Problem:

1. Nurseries must attach trees planted in containers to a static line to keep them from blowing over in the wind. Most use a cable guideline between two posts from about 50 yards -200 yards and attach the tree with rope, wire, or nylon strapping. Whatever they use, they must use an old garden hose or other material to cover the wire/strap so that it doesn’t damage the tree.
2. Trees are moved around regularly because they get root bound and must be transferred to larger containers, or to give them exposure to the customers, or to send them home with customers.  Current practices using the wire, rope or strapping are time consuming to undo and redo regularly.
3. The current practice uses worn wire, hoses, and/or straps which are often discarded after a few moves of a tree.  Workers are continuously looking for replacement material to secure the trees to the line.

Solution:

1. The EZ Tree Collar was designed with the health of the tree in mind. The “adjustable strap” and “cradling pad” are one unit made of a soft, black thermoplastic vulcanizate, TPV (EPDM/PP) in the thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) family which offers higher temperature resistance and excellent compression set with superior UV resistance.
   • The “adjustable strap” – The TPE material provides a sturdy strap with holes down the length and a strap loop and a hook clasp to secure the strap in place.  The strap is not set tight around the tree, but with about a width of 2 fingers between the trunk and the strap.  This allows the tree to move in the wind stimulating healthy root and trunk development.
   • The “cradling pad” – The TPE material covers a concave “polypropylene head” providing a soft cradle for the tree trunk reducing the risk of trunk scarring which can cause insect infestation or disruption to the nutrient flow.
2. The “CH-027M Wire Adapter” attaches to the “polypropylene head” in a snug fit. The wire adapter is easy- on with the turn of the wrist and has nodules to secure it to the wire. It is easy- off with a turn of the wrist.  Setting wire adapter and attaching or removing a tree can be done in under 10 seconds.
3. The TPE material and the polypropylene material are long lasting.  The UV resistance is rated for 4+ years.  This allows for the use and reuse of this product over a long period of time.