The owner of this Georgia pecan orchard, Jack Thompson is a big fan of Plantra Tree Bark Protectors. Jack reports multiple benefits - any one of which would pay for the Protectors, but when combined make the decision to use Plantra TBP’s a complete "no brainer."
Spray protection - Young pecan trees tend to sucker below the graft. If systemic herbicides like glyphosate (RoundUp) comes in contact with these suckers the tree can be injured or killed. Plantra Tree Bark Protectors reduce the amount of suckering, and shield the few suckers that do occur from herbicide spray...for fast, safe, worry-free weed control applications.
Buck rub protection - Rutting bucks often thrash valuable young pecan trees with their antlers in autumn...trees that the grower has spent a lot of time and money getting established. Plantra Tree Bark Protectors effectively shield the trunks of young pecan trees from antler damage, eliminating the cost of replants and the even higher cost of lost years of growth.
Variety of heights to choose from - Most Georgia pecan growers choose 30 inch or 36 inch Plantra Tree Bark Protectors; they feel these heights give them the optimal combination of benefits (herbicide/buck rub/weevil protection) and cost. However, Plantra Tree Bark Protectors come in a wide range of heights from 18 to 60 inches. In places where buck rub is a more serious problem growers often choose taller protectors.
Patrolling the orchard, checking on growth. Judd seems pleased.
Weevils - This grower reports that pecan weevils - the most damaging late season pest of pecans - are repelled by the bright white outer surface of the Plantra Tree Bark Protectors. Given the high cost of managing weevil infestations (monitoring plastic strips and cone traps to determine population levels, spraying insecticides when infestations occur), this is potentially a huge savings to the grower.
Longevity - These Plantra Tree Bark Protectors were placed over these young pecan trees at planting earlier this year (2009). They will stay on these trees for another 2 to 3 years, until the threats of herbicide damage to sucker growth & buck rub have subsided. Then (unfortunately for us!) he’ll be able to re-use them on a new orchard. Plantra TBP’s will last 6-8 years in the field...and often longer.
Looking down a Plantra Tree Bark Protector - at some good red Georgia soil! The Plantra TBP coils gently around the young pecan whip. The protector will expand to accommodate growth up to 3.5 inches diameter - at which point the Plantra TBP can be removed and re-used on another new tree.
Easy application - Most pecan trees are planted as un-branched "whips" and then are topped to promote branching at a chosen height. Plantra Tree Bark Protectors can simply be dropped straight down over the whip - no wrapping or coiling the protector around the tree. Installation takes seconds.
