Growing Poplar and Willow Trees on Farms, National - FAO

locks with newly planted poles, even though they may be described as
protected by ‘cattle sleeves’, as cattle will rub against poles <strong>and</strong> push them
over while they are establishing. Cattle should be excluded for at least one
<strong>and</strong> preferably two growing seasons. The term ‘cattle sleeves’ is somewhat
misleading.
‘Dynex’ sleeves are made from an extruded plastic
tube that fits over each pole. The heavy plastic
sleeve helps to protect poles from stock damage
during the establishment years <strong>and</strong> can minimise
moisture loss when dry winds prevail. The new
‘Dynex’ type has a diamond cut zipper, which splits
as the tree’s diameter exp<strong>and</strong>s. However it pays to
regularly inspect all poles <strong>and</strong> ensure that this is
occurring. Any discarded sleeves should be
recycled. Possums find it difficult to climb the new
‘Dynex’ sleeves. If the exp<strong>and</strong>ing pole does not split
the sleeves, remove them when sheep or cattle are
not grazing the paddock, as the bark stays soft under
the sleeve. It can take up to two months for the bark
to harden.
Dynex Netlon
Sleeves
‘Netlon’ sleeves are made from plastic mesh. They are suitable where sheep
are the only stock having access to the poles. Place the sleeve on a pole
before planting, pulling it up over the pole base to around 70 cm from the
butt end <strong>and</strong> secure it there, using two vertically aligned staples placed about
150 mm from either end (very important). In this way a ‘Netlon’ sleeve will
act as a planting depth guide. As the pole grows into a vigorous tree the
sleeve will break down <strong>and</strong> fall away. Be aware, however, that in areas with
high possum populations this protection will not be adequate.
If ‘Netlon’ sleeves are unattached <strong>and</strong> fall off by themselves, stock grazing
the area will damage the soft bark. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council l<strong>and</strong>
management officers say they use 1.7 m long sleeves in both ‘Dynex’ <strong>and</strong>
‘Netlon’. They generally put ‘Netlon’ sleeves on first (up from the bottom
because of the trimmed branch stubs) but do not fix them, as pole planters
have often struck hard material before the pole was rammed right down,
leaving the sleeve suspended above the ground.
‘Netlon’ sleeves exp<strong>and</strong> as the tree develops <strong>and</strong> remain on tree trunks for
years. Rolls of similar material can be bought, cut to size <strong>and</strong> tied with
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