Tubex Ecostarts

--Introduction--

The economic (hence 'eco') solution to reliable plant protection, where the main focus is the initial establishment period.

When the primary concern is getting the tree off to a good start, then the Ecostart from Tubex is both a reliable and competitive choice.

The most affordable pre-formed solid tube in the range of Tubex products, the Ecostart has been designed to offer a minimum of 3 years protection, boosting the chances of survival and healthy growth through the initial stage of a tree’s life.

Lower UV stabiliser and smaller diameters allow the shelter to breakdown earlier, making it suitable for small slender plants used in hedging and small scale landscaping.

If the young plant begins to fill the shelter then it can be easily released by splitting along the laserline.

Note - Shelter longevity is dependent on site and weather conditions.

Benefits

• Protects from browsing animals.
• Protects from herbicide spray.
• Creates microclimate to promote healthy growth.
• Easy installation – comes with pre-fitted releasable cable tie(s).

Installation (view the installation tab above for a more comprehensive installation guide)

• Plant bare root or cell grown plant.
• Insert stake next to plant.
• Install tube over plant, gently pushing into ground.
• Tighten pre-fitted cable tie(s) around stake.
• Plan for removal and recycling at end of life once the tree is established. More information on recycling is available here.

--Specification--

^ Manufacturing tolerance of tube height +/- 25mm

^^ Manufacturing tolerance of cable tie height +/- 15mm

--Features & Benefits--

Plant Welfare

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

Herbicide protection
The tube protects from herbicide spray.

Light transmission
Creates a mini greenhouse effect, encouraging growth.

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

Flared rim
To minimise stem abrasion.

Laser-line
To allow the tree to break free.

Lifespan

Lower UV stabilisation*
Provides minimum 3 years protection.
*Compared to other Tubex

Strengthening rods
To prevent tearing at stake area.

Twin walled
Delivers best strength to weight ratio.

Recyclable
Through local supplier or via the Tubex Collection & Recycling Scheme.

Installation

Nested
For ease of movement around site.

Pre-fitted cable ties
Thumb-releasable for easy installation & maintenance.

Green colour
Blends into background.

--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, Ecostarts can help protect against voles, rabbits and hare.

Tubex Ecostart - 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.

Ecostart Tree Shelters come nests of 3 tubes. Their narrow diameters are suitable for young, slender plants.

--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 of the stake 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, sliding the releasable tie wraps over the stake at the same time.

2. Push the shelter into the ground 1-2cm. This forms a safe barrier to deter vermin from burrowing under the shelter.

3. Tighten the thumb releasable ratchet ties, ensuring the shelter is firmly positioned.

4. Tuck the tie ends into the holes in the shelter for neatness and to deter rubbing by deer or sheep.

Plan for removal and recycling of shelters at end of life once the tree is established. More information on recycling is available here.

--Download--

Download Technical Data Sheet

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

Download link:
Tubex Ecostart - Technical Data Sheet (820 KB)