Aluminum window screen works for us. We use a stapler to close the edges together when the piece is in place, wrapped around the trunk. Easy to rip open if you need to get it off. It helps if you start with a tall
enough piece so that you don't have to worry about snow depth if that's a concern in your area. BTW, we also use cheap white latex paint on the trunks of young fruit
trees to protect from sun scald. This combination works as well as the plastic tubes for us.