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EmGuard™ Plant Protectors

EmGuard™ Plant Protectors

Regular price $64.40 NZD
Regular price Sale price $64.40 NZD
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EmGuard™ are the original environmentally friendly, bio-degradable, cardboard plant guards.

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Product Description

EmGuard™ are the original environmentally friendly, bio-degradable, cardboard plant guards developed by our parters, FuturEcology, as a solution to plastic debris entering waterways.

Plant guards have been shown to greatly improve the chances of survival and promote growth in plants.

Key Benefits

How EmGuard™ Plant Protectors Work

EmGuard™ Plant Protectors reduce ongoing plant maintenance time and costs, protect plants from predators such as hares and pukeko, help in identifying where plants are in a planted area, reduce water loss and provide a microclimate favourable to growth.

They are particularly valuable in the first year of establishment especially where root trainer or small grade plants are used.

EmGuard™ Plant Protectors are:

Designed and manufactured in NZ, using a majority of recycled pulp. Specifically designed to cope with our tough Kiwi conditions. Have a perforated logo which will protect the plant from pesticides if left intact, and allows greater airflow and light exposure if removed Fully recyclable and biodegradable Coated with a food safe and FDA compliant moisture barrier PH of 7.00-8.00. Have a high bursting strength, and will withstand some inundation over a period of time Will last for over a year in the field, under normal riparian conditions
A key value of the EmGuard™ is that, like Wool.Life mulch and weed matting, it does not need to be removed once plant establishment has occurred as will naturally break down and biodegrade over time.

EmGuard™ Specifications:

EmGuard™ Plant Protectors are 350mm high. Come with a perforated logo that can be removed to allow more light and airflow EmGuard™ Plant Protectors, when folded, form a triangle with three sides of 200mmx350mm.
They are quick and easy to install, requiring only one 900mmx10-12mm stake
Requiring only one stake gives EmGuard™ huge advantage in terms of efficiency, even allowing the EmGuard™ to be used on difficult terrain. The folding method ensures the guard grips the stake, so they don’t blow off in the wind.

Bamboo stakes

EmGuard™ Plant Protectors can be purchased with or without accompanying bamboo stakes.

Wool.Life and EmGuard™ a Match Made in Godzone

Wool.Life mulch and weed matting used together with the EmGuard™ provide establishing plants with the best in soil heat and moisture retention, weed suppression, environmental protection and, ultimately, further nutrients as both products biodegrade.

Wool.Life and EmGuard™ will give your plants the very best start in growth.

Download Emguard™ folding instructions

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Frequently Asked Questions

About the Product & Its Benefits

What is an EmGuard™ plant protector?

EmGuard™ is a NZ-made biodegradable plant guard made from majority recycled pulp cardboard that protects young plants from wind, frost, and pests while promoting strong growth.

How are EmGuard™ plant guards different from plastic ones?

Unlike plastic sleeves, EmGuard™ guards are recyclable, breathable, and naturally decompose, no removal or landfill waste required.

Are EmGuard™ plant guards biodegradable?

Yes. EmGuard™ guards naturally break down after plant establishment, leaving no microplastics or residue in the environment.

How long do EmGuard™ plant guards last?

In normal NZ riparian conditions, EmGuard™ guards last over a year before softening and decomposing.

Do EmGuard™ plant guards protect plants from hares and pukeko?

Yes. Their triangular shape and sturdy cardboard walls protect seedlings from browsing animals like hares, rabbits, and pukeko.

Are EmGuard™ plant guards safe for waterways?

Yes. If a guard is washed into a stream, it will naturally biodegrade without harming aquatic life.

Practical Application & Performance

How do you install an EmGuard™ plant guard?

Fold along the creases to form a triangle, then secure with one 900 mm stake through the pre-cut slots. The design grips tightly and won’t blow away.

Do EmGuard™ guards protect plants from frost and wind?

Yes. The triangular design shelters plants from wind, cold, and exposure, helping seedlings establish faster.

Can you use EmGuard™ plant guards for native trees?

Absolutely. They’re ideal for native and riparian planting, protecting seedlings through their first growing season.

Do EmGuard™ guards reduce weeding and maintenance?

Yes. By shading the soil, they limit weed competition and reduce the need for chemical or manual weeding.

Do EmGuard™ guards need to be removed?

No. They naturally break down in the field, saving time and disposal costs.

How do EmGuard™ guards help with plant growth?

They create a stable microclimate that retains warmth and moisture, improving plant survival and early growth rates.

Environmental & Sustainability

What are EmGuard™ plant guards made of?

