Soil Ecology Restoration Group
last update December 29, 1997
Restoration equipment and supplies
The following is a listing of some equipment and supplies we frequently use for restoration projects, and some suppliers from which they are they are available. Some of these items have not been scientifically field tested, but may be of interest to restorationists. Plant protectors
Tree shelters have worked well but are not a panacea for all situations
and species. Plants with upright growth forms and rapid growth rates seem particularly
well suited for tree shelters. The benefits in reducing transplant shock seem
to extend to many other species as well and a 2-3 month starting shelter may
be generally advised. We are currently studying the environment (moisture, light,
and CO2 levels) within TreePee, Tubex, and wire cage treeshelters, and the growth
response of Prosopis glandulaosa var. torreyana (honey mesquite)
transplanted in the Yuha Desert (near the southwest corner of the Salton Sea)
- Treepee Recycled plastic made in two part cones with built-in wire
pegs. Currently being studied.
- Tubex Treeshelters Double wall plastic shelters. Stable, easy to
install. Flared top. Two colors. Currently being studied
- Tree Pro The Tree Pro shelters (8" to 6 feet) are made of polyethylene
and are assembled on site. The top is flared to reduce damage.
- BLUE-X The Blue-X shelters are made of rolled recycled X ray film.
- All Season Wholesale Nursery
- 10656 Sheldon Woods Way
- Elk Grove, CA 95624
- (916) 689-0902
- Plastic mesh International Reforestation Suppliers manufactures plastic
mesh tubes for plant protection. The open mesh provides little protection
from drying winds and blowing sand. The plastic mesh is photo degradable (different
lifetimes are available) and if staked with bamboo can be left in place.
- Wire screen fences (currently being studied), tubes, and cages. Wire
fences, cages and boxes can be made in any shape desired. Rabbits and rodents
rarely cross 3 foot tall fences. Cattle and burros can be controlled with
six foot cages made with T-posts and welded wire mesh or tall treeshelters.
We have found that 1/2"-2" wire mesh threaded over 1/4" reinforcing bar stakes
("pencil rod") works very well. These can be readily dismantled for reuse
on other sites. Final cost may be less than $1 for 2 ft tall stucco wire cages
1 ft in diameter. It can help to use short treeshelters in cages.
- Repellents
Many commercial and homemade solutions have been tried to little avail. Systemic
repellents included in container mix appear most likely to help.
- ASG Consultants
- 7868 11th Avenue, Burnaby, BC
- V3N-2N3
- (604) 521-0864
Containers
We recently published a paper in Restoration and Management notes on techniques
for plant establishment in arid ecosystems, in which we give a detailed explanation
of containers and soil mixes (ask for
our paper).
- Plant bands are often the best option for growing plants. Costs are
low and 2x2x14" bands provide a good root:shoot ratio.
- Stuewe and Sons (cells, foam blocks, plant bands)
- 2290 SE Kieger Island Rd
- Corvallis, Oregon 97333
- (541) 757-7798
- Silvaseed (foam blocks)
- PO Box 118
- Roy, WA 98580
- (253) 843-2246
- Pacific Western Containers (plant bands)
- 1535 East Edinger
- Santa Ana, CA 92705
- (714) 547-9266
Other Tools
Augers- Cannon Tree Planter (IRS)
- AMS - hand auger (IRS)
Irrigation goodies- Water jugs (3 gal Igloo) BM
- Battery irrigation valve (Galcon) GS
- Watering cans (French) GS
Gardener's Supply
128 Intervale Road
Burlington, VT 05401
(800) 444-6417
Carts Screen cutters (for tall pot bottoms) - TWP Inc. 2133 Fourth St Berkely, CA 94710 (800) 227-1570
