Planting an olive grove requires significant planning, implementation, and budget with the hope that they will soon produce a commercial crop. However, young trees are vulnerable to harsh environmental factors such as intense UV exposure, herbicide spray drift, animal grazing, machinery damage, wind damage, and accidental damage. To ensure best practice for survival, tree guards offer an effective solution by creating a protective barrier. There is a variety of tree guards, each with unique benefits and limitations. Let's explore the three most common types.
Fibreboard Tree Guards
Fibreboard tree guards are a cost-effective, biodegradable solution for protecting young olive trees. Made in Australia, they break down naturally with sun and rain, reducing removal costs. Easy to install with precut slots for bamboo stakes, they are ideal for large-scale olive grove plantings. While they have a short lifespan of 6-12 months and offer limited protection against grazing animals and extreme weather, they provide a simple, eco-friendly option for establishing new trees. Recommended to use with Bamboo Stakes 600 x 10/12mm - 2 per guard.
Plastic Sleeve Tree Guards
Plastic sleeve tree guards are a popular choice for olive groves, offering strong protection against animals, spray drift, and harsh weather. They create a microenvironment that boosts humidity and CO₂ levels while reducing UV exposure, helping young olive trees grow faster. More durable than fibreboard guards, they can be reused, making them a sustainable option for long-term grove management. While installation requires precision and can be time-consuming, the enhanced tree protection and growth benefits make plastic sleeve guards a reliable choice for olive growers. Recommended to use with Bamboo Stakes 750mm x 12/14mm - 3 per guard.
Corflute Tree Guards
Corflute tree guards provide superior, long-lasting protection for young olive trees, shielding them from wind, spray drift, and animal damage. Made from thick, UV-stabilised plastic, these durable guards can be reused multiple times, making them a cost-effective choice for olive grove establishment. Their quick and easy installation reduces labour costs, and they are 100% recyclable, offering an eco-friendly solution for sustainable olive farming. While they have a higher initial cost than fibreboard or plastic sleeve guards, their durability and reusability make them a smart investment for olive growers. Recommended to use with Bamboo Stake 1.5m x 16-18mm - 1 per guard.