They’re made from majority recycled pulp cardboard with a food-safe, FDA-compliant moisture barrier for strength and durability.

Why is cardboard better than plastic for plant guards?

Cardboard guards biodegrade, enrich soil, and eliminate plastic waste, while plastic guards need collection and disposal.

Do EmGuard™ guards have any plastic in them?

No. They’re made entirely from cardboard and a safe biodegradable coating, no hidden plastics.

Will EmGuard™ guards break down into microplastics?

No. They decompose naturally into organic matter without leaving plastic particles behind.

Is the manufacturing of EmGuard™ environmentally friendly?

Yes. They’re produced in New Zealand using recycled materials and low-impact processes.

Are EmGuard™ plant guards made in New Zealand?

Yes. EmGuard™ is proudly NZ-made, designed to suit local conditions and planting projects.

Comparison & Value

Are EmGuard™ plant guards worth the cost?

Yes. They save labour, don’t need removal, and reduce maintenance offering better long-term value than disposable plastic guards.

EmGuard™ vs. other biodegradable plant guards: which is better?

EmGuard™ stands out for strength, quick installation with one stake, and proven NZ field performance.

Can EmGuard™ guards be used with mulch mats?

Yes. They pair perfectly with Wool.Life wool mulch mats for maximum weed suppression and moisture retention.

Where can I buy EmGuard™ plant guards in NZ?

General Questions About Plant Protectors

What are plant protectors for?

They shield young plants from wind, frost, animals, and herbicide drift during early establishment.

Why use a plant protector in NZ?

New Zealand’s variable climate and browsing wildlife make plant guards essential for native restoration success.

What’s the difference between a plant protector and a tree guard?

Tree guards are taller and used for woody plants; protectors like EmGuard™ suit seedlings and shrubs.

Do plant protectors really work?

Yes. Field trials show significantly higher survival and growth rates when guards are used.

How do plant protectors help plants grow faster?

They trap warmth, retain moisture, and protect against stress, allowing consistent, healthy growth.

Protection from Animals & Pests

What can I use to protect plants from rabbits and hares in NZ?

Use sturdy cardboard guards like EmGuard™, which block access and withstand chewing.

How do you protect young plants from pukeko?

Emguards rigid sides and triangular design prevent birds from pulling out seedlings.

What can I use to stop birds from eating my seedlings?

Cardboard guards and light mesh covers deter birds while allowing airflow and sunlight.

Do plant protectors keep slugs and snails away?

They help reduce slug and snail activity by limiting access and keeping the soil drier near stems.

What height do plant guards need to be to protect against hares?

Guards should be around 350 mm high exactly the height of EmGuard™ for effective protection.

Protection from Weather & Environment

How to protect plants from frost in NZ?

Use guards like EmGuard™ that trap ground heat and reduce frost settling around stems.

What’s the best way to protect seedlings from wind?

Install a triangular cardboard guard to deflect wind and prevent root rock.

Do plant protectors prevent sun scorching?

Yes. They provide shade and reduce reflection from surrounding soil.

How do you create a microclimate for plants in NZ?

Combining plant guards with wool mulch mats locks in moisture and stabilises soil temperature.

Do plant protectors help with water retention?

Yes. Guards reduce evaporation, especially when paired with biodegradable mulch.

Protection from Weather & Environment

Are biodegradable plant protectors better?

Yes. They save time, reduce waste, and break down safely ideal for eco-restoration.

What are plant protectors made of?

Cardboard, wool, or natural fibres each chosen for biodegradability and plant safety.

Wool vs. plastic plant protectors: which is more eco-friendly?

Wool and cardboard guards are far better; they return nutrients to the soil instead of creating plastic waste.

Do plastic plant protectors break down and harm the environment?

Yes. Plastic guards degrade into microplastics that pollute soil and waterways.

Are cardboard plant guards effective?

Yes. Modern cardboard guards like EmGuard™ are moisture-resistant, durable, and proven in NZ conditions.

Installation & Sourcing

How do you install a plant protector?

Form the guard, insert a single stake, and press into the ground quick, stable, and efficient.

Where can I buy plant protectors in NZ?

Wool.Life supply them online with nationwide delivery.

Can you make your own plant protectors?

Yes, but purpose-made EmGuard™ guards are stronger, faster to install, and field-tested.

How long should you leave a plant protector on?

Keep it in place for the first 12–18 months or until the plant is well established.

Do I need a stake with my plant protector?

Yes. One 900 mm × 10–12 mm bamboo stake securely holds each EmGuard™ in place.