Tree Grates: Steel vs Recycled Plastic

When people think of tree grates, they typically think of the grates made from old steel or cast iron. But tree grates made from metal present a number of problems for today's businesses. They are expensive to manufacture. Due to their weight, they're also expensive to ship — especially since most of them are made overseas.

But there is a better option for companies who wish to save time and money while still enjoying the benefits that come with protecting your site's trees with a tree grate: recycled plastic.

Recycled Plastic Tree Grates - The Better Alternative

Stolen Steel Tree Grate
Missing steel & copper tree grates, stolen for scrap metal.

Tree grates made from steel or copper have another kind of value — the scrap scavenger market.

In 2012, The NY Times reported on the rise of copper tree grate thefts, like the one shown here. This was brought on by a "surge in the value of copper, iron and other metals" that fueled a wave of thefts from sidewalks, roadways and rail yards.

With recycled plastic tree grates, you do not have this issue!

Our 100% post-consumer recycled plastic tree grates are just as durable as iron and copper tree grates, though are a third of the cost!

While they are a smart Green solution for companies wanting to show their commitment to sustainability, there are plenty other advantages to grabbing a recycled plastic tree grate from OCC Outdoors.

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The OCC Advantage

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Durable, long-lasting - Our recycled plastic tree grates are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE) recycled plastic materials. Ultraviolet inhibitor additives are added to retard color degradation associated with outdoor use, ensuring the grates will last for years without fading or growing brittle, even under the harshest conditions!

Lower Shipping Costs - Though they come in a variety of sizes and shapes, OCC Outdoors tree grates are lighter than steel. And that means you'll save money on shipping. Smaller orders can even ship via FedEx!

Easy Installation - There's no need for clunky specialized, expensive installation tools with our recycled tree grates. They're quick to install and light enough for an installation team of one.

Low-Maintenance - Rust and corrosion are a thing of the past with our recycled plastic tree grates. We mold color through the integrity of the entire product — they will never need repainting!

Tree grates too small are too snug for the tree to prosper.

Hassle-Free Expansion - Trees are supposed to grow. But their roots will grow upward if there is insufficient room for it to grow outward. A tree without enough space can push a sidewalk upward, creating a pedestrian danger. Our tree grates can be quickly and easily expanded to accommodate the growth of the tree, which will protect the tree and passers-by.

Environment-Friendly - The post-consumer HDPE plastics of our tree grates maintain a smaller carbon footprint by more than 15% compared to typical cast iron solutions. This is achieved through reduced fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions at the warehouse.

Not only are these tree grates completely recyclable, they are also non-toxic and will never leak harmful contaminants into surrounding soils.


Benefits of a Tree Grate from OCC Outdoors

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Our ADA-compliant tree grates are designed to protect trees and keep pedestrians safe in streetscape environments. The radial design pattern is both functional and beautiful: easily and quickly expand the diameter, for instance, to accommodate future tree growth.

As landscape design company AHBE points out:

First, in urban areas with a high density [. . .], these grates keep the surrounding soil around the tree from being compacted. Compacted soil is a major reason why trees suffer in urban settings. Tree grates also [slow] down the evaporation of the water around the tree.

And while using a tree grate is a forgone conclusion, you can still save time, energy, and money by using a recycled plastic tree grate from OCC Outdoors.

Shop for the Perfect Tree Grate for Your Facility

Recycled Tree Grates from OCC Outdoors Recycled Plastic Tree Grates from OCC Outdoors look great in a variety of outdoor spaces.