Frequently Asked Questions

Trees are the best monuments that a man can erect to his own memory.
They speak his praises without flattery,
and they are blessings to children yet unborn.
- Lord Orrery, 1749

Frequently Asked Questions

As with any project, you'll have questions. At Southwest Badger RC&D, we strive to be your conservation partner, since we want you to have success with your trees as much as you do. Below are some of the most often asked questions over the last decade related to reforestation aides. Don't hesitate to e-mail or call us with questions not addressed below.

What are some of the options for securing shelter stakes other than ordering wood stakes through the mail?

1.75-inch or 2-inch PVC pipe works quite well and can be purchased at any home supply store. Metal rebar can be an inexpensive option, but their heavy weight and the possibility of running it through your mower are both disadvantages. Fiberglass stakes and wood stakes may also be available locally. Check with large home supply chains for pricing.

How long should I leave a tree shelter on my tree?

The type of tree and local growing conditions will dictate this. As a rule of thumb, when the tree has grown above the reach of deer, has ample diameter to support the tree, and has obtained a size where it is no longer in danger of being browsed by other animals, the shelter can come off. If the diameter of the tree is within one-half inch of the diameter of the tree shelter, the shelter needs to be removed.

What is the life expectancy of a tree shelter?

Five to six years, but many Tree Pro Miracle Tube tree shelters still look great after a decade of use. We believe the Plantra Jump Start grow tubes will also last for use on several trees.

Can tree shelters be reused?

Certainly! Many landowners have reported that a Tree Pro Miracle Tube and Shrub Protector will last long enough to grow two tree seedlings. That doubles your money! The easiest way to remove a tree shelter from a tree is to remove the stake and ties and with a sharp knife. Start cutting from the top of the shelter down between the tie holes all the way to the bottom.

Isn't the use of deer repellents a more affordable way to protect my trees from animal damage than tree shelters?

Not necessarily. A gallon of Tree Guard (an animal repellent offered by Southwest Badger RC&D) sells for $40 per gallon which should cover about 120 trees. You will need to apply that repellent at least two times a year -- and possibly three times a year -- for at least five years for optimal effectiveness. Therefore, the per tree cost of repellent is about $4.69 -- plus a ton of work. So, in reality, tree shelters may be more cost effective in the long run, especially when you consider your time spent applying the deer repellent. For many tree plantings, sometimes there are just more trees to protect than budgets afford. Many forest landowners choose to implement several different deer control measures to discourage deer browse, including hunting (in season), tree shelters and deer repellents. Tree shelters have additional benefits that deer repellents don't have which are related to tree growth, protection from severe weather and possible mowing damage. In addition, tree shelters provide protection 100% of the time.

Is hardening off for winter a concern for trees grown in tree shelters?

Not for the vented tree shelters that Southwest Badger RC&D sells. The small venting holes allow for natural air flow. This causes the seedlings inside the shelter to harden off naturally. Hardening off is a major concern with many other brands of tree shelters that do not allow for venting.

Where are Tree Pro Miracle Tubes tree shelters and Shrub Protectors made?

Tree Pro Miracle Tube and Shrub Protectors are made in the U.S.A., in West Lafayette, Indiana.

Where are Plantra Jump Start grow tubes made?

The Plantra Jump Start grow tubes are made in the U.S.A.

Are Tree Pro Miracle Tubes and Tree Pro Shrub Protectors actually made from recycled material?

Yes. The plastic used to make Tree Pro shelters is post-industrial recycled material.

What do you suggest for protecting conifers from deer damage?

For protecting conifers, we do not recommend the use of deer repellents and purchased, specially-made bud caps. Instead, a cheap solution is to cut wax paper into 2-inch by 8-inch strips and fold the wax paper around the terminal bud (top leader) and then staple or tape the wax paper. Deer that usually browse the top of conifers apparently don't like biting into wax paper, so they move on. As always the size of the deer herd and available natural food will dictate the success of alternative measures such as bud caps. We do have customers that have success with 5 foot tree shelters on white pine. Keep in mind, though, that when using a tree shelter you will not have any branches lower than the height of the shelter. This may be a concern in wildlife plantings.

Are there any cost-sharing opportunities available for my tree planting project and the use of tree shelters?

There are several cost-sharing opportunities, both on a federal and state level, for which tree shelters may qualify. These incentives are determined on a case by case basis, usually in close review by a FSA, NRCS or county forester depending on the program. The cost-sharing also often changes from one year to the next. There are also numerous tax incentives and financial considerations for forestry which you might also keep in mind. For more information, see our Cost-sharing & Incentives summary.

Protect your trees. Select from the growing list of reforestation aides offered by Southwest Badger RC&D, and increase your chances of a prosperous forest in the years to come.

Southwest Badger
Resource, Conservation & Development Council, Inc.
150 W. Alona Ln.
Lancaster WI 53813
Tel: 608-723-6377 x136
E-mail: swbadger@mhtc.net
Website: www.treeprotection.org