.

What Research Says

Over the years, there has been a lot of research conducted on the effectiveness of planting strip guards. Some studies have found that guards can help to protect trees in urban areas, while others have not shown a significant benefit. However, there is little research specifically focused on whether three guards are necessary.

One study that looked at planting strip guards found that they can help to prevent damage from dogs, but not from pedestrians. The study also found that root growth was greater in trees that were planted without guards. However, these findings do not necessarily apply to all types of planting strip guards or all situations.

The Case for Three Guards

Despite the lack of definitive research, there are some arguments in favor of using three guards in a planting strip. First, having three guards may provide better protection for the plant, particularly against small animals and debris. Second, three guards may offer greater aesthetic appeal by providing a more uniform look. Finally, some municipalities may have regulations requiring the use of three guards, which makes them a necessity.

The Case Against Three Guards

On the other hand, there are also arguments against using three guards. For example, some people believe that the additional guards are unnecessary and only serve to increase the cost of the planting strip. Others argue that three guards may actually be counterproductive by preventing air and water from reaching the roots of the plant. Finally, there may be situations where three guards are not practical, such as in areas with narrow planting strips or limited space.

Conclusion

In summary, the question of whether three guards are required in a planting strip is a complex one that does not have a straightforward answer. Ultimately, the decision to use three guards or not will depend on local regulations, budget constraints, and the specific needs of the plants being protected. Whether or not three guards are necessary, it is clear that planting strip guards can provide important benefits for urban vegetation and should be considered in all planting strip projects.