Rainbow Terra Tree Shelters

--Introduction--

Use it, leave it. Biodegradable in any end-of-life environment breaking down into nutrients that will not harm soil, freshwater systems or marine life – this is Rainbow’s biodegradable tree shelter called 'Terra'.

In designing their Terra tree shelters, the team at Rainbow focused on plant health and the environment, ensuring a positive impact on both.

It is the first and only tree shelter on the market to have achieved a Soil Biodegradability Certificate*, providing the reassurance that the shelter not only disintegrates, but fully biodegrades back into CO2 and biomass, even in freshwater and marine environments.

100% plant based and non-toxic, Terra is made from plant resin and recycled natural wood residue from the UK.

The service life is an average of 5 years, depending on climatic conditions and location of planting.

Class-leading light transmission enables trees and vines to grow at a natural rate (as opposed to being drawn up the shelter too fast, which can lead to instability).

Also available to special order with a biodegradable mini chainlock tie (instead of a cable tie). Please contact our office to discuss your requirements.

Benefits

• Protects from browsing animals, ensuring a greater chance of planting success.
• 100% biodegradable, no removal or recycling costs.
• Rounded rim, minimising stem abrasion.
• Class-leading light transmission, promoting healthy growth.
• Blends in with the environment, enhancing the image of planting schemes.

Storage (view the installation tab above for a comprehensive installation guide)

• Prior to installation – please store in a dry environment.

*www.tuv-at.be/okcert/certified-products

--Specification--

--Features & Benefits--

Plant Welfare

Animal protection
Protects young plants from bark-stripping and browsing animals.

Light transmission
Class-leading light transmission enables trees and vines to grow at a natural rate.

Wind protection
Delivers wind break effect, protecting plants on exposed sites.

Reduced abrasion
Rounded rim minimises stem abrasion.

Herbicide protection
Protects young plant from herbicide and pesticide spray.

Auto tree release
The shelter biodegrades to allow the tree to break free, avoiding strangulation.

Lifespan

100% biodegradable
Because of the materials used, Rainbow Terra tubes are 100% biodegradable and non-toxic.

Certified Soil Biodegradable
The first and only tree shelter to have this certification.

5 years protection
Service life of an average of 5 years, depending on weather and planting location.

Smooth surface deters rubbing
Animals can damage shelters when used as a rubbing post.

Spare holes
Second set of cable ties holes means the tube can still be used even if ripping occurs.

Installation

Boxed
Packed into boxes, meaning easy stacking on pallets and packaging that is compostable.

Nested
For ease of movement around site.

Releasable tie
Quick release and tighten pre-fitted cable tie. Also available on special order with a biodegradable mini chainlock tie.

Natural colour
The colour means the tube blends into the natural environment.

No removal needed
Save money – no collection or recycling needed.

--Range Choices--

Height

Identify which damaging agent (animal) you wish to protect your plants from. This will influence the height of your protection and the wooden stake to support it. Depending on the height selected, Tree Shelters can help protect against voles, rabbits, hare and deer.

Rainbow Terra 75cm and 1.50m tree shelters are available to special order. Please contact the office to discuss your requirements.

Rainbow Terra Tree Shelters - Available sizes

*It is advisable to use a longer stake for sandier, lighter soils.

Diameter types

Tubes are nested (one inside the other), to save space and time when moving plant protection around a site.

Diameters describe the range of diameters you will find in a nest of tubes, from the smallest to the largest.

Rainbow Terra Tree Shelter tube diameters range from 75mm up to 100mm in a nest of 4 tubes and are suitable for slim to medium plants (i.e. not shrubs).

--Installation--

Plant

Planting bare root or cell grown plants is a straightforward task, however, do not attempt to plant if the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Find a suitable position for your plants, bearing in mind future growth and potential height and spread at maturity.

Bare rooted or cell grown plants can be 'notch' planted in 3 steps:

1. Begin by inserting the blade of a spade into the ground. Push the spade handle away from you and then bring it back towards you. Once you remove the spade, you will see that you have created a cavity or ‘notch’ in the ground.

2. For bare root - place the plant roots within the cavity and shake to ensure that all of the roots are in the cavity and pointing downwards.
For cell grown – place the cell gently into the ground. Ensure the top of the plug (the soil surrounding the roots) is positioned at 2 to 4cm below the surface to avoid drying out.

3. Fill the cavity with soil. Use your heel to firm the soil around the plant to remove any air pockets. Once planted, give them a good water if practical to do so.

You are now ready to install your support and protection.

Support

1. After planting, position the tube on the windward side if there are strong prevailing winds, and the stake between 2cm to 5cm from the base of the plant.

2. Hammer the stake into the ground with a stake driver or mallet (ideally knocking 1/3 of its height into the ground). Ensure it is vertical (particularly important on sloping ground). The top of the stake should be below the top rim of the shelter and above the top tie wrap.

Protect

1. Position the shelter over the tree, making sure not to damage any lateral branches, positioning the releasable ties either side of the stake.

2. Gently push the shelter into the ground 1cm to 2cm. This forms a safe herbicide barrier and deters vermin from burrowing under the shelter.

3. Fasten the cable tie(s) securely but avoid overtightening to prevent undue stress on the tube wall. We recommend tucking the end of the cable tie between the stake and the tube to avoid animal nibbling or rubbing.

4. For beating up, release the tie and gently lift the tube (exercising caution as the biodegradable material weakens with age). Gently re tie the cable tie once the tube is lowered back over the plant.

--Download--

Download Technical Data Sheet

Our carefully prepared, information-rich technical data sheets can be downloaded in PDF format for convenience.

Download link:
Rainbow Terra Tree Shelters - Technical Data Sheet (671 KB)