Watering |
|---|
Size |
Climate |
Uses |
Maintenance |
Cost |
Comparison with ordinary tree guards |
Product |
Why do you only have to fill it once a month when all the water drips out by day 16?
Our tests have shown that by deliberately not refilling the Water Tube™ immediately, the plant’s root development is stimulated over the next 14 days or so. You end up with a stronger plant that grows faster and therefore has a far better growth and survival rate.
Can we refill the Water Tube™ more often?
Quantity of water has been calculated according to a young tree needs. The plant gets used to reduce its consumption of water progressively for this reason it will not undergo hydrous stress. From the 2nd cycle (essential cycle) roots spread out looking for humidity in the soil. When the soil is particularly fine and sandy or in extreme climates, then more frequent refilling might be indicated. You will tell by measuring the retained moisture levels once the drip cycle has ended. If the retained water/moisture is low, you might consider refilling earlier.
Can you adjust the flow of water to the plant?
Yes, there are a number of ways of doing this. If you wind the coil dripper into the bag more than the recommended two turns, the water will flow faster. Similarly, if you cut the dripper to shorten it, the water will flow faster. However, we do not recommend either of these actions.
Is there different size of Water Tube?
The Water Tube has been carefully and rigorously designed to ensure that the relationship between the height and the effective length is such that we can control the drip rate, and life of the reservoir reserves. If we made it higher - which would demand significant re-tooling of all parts of the production process - the drip rate would increase due to the gravitational effect of a taller column of water within the unit.
What happens when it freezes?
The Water tube has been tested in temperatures so low (minus 12°C) that the water has frozen. Here is what happened. The product did not break, split or fracture due to the excellent elasticity of the polyethylene. The plants inside thrived as due to the Latent Heat of Fusion, as the water cooled and then froze, heat was released and the plant benefited from this protective micro-environment. It turned out to be an excellent frost protector as well! The water kept dripping even though it was frozen as the ice kept melting at its surfaces inside the Tube so there was a continuous slow drip to the plant. The water warmed up as it passed through the coil and reached the plant at the same temperature as the ambient one within the water wall surrounding the young tree so there was no plant shock.
What happens when it is very hot?
The Water Tube™ has been field tested at temperatures well over 40°C when the temperature of the water only rose 5°C. The young tree is protected from the sun thanks to its anti-UV outer jacket. Moreover, there is no evaporation because water is stored “Inside” the tube, the only opening being the tabs at the top of the tube where water refilling is operated . Water flows via the coil dripper directly to the base of the stem. There is no possible waste.
Has the Water Tube™ been tested thoroughly?
Yes. It has been examined and endorsed by the NSW Innovation Council, the Olympics Business Roundtable, has been selected as a featured company in Australian Technology Showcase, and has won numerous awards. It has been trialed by Charles Sturt University by their Department of Agriculture with outstanding results.
Is it difficult to install?
No, it is extremely easy. All you need are three hardwood stakes, the Water Tube™ and the coil dripper. It takes no longer to install than an ordinary tree guard.
Can the coil dripper get clogged?
If well positioned it should not happen. If it does, soak the coil dripper in warm soaped water, blow into one end, repeat action if necessary and rinse well. Once cleaned, replace the coil dripper exactly at the same place in order to avoid a second hole in the tube. Don’t forget to reposition the other end at the base of the stem and check the water flow.
Does the water leak out where the coil dripper is inserted?
No, because the polyethylene formula has been carefully tested to ensure that the bag self-seals with the pressure of the water around the point where the dripper is inserted.
What if I accidentally damage the Water Tube™? Can it be repaired?
The Water Tube™ is easily repaired if, for instance, a splinter from a stake punctures the plastic. Just apply a small patch of waterproof cloth adhesive tape and it will be as good as new. But remember, the Water Tube™ is made from very strong polyethylene and will stand up to a lot of wear and even re-use on another plant.
Is the Water Tube™ re-useable?
Yes. The Water Tube™ is UV protected and is expected to last for up to two years. You should get at least two applications from it, sometimes four depending on the applications. It is really great value under those circumstances.
This is more expensive than ordinary tree guards. Why is it a better system?
For starters, ordinary tree guards are not water reservoirs. An ordinary tree guard will not water your plant. Beyond that, extensive tests have shown that the cost of the Water Tube™ is recovered by the second week, due to savings on watering costs. It saves you time, effort and ensures that the plant gets all the water it needs, when it needs it most. There is no waste of water due to run-off, and even when you are not there, your plant is being cared for. The plant survives. The plant thrives.
Are there other ways in which this product is superior to ordinary tree guards?
Yes. The Water Tube™ is a far stronger and more durable guard for your plant. The stakes are stronger than the light-weight sticks or bamboo used generally for tree guards. Our product will stand up to strong winds and driving sand or soils, and foraging animals and pests. The insulation properties are also far superior as the Water Tube™ is double skinned and of course contains water, thus giving it considerable strength and stability. The other difference is precisely why the Water Tube™ has attracted so much interest in Australia and overseas. It is of course a unique watering system. The Water Tube™ not only protects the plant, it nurtures it by supplying water to the plant’s developing root system.
Why is Water Tube is a better system than using black PVC pipe and pumps to irrigate the plant?
Well, for starters, the polyethylene we use, which is 100% recyclable, is far more environmentally friendly than PVC. Secondly, we have competitively costed the two systems and the cost of the PVC pipe, connectors, fittings, pumps, regulators and all the other costs associated with this sort of system means that the cost per plant is up to 500% greater than if a Water Tube™ was used. And remember, by using the Water Tube™, more plants can be planted and established quickly and successfully than by using any other system. There is no need for replanting.
What else should I know about the Water Tube™?
It is 100% recyclable, it is easy to install, it saves water, it saves your time, and it will save your plant. When a plant is protected and nurtured by a Water Tube™ it grows faster, it thrives and you gain the most benefit from your efforts to grow plants and trees.