diff --git a/tools/trowel.lua b/tools/trowel.lua
index 69e9684..b907283 100644
--- a/tools/trowel.lua
+++ b/tools/trowel.lua
@@ -67,6 +67,10 @@ end
 local function replace_node(itemstack, placer, pointed_thing)
 	if pointed_thing.type == "node" then
 		local pos = pointed_thing.under
+		local name = placer:get_player_name()
+		if minetest.is_protected(pos, name) then
+			return
+		end
 		local meta = M(pos)
 		local node =  minetest.get_node(pos)
 		if minetest.get_item_group(node.name, "techage_trowel") == 1 then