Tree Pro tree protectors
were the first such product to address and solve a major problem caused by tree shelters. In 1989, Tom Mills,
founder and president of Tree Pro, was doing some consulting work for American Forestry Technology, Inc., of West Lafayette,
Indiana. At that time American Forestry was the sole source for the genetically improved black walnut varieties
developed and patented by Purdue University. Eager to protect these valuable cultivars, American Forestry installed
thousands of tree shelters, which at the time was a brand new device imported from Europe. A few months later 74
percent of American Forestry's seedlings were dead.
EXCESSIVE HEAT PROBLEM
Tom Mills analyzed the problem and determined that excessive heat retention inside the protector
was the most likely cause of the fatalities. He proceeded to experiment with various tree protection designs. Eventually, he invented a design that solved the heat-retention problem. He subsequently founded
Tree Pro and began manufacturing a tree protector, dubbed Tree Pro.
PROBLEM SOLVED
Tree Pro tree protectors
eliminated the problem by allowing tree planters to open the protector up in the fall of the year to allow trees to go
dormant. Even though that's still an option, it is no longer necessary in all but the most extreme cases, thanks to venting.
VERSATILITY
Tree Pro is the most versatile design in the industry. Because it can be expanded to achieve
larger diameters, there is almost no limit to the size of tree or plant it can protect. They have, in fact, been used
to protect evergreens, grape vines, strawberry and blueberry plants, and even tomato plants.
REUSABILITY
Because Tree Pros can be easily removed, they can be reused elsewhere once they've done their
job, a significant cost advantage over tubes.
EASIER MAINTENANCE
Because they can be opened up, it's easier to perform maintenance on the tree (e.g., removal
of weeds, pruning, etc.). For this same reason, during extreme hot spells, you don't have to worry about
your tree being cooked. You simply open the protector to allow fresh air to circulate around the tree.
VENTED OR UNVENTED AVAILABLE
Tree Pro tree protectors can be supplied vented or unvented. Vented tree protectors enable the circulation
of fresh air through the holes in its wall while at the same time preserving most of the moisture around the tree.
Tree planters in most areas of the country
benefit from using vented protectors. Unvented protectors are used in more arid climates where preserving moisture
is crucial.
EASIER TO
SERVICE TREE
Although it does take longer to install Tree Pros than
it does to install tube-type shelters, you may be able to save time later because Tree Pros make it easier to service
the trees.
EXPANDABLE TO ANY WIDTH
Made of recycled polyethylene, Tree Pro protectors come in the following heights: 12, 18, 24, 30,
36, 48 and 60 inches. The diameter is about 3 5/8 inches. The diameter can be easily expanded
by coupling two or more Tree Pros together, making it ideal for protecting evergreens, tomato plants, strawberry plants, etc.
