Why use a Tree Trunk Protector?

Why we use a tree trunk protector when using a tree during a 4×4 recovery!

A piece of really important recovery equipment is a strap like this. It’s called a tree trunk protector or a tree saver strap. Basically it doesn’t stretch, it’s just a solid strap. It’s about three meters long either way. One of the key things we do when we’re in the bush, let’s face it, we all love going bush. We love being in the bush, we’re environmentalists at heart. So, a tree trunk protector if you’re going to do a winch or anything like that, put your tree trunk protector around a trees base like this, and then use that as your anchor point. This is going to look after the tree so that it doesn’t get damaged by a cable, ring-barking the tree and killing it off.

Additional thoughts from me

I love the bush that I get to go wheeling in and it is a shame when I come to a section of track that has numerous trees damaged simply because people don’t use a tree saver strap. Over the years I’ll wheel a certain trail and a tree I used to use regularily as a winch point is now dead or may not even be there because at some point it go ring barked by a four wheel driver who didn’t use good proceedure when they winched. I would count it as a personal favour if you would use a Tree Trunk Protector when you winch. If you want to learn more about winching make sure to head to our Video Tab to see our other videos which cover off many of the ways you can perform a safe vehicle recovery using a winch.

This is an excerpt from the Factor55 website about their Tree Saver Straps.

Factor 55 finally releases a low energy storing Tree Saver Strap. These straps are not constructed like typical recovery/snatch straps. The Tree Saver Strap is not designed to store energy from stretch. They are designed to serve as a versatile link to attach to trees and or vehicles and are constructed of an ultra low stretch (low energy storage) polyester, not high stretch nylon like typical snatch straps. The applications vary from easily attaching to vehicles that are not equipped with recovery points, to using your winch and Tree Saver Strap to attach to the closest recovery point or nearest tree.

The inherit flat shape of the straps prevent the straps from rolling and twisting when attached to tubular shapes like bumper stingers, steering components, and nerf bars. We prefer flat straps over round ropes for this reason. Even polyester webbing materials retain a small element of material stretch and since the total energy stored is a function of the percentage of stretch and the overall length of the strap, we have designed the strap to be the perfect length to wrap around a tree and still retain the necessary webbing overlap and stitch count necessary for the rated loads.

The overall length of the Tree Saver Strap is 8 feet, and this is reduced to only 4 feet long when used in the common basket configuration. Low stretch/energy storage equates to less recoil energy during a possible component failure. These straps are manufactured in the USA to Factor 55 specifications.

Factor 55 Tree Saver Strap Manufactured in the USA from low stretch polyester webbing. Overall length of 8 feet x 3 inch width Weight : 2.6 lbs Durable Cordura abrasion guard for reinforced eyes and webbing seams. Working Load Limits clearly labeled for straight, basket and choker configurations.

You can purchase them via MadMatt Gear store.