Frequently asked questions about ordering, delivery and choosing the right guard from our full product range — also called plant covers, tree covers, plant shields, seedling protectors or cardboard sleeves. Can’t find what you need? Email plantguard@pm.me or call 021 844 665.
Do you sell directly to home gardeners, or only wholesale?
Yes — while we primarily supply wholesale and restoration-scale orders by the full pallet (including catchment groups, councils, orchards, vineyards and farms), we also offer retail collection from our Tasman base for smaller quantities, with a minimum order of 100 units, sold in multiples of 50.
What’s the minimum order size?
It depends on the product. Wholesale orders are supplied by the full pallet: EcoShield Pro has a minimum of one pallet (1,500 units), EcoShield Core a minimum of two pallets (1,800 units), and EcoShield Base a minimum of one pallet (4,800 units). Smaller retail orders have a minimum of 100 units, sold in multiples of 50. Not sure how many guards you need for your project? Contact us and we’ll help you work it out.
Can I collect my order in person?
Yes — most of our customers do. Local pickup is available direct from our depot in Mariri for anyone across Nelson, Tasman, Motueka, Golden Bay, Marlborough and the wider top of the South Island. It’s free, and usually the easiest and cheapest way to get your order, with collection arranged around a time that suits you. Get in touch to organise a time. If you’re further afield, we freight pallet orders nationwide — see below for details.
Do you deliver nationwide?
Yes — pallet orders are freighted nationwide through our courier partner, wherever you’re planting.
How is freight calculated?
Freight is calculated by delivery zone and pallet size. Send us your delivery address and order size and we’ll get back to you with an accurate quote.
How do I pay?
Payment is by bank transfer. Once you confirm your order, we’ll raise an invoice for you to pay by bank transfer.
How long do the guards last before they break down?
It depends on the guard and your site conditions. EcoShield Pro typically lasts 12 months to 3+ years, EcoShield Core lasts 6 months to 2 years, and EcoShield Base lasts 3–12 months — long enough to suppress weeds through the critical early establishment period without needing to be hand-released. As fully compostable, plastic-free cardboard plant guards, they leave nothing behind. Guards on a dry, well-maintained site last towards the longer end of these ranges; guards left in constant contact with wet weeds or vegetation break down faster. See our EcoShield Pro vs EcoShield Core vs EcoShield Base comparison guide for more detail.
Which guard is right for my project?
It depends on your site conditions, plant type and budget. See our EcoShield Pro vs EcoShield Core vs EcoShield Base comparison guide, or get in touch and we’ll recommend the right option for your site.
Why don’t your guards have holes or vents in the sides?
Two reasons. Plastic guards trap heat and light inside, which can scorch your plant in summer and breaks down into microplastics over time. Vented cardboard guards have the opposite problem — spray gets straight through to the seedling, and the holes weaken the guard, making it easy for pests like pūkeko to tear apart. Our solid-sided, hole-free design avoids both: light only reaches in from the top, keeping the seedling cooler and spray-protected while it grows up and self-shades over time. See our full guard comparison for the details.
How do your cardboard guards compare to corflute (plastic) guards?
Corflute (rigid fluted plastic) blocks spray and wind well, and can be reused if collected after each planting, which suits some budgets. But it doesn’t break down, so it has to be physically retrieved, and anything left behind sheds microplastics. Being sealed plastic, it also traps heat, which can stress the seedling. Our cardboard guards are 100% biodegradable — fit once and leave, nothing to collect — which is usually the deciding factor for large-scale restoration and catchment plantings where guards won’t be retrieved. More on this in our guard comparison.
Do your guards work on sloping or hillside sites?
Yes — EcoShield Pro and EcoShield Core both have a base with one flat edge and one angled edge. Use the flat edge on level ground; on a slope, flip the guard so the angled edge follows the downhill side for an instant fit, no extra parts needed. Without it, a gap opens on the downhill side, exposing the seedling to spray and letting weeds establish underneath.
Do you supply bamboo stakes?
Yes, two ways. We offer free recycled bamboo stakes to customers who collect from our yard, and can help coordinate collection for larger orders (Top of the South only). We also supply new 0.6m, 8–10mm bamboo tree stakes for $0.17 each (excl. GST), or a 500-pack for $75 (excl. GST). We strongly recommend two stakes per guard for stability.
Are your guards suitable for windy, exposed or coastal sites?
Yes — our guards are built to handle New Zealand’s toughest planting conditions, including wind, browsing animals, pests and herbicide spray.
Do you supply council and restoration-trust projects?
Yes — we regularly supply large planting programmes for organisations including NZ Landcare Trust, Te Tauihu Environment Trust, Tasman Bay Guardians, Tasman District Council and The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa.
Are your prices competitive?
We believe EcoShield Core is one of the most affordable New Zealand‑made biodegradable plant guards on the market, and our full range is priced to compete with any biodegradable alternative. Found a better price on a comparable New Zealand‑made biodegradable guard? Let us know and we’ll do our best to beat it.