Using Tree Shelters

 

When growing trees and a shrubs in your garden one of the most important factors in your success is ensuring that, from day one, your newly planted tree gets off to the very best start possible. When transplanting trees the younger, smaller trees generally grow far more vigorously than larger older specimens, of course this greatly depends on following the very best instructions and avoiding some of the common pitfalls. One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of tree care is the use of tree shelters. Tree shelters are a cheap and easy to use piece of gardening equipment that can literally save the life of your tree, especially if you live, or are planting, in an exposed location.

Tree shelters are essential items if you are planting young trees and use of them will greatly enhance the chances of your tree becoming established quickly. Primarily these gadgets help protect it's contents from cold winds which can seriously damage any plant life and can easily destroy new shoots, buds and leaves. This is very important in coastal regions where the wind carries with it a great deal of salt which increases the damage. In really exposed places it may be necessary to use both tree shelters and windbreak netting to ensure maximum protection.

Other Benefits & Advantages of Using Tree Shelters

Besides protection from the effects of wind, tree shelters are great for protecting trees from browsing animals such as dear and even rabbits.

Tree shelters are also great for creating the optimum environment for rapid growth which can often lead to a six fold increase in the growth rate in one season alone. There are a number of reasons why this is experienced, the materials used have an insulating effect which tends to create a more stable, and warmer, temperature and weed growth is somewhat restricted by the fact that seeds are unlikely to gain access to the ground within. Furthermore trees tend to grow far less side shoots which forces a more upright growth pattern and stronger stems/trunks.

Types of Tree Shelter

Tree shelters are usually available in a light weight or heavy weight design and either opaque or clear. The most commonly used material, used in their manufacture, is a type of tough, hard wearing, polyethylene which is formed into a twin wall (which adds to the insulating properties). Using this material produces a shelter which is not too heavy and allows the passage of sunlight through it. Most often they are of a round cylindrical shape but they are also available in a square shape. Because the round type creates less wind resistance these are best used in very exposed locations. Do not be alarmed when your order of tree shelters arrive at your home. The packages are usually much smaller than you would expect because they are flat packed and which helps in transportation, keep them like this until ready for use as you will be amazed at how much space they take up when fully expanded. This is extremely important if you are using them some distance from a road (think about it!).

When using tree shelters you should always check that the very top is rounded. If there are any sharp edges they should be filed down. Any sharp edges could seriously damage, or even kill, a young tree as wind will bash it against the edge and the bark will become seriously damaged.

Other Types of Tree Shelter

Spiral tree guards are often used in areas where protection from weather is less important that protection from browsing animals. Also available are types which use a polyethylene mesh, these are great for protecting shrubs. Tree shelters like these may need extra support to remain upright so consider ordering some canes when you buy online.

Windbreak netting can be used extensively in very windy sites. Any plant which is continually blown from side to side will soon suffer root damage, especially to the fibrous roots which are easily severed. With severed roots and strong winds any plant can soon become seriously dehydrated. Rather than protecting a garden with solid fencing, which causes the wind to eddy, it is far better to use a material which reduces wind flow and windbreak netting is the best material for this type of job.

 

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