If you do not qualify for trade rates, immediate payment by credit or debit card via Sage Pay is required, or you may request contact from the office to make payment over the phone.
For customers who have been accepted for trade rates, we offer several ordering and payment options, including:
Immediate payment by credit or debit card via Sage Pay, our payment service provider.
Order on account (available to credit account customers only).
Request contact from the office & make payment over the phone.
Place order to reserve stock & request a call back to discuss timings, with payment only required upon despatch.
Please note that there is a minimum order value of £50.00 + VAT, excluding delivery.
Delivery
Delivery to UK mainland is included for stock orders over £1500.00 + VAT (subject to postcode surcharges). For full details on delivery please view our delivery page.
The 100% biodegradable spiral guard from NexGen delivers protection for young trees, nurturing healthy growth, leaving only a positive environmental legacy.
NexGen spiral guards can help you replace the use of PVC and plastic spiral guards with a viable, environmentally friendly alternative. So confident are NexGen about their range, they have a 5 year Warranty against material failure (T&C apply). An industry first, find out more about the Warranty here.
The man behind the innovation is Gary Hurlstone, whose father Graham invented the Tubex Tree Shelter in the mid 1980’s.
Gary took his father’s 35 year old design and set out to deliver a range of protection that performs at least as well, whilst being environmentally friendly and cost effective.
The spiral guards are made from a special mix of British wool, a biodegradable polyol (made from ethically sourced cashew nutshell liquid and castor oil), and an innovative biodegradable custom polymer.
At its heart is a simple concept that has taken four years of extensive research and development, working with foresters, landowners and industry experts, to deliver the next generation in tree protection.
Scientifically proven as 100% biodegradable this is a spiral guard that delivers the perfect environment for young tree plants to thrive in, without harming the environment.
Benefits:
Protects from browsing animals and creates a microclimate to promote healthy growth
Easy installation
100% biodegradable - no need for collection and recycling.
Installation
Plant the bare root or cell grown plant and insert the cane next to the plant. Place the spiral guard over or wrap around both the plant and the cane (i.e. the cane on the inside of the spiral). See the installation tab for more information.
Spiral/coiled design
Expands with the growth of the tree.
Auto tree release
The spiral biodegrades to allow the tree to break free, avoiding strangulation.
Lifespan
5 years protection
Confirmed by independent weathering certification* (depending on location, tree canopy, soil & microbes). *"After extensive testing, Impact
Solutions can confirm that the NexGen unique combination of materials will biodegrade. At around 5 years the tree shelters will start to break down resulting in neutral pH and ecotoxicity, and will become food for micro-organisms." - Steven Burns · Impact Solutions, Scotland
Strong recoil
To ensure the spiral guard stays on the plant in windy conditions.
Natural colour
The colour changes over time blending into the natural environment with no loss of performance.
Supports biodiversity
Over time, mosses and lichens grow on the spirals, supporting a rich biodiversity.
No impact on environment
Breaks down as H2O, CO2 and nitrogen, becoming a form of 'bug food'.
pH and ecotoxity neutral
Does not change soil pH levels when breaking down.
100% biodegradable
Because of the materials used, the NexGen range is 100% biodegradable.
Installation
Compostable boxes
In compostable cardboard boxes for ease of transport and handling.
Nested
For ease of movement around site.
Easy to install
Drop over a slim plant or wrap around more bushy species.
Longitudinally rigid
Meaning NexGen spiral guards retain their full height.
Can be left in situ
Especially useful when creating hedgerows (removing plastic spirals can be a challenge).
No removal needed
Save money - no collection or recycling needed.
Identify which damaging agent (animal) you wish to protect your plants from. This will influence the height of your protection. NexGen 60cm spiral guards can help protect against rabbits.
Should you wish to protect your planting scheme from other animals then please select a taller form of protection.
NexGen Spiral Guards - Available size
Protecting against
Vole
Rabbit
Hare
Muntjac, Roe Deer
Fallow Deer
Red Deer
Minimum height of tube for protection
20cm
60cm
75cm
1.20m
1.50m
1.80m
Height of supporting (cane) or stake*
Not required
90cm (cane)
90cm
1.20m or 1.35m
1.50m
1.80m
*It is advisable to use a longer cane for sandier, lighter soils.
Diameter types
NexGen spiral guards are nested (one inside the other), to save space and time when moving plant protection around a site.
NexGen spiral guards are (on average) 40mm diameter and as such are suitable for slim seedlings (i.e. not shrubs).
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 cane on the windward side if there are strong prevailing winds, and between 2cm to 5cm from the base of the plant.
2. Press the cane into the ground (ideally knocking 1/3 of its height into the ground). Ensure it is vertical (particularly important on sloping ground).
Protect
1. NexGen spiral guards can be installed by feeding over the top of the plant and cane – taking care not to damage any stems. Alternatively they can be wrapped around the plant from the base up. This is particularly useful for slightly broader seedlings.
2. You can leave NexGen spiral guards in situ because they will biodegrade.