Guard Wars - The Epic Battle for Most Efficient

Calling all efficiency geeks!

Ever been driving through a regional area and noticed those little rectangles out in the middle of a field and thought: "What on earth are those?"

Quick answer: They're tree guards, a.k.a. the baby-tree-bodyguards.

At Forestme, we've planted and guarded a whopping 300,000 trees, shrubs, and groundcovers in the past year. And let me tell you, not all guards are created equal. We've put them to the test, and it's time to spill the beans on which one reigns supreme in the efficiency game.

Now, before we get into the details, it's important to remember we're not so concerned about efficacy or eco-friendliness. We're talking hardcore, down-and-dirty efficiency when getting them in the ground. Our rating system? Simple: 1/10 for "might as well take a nap" and 10/10 for "lightning-fast." We're judging based on transport ease, construction speed, and installation swiftness.

So, the highest score at the end is the winner.

Plastic Tree Sleeves → The Budget-Friendly Time Gobbler

These sleeves are the wallet-friendly option, but man, do they love to eat up your time. With a transport score of 6/10, they're not too shabby to move around. But construction and installation? A measly 2/10. Three stakes per guard? Come on, we've got trees to plant!

Total: 10/30

Plastic Flute → The Rigid Speedster

The Mallee fluted guards are like the sports cars of tree guards—sleek and fast. Transport's a bit of a pain (3/10), but construction and installation? We're talking a solid 7/10. Pop them open, slam in a stake, and you're golden.

Total: 17/30

Cardboard Tube → The Eco-Friendly Speed Demon

These tubes are the ninjas of the tree guard world. Flexible, fast, and they blend right in. Transport gets a 5/10, but construction and installation? A whopping 9/10 and 8/10. One stake, easy setup, and you're off to the races.

Total: 22/30

Cardboard Carton → The Cost-Effective Slowpoke

Cost-effective? Heck yes. Speedy? Not so much. Transport's a dream (9/10) since they fold up like origami. But construction and installation? We're back to Snoozeville with 4/10 and 5/10. Two stakes and a tight squeeze for plants? Next, please.

Total: 18/30

GreenPOD Recycled Paper → The Middle-of-the-Road Eco Warrior

Made from 100% recycled paper, these guys are doing their bit for the planet. Transport's a bit awkward (3/10), and with a construction score of 6/10 and installation at 6/10, they're not winning any races but not trailing behind either.

Total: 17/30

And the Winner Is...

Drumroll, please... The Cardboard Tube! For sheer speed and efficiency, this bad boy can't be beaten. It's the Usain Bolt of tree guards—fast, efficient, and leaves the others in the dust.

In the tree-planting biz, time is of the essence. While all these guards have their perks, when it comes to getting those trees in the ground fast, the Cardboard Tube takes the cake.

Here's to planting more trees quicker and with less hassle.

Curious about our tree-planting adventures and guard wars? Stay tuned for more weird and wonderful tree planting breakdowns.