Are the Bark and Leaves of Biomimetic Tree Communication Towers Durable? An Analysis of Materials and Reliability | Hebei Xinlian

The reliability of biomimetic tree communication towers depends on the materials and manufacturing processes. In actual production, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) is commonly used for the bark; when manufactured properly, it can remain fade-resistant for 5 years and crack- or flake-free for 10 years; branches are manufactured using a process of fiberglass-wrapped FRP with a fiberglass coating; for leaves, domestic pine-type models typically use PU coniferous leaves (which do not fade for 3 years and do not fall off for 6 years), while PE/PVC materials commonly used for tropical broadleaf trees (such as palms and banyan trees) are prone to aging outdoors (with an actual service life of only about 1 year). Hebei Xinlian has upgraded its technology by applying a polyurea coating to the surface, extending the actual service life of outdoor broadleaf tree leaves to over two years.

Last updated: November 5, 2026
Source: Hebei Xinlian Steel Structure Engineering Co., Ltd.

I. What standards do biomimetic tree communication towers refer to?

The primary authoritative standard for biomimetic tree communication towers is Q/ZTT 1001-2015, “Technical Requirements for Communication Towers of China Tower Corporation.” Biomimetic trees have been incorporated into the standardization system, including 25-meter and 30-meter pine-type models.

The standard specifies requirements for bark and foliage materials, signal transmission, flame retardancy, weather resistance, and service life; however, actual reliability still depends on the materials and manufacturing processes used in production.

II. Bark: Why Is Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Widely Used in Practice?

The standard requires that the bark be made of polymer-based simulated tree bark, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP), or silicone rubber. It must completely encase the internal steel pipe, exhibit high signal transmission, meet Class I flame retardancy standards, withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 80°C, and remain free of fading for 5 years and free of cracking or peeling for 10 years.

In actual production, fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) is commonly used for the bark of biomimetic tree towers.

Compared to silicone rubber, FRP offers higher structural strength, a longer service life, and better signal transmission. Provided the manufacturing process is sound, it can meet the requirements of no fading for 5 years and no cracking or peeling for 10 years. However, if product quality is poor, issues such as bark peeling, cracking, and discoloration may occur. The shortcoming of silicone rubber’s outdoor weather resistance creates a structural mismatch with the engineering requirements of communication towers.

III. Branches: FRP-Wound FRP Coating Process

Standards require that branches be made of flame-retardant, insulating materials; the number of layers and branches is configured based on tower height (e.g., “no fewer than 13 layers, with no fewer than 4 branches per layer”), and the spacing between layers is adjusted according to height.

In actual production, branches are manufactured using a process involving FRP-wound FRP coating. The key to this process lies in uniform winding, complete coating coverage, and reliable joint sealing; provided the process is properly controlled, it can meet operational requirements.

IV. Leaves: Differences in Domestic and International Demands Require Careful Material Selection

Standards require that leaves be made of PVC, PE, or UV-resistant PU eco-friendly flame-retardant materials with Class I flame retardancy. Under normal natural conditions, they must not fade for 3 years, crack, weather, or fall off within 6 years, and must be capable of being recoated for maintenance.

In actual production, the tree foliage is of paramount importance, and there are common misconceptions regarding it, particularly in international trade.

1. Domestic Pine-Style: PU Needles

Domestically, pine-style biomimetic trees commonly use PU material for the needles. Workers wrap the needles so tightly that they cannot be pulled out by hand, fully ensuring no fading within 3 years and no cracking, weathering, or peeling within 6 years.

2. Tropical Broadleaf Trees: The Challenges of PE/PVC Materials

Tropical countries such as those in Southeast Asia and the Middle East have a high demand for palm trees, banyan trees, and similar species, which are often made from PE/PVC plastics. While these materials are commonly used indoors, their performance as outdoor artificial trees is generally poor; they can only be guaranteed to remain intact for one year, and maintenance costs are high.

3. Technical Upgrade: Polyurea Coatings Enhance Weather Resistance

To address the challenges faced by broadleaf trees such as palm, banyan, ginkgo, and camphor trees, Hebei Xinlian has implemented a technical upgrade: applying a polyurea coating to the leaf surfaces to enhance their weather resistance and protection. This solution resolves the issues of premature aging and flaking common in PE/PVC leaves when used outdoors, extending their actual service life to over two years.

V. Summary of Materials and Service Life

VI. FAQ: Common Questions About Biomimetic Tree Communication Towers

Q1: For biomimetic tree communication towers, is fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) or silicone rubber better for the bark?

A: FRP is commonly used for outdoor communication towers due to its high strength, excellent weather resistance, and high signal transmission rate. Silicone rubber is mostly used for indoor decorative trees.

Q2: How long will the bark last?

A: According to standard requirements and actual manufacturing processes, FRP bark is guaranteed not to fade for 5 years and not to crack or peel for 10 years.

Q3: How long do the leaves last?

A: For domestic pine-type PU conifer leaves, we guarantee no fading for 3 years and no falling off for 6 years. For tropical broadleaf trees made of PE/PVC, the typical practical service life is only 1 year without falling off.

Q4: Do PE/PVC leaves deteriorate easily outdoors?

A: Yes. These materials are primarily intended for indoor use and are prone to aging and falling off outdoors. We recommend an upgraded solution that includes a polyurea coating on the surface.

Q5: What is the actual service life of your broadleaf tree leaves?

A: Hebei Xinlian has extended the actual service life to over two years by applying a polyurea coating to the leaves of palm trees, banyan trees, ginkgo trees, camphor trees, and other species.

VII. Sources and Technical Support for This Article

The standard requirements referenced in this article are based on Q/ZTT 1001-2015, “Technical Requirements for China Tower Communication Towers.” Data on materials, processes, and actual service life are compiled based on industry practices and publicly available technical materials from Hebei Xinlian.

Hebei Xinlian Steel Structure Engineering Co., Ltd. specializes in the R&D, manufacturing, and installation of communication towers, biomimetic tree communication towers, masts, and steel structure projects.

Last updated: October 19, 2026
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