SubmarinePete
Well-known member
I want to try using a trunk protector of some type to keep irrigation water off the tree trunks for my in-ground trees. I use micro sprinklers for irrigation. Does anyone have any recommended solutions?
Trunk protectors
- Thread starter SubmarinePete
- Start date
FruitBrute
Well-known member
Would perforated drainage tile cut length wise and slipped around the trunk be to "hillbilly" looking? Probably comes in a multitude of diameter and colors, and could be cut to any custom length necessary. Haven't look into it though and have not tried this myself. The perforations would block most moisture, while allowing air flow around the trunk, to reduce mold and mildew and for some ventilation. The grooves would allow for zipties or another tie off of some sort to retain it around the trunks. Might not be as many diameters available, as I am thinking.
SubmarinePete
Well-known member
@FruitBrute Thats a good idea. I was thinking about something similar. AM Leonard has these protectors that I think could work:
www.amleo.com
The spray height is low so I don’t need 24”. I think 12” is plenty of height, so I could cut them in half. That would reduce the price down to about $0.75 per tree.
Tree Guards, Corrugated White/Black Plastic, 8in Diameter x 24in Height
Protection during transport and while digging. Guards against pest damage (especially deer antler rub). Helps to prevent sun scald. Prevents damage from weed-whackers and mowers. HDPE black inside/white outside construction. UV stabilized. Durable and reusable. Install with twine, tape, or ties...
www.amleo.com
The spray height is low so I don’t need 24”. I think 12” is plenty of height, so I could cut them in half. That would reduce the price down to about $0.75 per tree.
FruitBrute
Well-known member
@FruitBrute Thats a good idea. I was thinking about something similar. AM Leonard has these protectors that I think could work:
Tree Guards, Corrugated White/Black Plastic, 8in Diameter x 24in Height
Protection during transport and while digging. Guards against pest damage (especially deer antler rub). Helps to prevent sun scald. Prevents damage from weed-whackers and mowers. HDPE black inside/white outside construction. UV stabilized. Durable and reusable. Install with twine, tape, or ties...
The spray height is low so I don’t need 24”. I think 12” is plenty of height, so I could cut them in half. That would reduce the price down to about $0.75 per tree.
One other thought, drainage tile might not be UV stable, as it will usually be underground. I'm not sure you could beat that price/Ft.
Drainage tile could maybe be cheaper/ft, if you were buying a 1000' of it on rolls.
TorontoJoe
Administrator
Something like this wrapped overlapping in a shingle fashion would keep water from flowing into the gaps
Inflorescence
Well-known member
I know of those trunk protectors already listed above. My only concern would be moisture trapping inside with the heat of summer. Are you sure it’s not better to have it fully exposed to air to just evaporate off?
TorontoJoe
Administrator
So glad you didn’t list the other brand. It doesn’t perform well.
TorontoJoe
Administrator
I really have no idea if this one does either.... I just figure nothing can get up under paint to trap moistureSo glad you didn’t list the other brand. It doesn’t perform well.
Watered down latex paint works great for sun protection. I’m sure the one you listed will stay on longer than a few weeks. Does it repel water? Probably some.
TorontoJoe
Administrator
@SubmarinePete
Something just came to mind that I meant to try a long time ago. I’m my case it was for pots and to minimize evaporation…..
Take a standard organza bag or some sort of sock that won’t break down. Fill it with coarse perlite. Bury a drip emitter into the middle of the bag. Then lay flat on the dirt and mound over it, or bury it.
The idea being that all the water stays in the ground with the roots.
Mounding would probably make it easier to inspect.
Food for thought.
Something just came to mind that I meant to try a long time ago. I’m my case it was for pots and to minimize evaporation…..
Take a standard organza bag or some sort of sock that won’t break down. Fill it with coarse perlite. Bury a drip emitter into the middle of the bag. Then lay flat on the dirt and mound over it, or bury it.
The idea being that all the water stays in the ground with the roots.
Mounding would probably make it easier to inspect.
Food for thought.
wellingtonbill
Member
Here is tacky but effective means to protect a two year old Martinenca Rimada. I have used
plumbing wrap for several years with great success in Piedmont NC7b/8a. More branched fig trees would be costly to nearly impossible. Gray wood needs no protection here.
plumbing wrap for several years with great success in Piedmont NC7b/8a. More branched fig trees would be costly to nearly impossible. Gray wood needs no protection here.
