Installation Guide As we continue to develop alternatives to plastic tree shelters we have seen that the overall performance is different under strained conditions. For this reason, we have conducted extreme weather testing to better inform customers of how to install Tubex Nature. Research states that the prevailing wind direction in most of UK is south-west*. Traditionally, in the UK stakes have been installed into the wind, which hasn’t presented problems with our standard plastic shelters. Nevetheless, our Tubex Nature bio-based and biodegradable tree shelter** performs differently under strained conditions due to the different material. We have conducted extreme wind tunnel testing to determine how to best place the stake to prevent failures. The results show that the tube performs best when placed facing the prevailing wind, resisting a wind speed of 90mpm (hurricane speed). Therefore, our recommendation is that Tubex Nature tree shelter is installed windward, so that the wind pushes the tube into the stake. How to install Tubex Nature 1. PLACE TUBE WINDWARD 2. INSTALL STAKE BEHIND TUBE After planting your sapling, position the tube on the windward side over the tree, so the wind hits the tube first (Fig A). Then intall the stake behind the tree shelter, so the wind pushes the tube into the stake (Fig A), and between 2cm to 5cm from the base of the plant . DO NOT PLACE STAKE WINDWARD How else can we help? Get in touch with us +44 1685 888 020 Tubex Tree Shelters *Lapworth, A., & McGregor, J. (2008). Seasonal variation of the prevailing wind direction in Britain. Weather, 63(12), 365-368. doi: 10.1002/wea.301 **All components of TUBEX Nature have been tested and certified to biodegrade, passing the norm 14995:2006. Full tube currently under testing for ISO:17556 Soil Biodegradability. Tested against OECD 207 for Earth-worm ecotoxicity and OECD 208 for Plant ecotoxicity - No acute toxicity detected.