Farm Forestry - Instructions

Instructions for use

1.2m/1.5m Continental fine mesh & balance fine mesh shelter
Do not erect these shelters as if they were tubes - please read these instructions!

SUPPORT NB Stake size is of paramount importance
Depending on site, soil depth and type and exposure, normally the following stakes are satisfactory. When knocked in, stakes must offer support to a fine mesh shelter to within 6" of guard top.

Guard	Sawn stake (treated)
1.2m	1.5m (5') long	32mm x 32mm diameter or greater
1.5m	1.8m (6') long	32mm x 32mm diameter or greater

Cleft chestnut stakes can be used, but often vary in diameter and may warp. If used, 10" tie may be required, however we do not recommend cleft chestnut.

1. Erection with stake support: for 1.2m, 1.5m Continental shelter, via tree ties. Stakes placed outside guard.

STEP A
Remove guard from flat pack.
STEP B
Putting one arm up in guard, form material into cylinder all the way down its length.
STEP C
Stretch material and splay outwards on guard top (continental shelter only). This will help prevent abrasion at top of guard, whilst helping guard to remain in conical form. Do not turn top over!
STEP D
Clear ground around tree, if not already done so when planting.
STEP E
Knock in stake approximately 8cm from tree, so that it is no more than 15cm (6") below guard top. The stake should be on the windward side of the tree.
STEP F
Place guard over tree, and fix ties around stake.
STEP G
Push soil or other debris around guard base so that it obscures bottom of the guard.
STEP H
If very exposed, use staple fixing and place stake inside guard.

2. Erection with stake placed inside guard: via Staple Gun for 1.2m, 1.5m Continental and Balance shelter.

STEP A
First carry out steps A, B, C, D, as above and then fix stake to guard with staple gun, whilst putting tension downwards on tree guard as you staple. Two staples through mesh will normally suffice if 1.2m shelter (3 on 1.5m). In slow growing and exposed areas this method is recommended as the stake offers more support along the guard length.

NOTE: Use this method for 1.2m/1.5m Balance shelter and 1.2m/1.5m Continental shelter if exposed. Stakes placed inside shelter will need to be removed prior to tree stem touching stake and being damaged, Continental shelter will then be able to expand.

3. Erection with Bamboo Canes: Support of 1.2m, 1.5m Balance and Continental shelter

In ‘glade’ type plantings within existing woodland, with reasonable soil depth, two bamboo canes may be used to support shelter.
STEP A
Place canes in ground (with thickest end in ground) and as deeply as possible. The length of cane required depends on height of guard. After pushing into ground the top of cane should be about level with the top of guard and certainly not more than 6” below. Diameter/weight of cane will be dependant on site and exposure.
STEP B
Place guard over top of canes and turn guard round so that the folds are not aligned with canes.
STEP C
Firm guard against ground after removing debris as above.
STEP D
Use M36 Staple Gun to entrap vertical strengthener strands to canes, 2 staples on each side.

NB. This method is more suited to faster growing species such as Ash, Wild Cherry, Sycamore, although Oaks and Beech have also been planted successfully. Wetter areas may cause canes to move around too much. Trees should grow more roots with this method, as they will be swaying in the wind as canes move around. Faster establishment will be obtained by using 60/90cm plants, subject to suitability.

60cm/75cm Continental & Original Fine Mesh shelter,
Balance Fine Mesh and Eclipse shelter

1. Uses: Conifer, Shrub and Vine protection (Broadleaves can be protected also, however a 60cm spiral guard would be cheaper!).
2. Erection and support:
Usually two 3ft 12/14lb or 3ft 14/16lb bamboo canes pushed firmly into ground approximately
10-12cm apart. (A 3ft stake can also be used, but labour cost and material costs will be greater by
this method.) 3ft 6in canes are now available for 75cm shelter.

ECLIPSE

STEP A
After forming guard into cylindrical form, first place guard over tree and position first cane 6cm from planted tree.
STEP B
Then place second cane inside guard so that it holds guard open. (‘Original’ 173mm, 200mm & 250mm diameter need 2/3 canes 3ft 12/14lb or heavier - and these do not have any strengthened strands).
STEP C
Staple, using M36 Staple Gun supplied, to entrap one vertical strengthened strand (Continental only), placing the staple at an angle so that both sharp ends penetrate cane. Guard may be tensioned to ground by pushing downwards when stapling. One staple to one side should normally be enough when using Continental and Balance shelter. (2 or more canes should be stapled when using the Original Fine Mesh Shrub shelter, this mesh has no strengthened strands.)
STEP D
If a 140mm tie is used, instead of stapling, this should be located on one side, just below a cane nodule.
STEP E
The area immediately around the tree should be clear of debris so that guard rests firmly on ground, Push debris or soil around base of guard after fixing.

BALANCE

Usage Notes
Canes should be removed from all Continental, Balance, Eclipse and Original Fine Mesh shelter prior to stem damage occurring as part of routine maintenance programme.
Usage Notes - Balance shelter
Beech planted in Balance shelter should be greater than 40cm in height to reduce woolly aphid problems as found with tubes. Red Cedars should not be planted with Balance shelter.
These shelters have built in vertical weakness and will split vertically in time, but this will depend on UV penetration and sunlight over a number of years causing degradation of guard sidewalls. The removal of guard should be considered if sufficient degradation of the material has not occurred prior to stem breakout.

For verbal advice, please telephone 01588 650496 or fax 01588 650631