Abstract: The invention relates to an improved tree guard for protecting the bark of young trees and shrubs from mechanical damage caused by landscaping and lawn maintenance equipment. The tree guard includes at least one generally rectangular, flexible sheet which may be temporarily or permanently bent into a cylindrical shape sufficiently large to encircle a tree at ground level. Longitudinal releasable locking strips are provided to attach the ends of the sheet together to hold the sheet in the desired shape. The locking strips incorporate a tab and groove attachment system with each tab and groove having retaining beads running therealong to hold each tab within a cooperating groove. Preferably, the tab and groove of each locking strip are oriented perpendicularly to the plane of the sheet at the point of attachment of the strip to the sheet. The cooperating strips may be identical in shape so that the tab of one fits into the groove of another and vice versa.