An expandable tree protection device covers an area surrounding a tree trunk and provides for expansion to accommodate growth of the tree trunk over time. The device includes a tray comprising a top wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending around a peripheral edge of the top wall. The tray has an aperture extending through the top wall for receiving a tree trunk therethrough. Each of a plurality of panels is slidably coupled to the top wall extend into the aperture covering an associated portion of the aperture. A respective interior edge of each panel is slidable outwardly away from a center of the aperture for expansion exposing a larger area of the aperture as the tree trunk grows.