Seedling Protectors - 24"

$2.45


FREE SHIPPING
SKU TP245

Our Seedling Protectors are rigid, single-walled flat sheets that can be formed into tubes to protect your seedlings. They are made from a 100% recycled polyethylene slit tube and are UV stabilized for 5-7 years. The top of the tubes are flared to protect seedlings from sharp edges. The tube diameters are 4.15" and have permanent venting.

The seedling protectors can be used for a variety of trees and plant types. They can be easily removed and reused elsewhere.

***Minimum Order Requirement is 100 Units.***

Available in 12", 18", 24", 30", 36", 48", 60", and 72" height options. View All Products >

Stakes and bird net not included.

PRODUCT SPECS

  • Brand: TreePro
  • Size: Various
  • Material:  Polypropylene
  • Free Shipping
  • Need a written quote? Please call or email us.
  • Questions?  Call (800) 413-9715

Installation

SHIPPING TIME

  • All items ship for free (standard ground, see map)
  • Call: (800) 413-9715 for pricing and shipping questions.

Most orders ship within 1-2 business days (M-F) if order is placed before 11:00 AM EST. Transit times displayed in the map are listed in business days, are approximate and are specific to this product line. The day that the order is shipped is not counted as a transit day.

Features

  • Rigid, Single-wall design with a seam down one side
  • 100% Recycled Polyethylene (milk jug plastic) Slit Tube
  • UV Stabilized for 5 to 7 years
  • Tab Flared Top to protect seedling from sharp edges
  • Tube diameter of 4.15" (allows connecting multiple protectors for larger diameter)
  • Permanent Venting- Vents start half way up to allow herbicide spray around the base
  • Releasble UV Treated Zip Ties included
  • Mesh Bird Net at no additional cost upon request for 48” and taller

Specs

  • Made of HDPE (#2 plastic)
  • 3/8" Vent and tie placement holes
  • UV Stabilized for 5-7 years
  • Includes releasable zip ties

Successful Seedling Planting and Growth

Tree growers, orchard owners, and gardeners all know there are certain ways to handle seedlings when removing them from their natural environments to protect their delicate, balanced systems. If you remove seedlings from their environment, you are responsible for their care and handling so they will prosper and grow. There have been many cases when seedlings have never grown due to unnecessary damage caused on the way from the nurseries.

Baby seedlings

Seedlings at Nursery

Watering

When the seedlings are not planted, you have to keep them moist by preventing water loss using a water vapor barrier or adding water to the roots on a regular basis. A shipping box or shopping bag should contain a water vapor barrier made of wax or polyethylene. A great alternative would be a waterproof planting bag. The bag will prevent the loss of water from the roots The open top of the bag can lead to a substantial loss of water, especially during warm, dry conditions.

During warm, dry conditions, try reducing the level of the temperature, slow down the movement of air around the seedlings, and increase the amount of water they will need.

You can help by, getting an insulated planting bag and then add moist peat moss to give the seedling more water. The bag will drop the seedling's temperature, prevent the loss of water into the air, and keep the seedlings covered when moving them or if you will be planting them on a windy day. The loss of water is unhealthy for the shoots and roots leaving the tips vulnerable to dry spells. Unlike leaves, they do not have openings found on a leaf's surface or a waxy coating to prevent the loss of water. If you discover the roots are dry, chances are the finer root hairs are damaged or dead.

Do everything you can to keep the roots moist while the seedling is not in the ground. Keep in mind, that not providing the right amount of water is cutting off oxygen to the seedling because water carries oxygen. On the other hand, do not overwater the seedling, it can be just as damaging as no water at all.

As an example, most conifers will not grow in flooded areas for any amount of time due to the lack of oxygen. It comes down to the lack of water or too much water, both can deprive the seedling of oxygen. If you do not know the level of water your seedling requires, submerge it in water for more than a few minutes at a time. Another way to check the moisture to the roots, dip the seedling in water for one minute. A good time for dipping the roots is when you remove them from the packing bag but before moving them to the planting bag.

Pouring Water During Tree Installation

Watering Tree During Planting

Food Reserves

Seedlings will burn food reserves by breathing in order to survive over the winter months. You must decrease the amount of food the seedling will use while out of its natural environment. It should have enough reserves to support its growth and not go into shock when it's planted.

Placing Seedling in Soil

Seedling in Soil

Respiration

Respiration is the movement of oxygen, through breathing, from the environment to cells in the tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide. It's the production of energy.

Respiration is converting food reserves into energy. 60% is energy in order to function and 40% gives off heat. As temperatures increase, so does respiration and the level of heat generated. As the temperature reaches 32°F, respiration decreases, food reserves are stored and seedlings give off very little heat. Seedlings placed in seedling bags will produce a lot of heat if the bags are exposed to direct sunlight or warm air. Temperatures can increase and harm the seedlings. It's a good idea to keep seedlings cooler when handling but not cold enough to cause freezing. Subfreezing is not recommended unless the conditions are carefully monitored. For practical purposes, both freezing and high temperatures should be avoided.

Some things to keep in mind include:

Upon removal, consider the temperature and air circulation to prevent damage. The container, sunlight, and time of year must be taken into consideration. It's a good idea to have a thermometer on hand to measure the temperature. Purchase a pocket dial thermometer for measuring the temperatures of the seedlings in a container. Keep the seedlings out of direct sunlight, and solar radiation heat even during cooler conditions. Seedlings lifted in the midwinter will be dormant and less likely to be susceptible to heating issues.

To protect tree seeds, store them under refrigeration with accurate temperature control until you are ready to plant them. Do not run the risk of storing them in uncontrolled environments such as outdoor structures or sheds.

Prevent Physical Damage

Physical damage can be a big concern but it's preventable. A seedling can be damaged by physical pressure caused by dropping, crushing, or excessive vibrations. This is similar to being bruised by an object that hits you. Seedlings can actually repair themselves but might lose some abilities to grow and survive. Unfortunately, serious cases such as girdling or removing a part of the seedling, will make recovery almost impossible.

You should take the time to consider how you handle the seedlings and change your procedures while still guaranteeing the best environment for them. If you will be keeping the seedlings for several weeks, consider storing them outdoors with their roots placed in moist mulch or organic material.

Evergreen Seedlings

Evergreen Tree Seedlings

Heeling In

Heeling In consists of temporarily covering the roots of a plant or several plants placed in one hole with soil before placing them permanently. This practice has been done for many years in some areas but must be done with caution to prevent damage though some damage is possible. Heeling In is a term of control in the seedling environment that can be difficult to maintain. Seedlings can face subfreezing temperatures or excessive heat and loss of water. Unless you show extra care to prevent freeze damage while protecting seedlings and replace water loss using regular irrigation, your seedlings will probably deteriorate while they are heeled in.

If you are experiencing warm temperatures, you will notice the seedlings are losing dormancy and becoming active. Also, seedlings planted after dormancy will have a lower chance of survival because actively growing roots can easily become damaged. To prevent these problems and other issues, it's recommended you store them in a refrigerated area at 34 to 36 degrees F. Doing so will slow respiration down to a much lower level. The seedlings will remain dormant and retain moisture.

Planting a Tree in Yard

Tree Being Planted in Yard

In Conclusion

Keep in mind, that seedlings are the beginning of life, you will go out of your way to handle and care for them like a newborn infant. Seedlings are delicate and require moderate temperatures and plenty of water to grow. Follow the instructions provided on the seedling's packet and reach out to others who have the knowledge and experience to take care of them. Tree seeds might just give you an incredible, magnificent tree in the future.