Tree growth sleeve and sleeve-shaped material sheet for use in such a tree growth sleeve

Abstract

The invention relates to a tree growth sleeve (2) for the mechanical protection of a young tree (4) or a young plant. It is proposed that the tree growth sleeve (2) comprises at least two separate material webs (12), each of which, in the intended use of the tree growth sleeve (2) for the protection of a young tree (4) or a young plant, has a sleeve shape with a longitudinal extension (14), wherein the at least two sleeve-shaped material webs (12) are inserted into one another parallel to their longitudinal extension (14), so that different lengths of the tree growth sleeve (2) can be adjusted relative to each other by longitudinally displacing the material webs (12).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a tree growth cover for the mechanical protection of a young tree or young plant. Furthermore, the invention relates to a sleeve-shaped material web for use in such a tree growth cover.

[0002] Tree cover sleeves provide a type of mechanical protection against damage caused by wildlife, particularly against browsing and damage caused by wild animals such as deer. Furthermore, cover sleeves can offer advantages in terms of improved growth conditions for the trees and plants (e.g., through defined climatic conditions and ventilation within the cover sleeve). Finally, cover sleeves can also provide protection against mechanical weed control. Tree cover sleeves are used particularly for replanting large areas, either to rejuvenate the tree population or to reforest areas after the destruction of the existing tree population by natural events such as fire or storm, in order to protect newly planted trees and plants.

[0003] Until now, it was common practice to manufacture tree growth sleeves from plastic in order to achieve the low production costs and long durability or service life (usually between 5 and 10 years) desired by the forestry industry. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for mechanically degradable and recyclable (removal of the growth sleeves by hand) or self-degradable (e.g., chemically or microbiologically) growth sleeves. After a precisely defined period of full functionality, a similarly quantified period of time until residue-free decomposition at the site of use should follow.

[0004] Various self-degrading growth covers are known in the state of the art. The products marketed by Tubex, Aberdare, South Wales, UK, under the brand name "Nature" are made of petroleum-based polypropylene (PP) and contain an additional 30% starch. Like most plastic materials, they are made durable against high-energy UV radiation by the addition of UV stabilizers. The chemical, so-called photo-oxidative degradation process involves the decomposition of a polymer through the interaction of UV radiation and oxygen (e.g., PP, PE). The blend of materials ensures a predictable storage period and a definable service life and functional duration in the forest. Complete biological degradation then depends on the site conditions of use, such as temperature, shading, humidity, bacteria, and fungi.

[0005] The "BioWit NT Natur" products from Witasek PflanzenSchutz GmbH, Feldkirchen, Austria, have a lifespan of three years. They are made of compostable material, which also includes a plastic component.

[0006] For example, US 2003 / 208953 A1 discloses a self-degrading tree growth cover made of a biodegradable material, in particular a starch-based plastic without hydrocarbon-based materials. The tree growth covers known from this publication are particularly preferably made of a plastic made from renewable raw materials.

[0007] Furthermore, WO 2022 / 003516 A1 discloses a self-degrading tree cover made of natural fibers, such as plant fibers. In particular, the fibers can be paper pulp, wood pulp, coffee hulls, rice hulls, ground rice hulls, cotton, and bamboo, or a combination of two or more of these fibers.

[0008] Furthermore, the well-known tree growth sleeves, whether made of plastic or a self-degrading material, usually consist of a sleeve with a round or polygonal cross-section that is placed over the plant or tree seedling from above. Some tree growth sleeves are also delivered as a sheet of material that is placed around the plant or tree seedling from one side. On the opposite side of the plant or tree seedling, the opposite edges of the sheet of material are attached to each other, for example, by gluing, welding, clamping, snapping, or a fastener.

[0009] Common to all known tree growth sleeves is the fact that they form a single element in the longitudinal direction, i.e., parallel to the growth direction of the tree or plant, and, in particular, are not adjustable in length. Depending on requirements, tree growth sleeves are therefore available in various predefined lengths. However, this requires the production of different versions of one type of tree growth sleeve with different lengths, as well as their transport, storage, and handling by the customer.

[0010] US 5,692,337 A discloses a protective device for young plants comprising two cylindrical sleeves inserted into one another. In a further alternative, this document describes the use of a protective device comprising two sleeves with a square cross-section that are inserted into one another. A fundamentally similar structure is described in DE 10 2013 000 769 A1.

[0011] EP 3 788 869 A1 discloses a translucent growth sleeve made of corrugated cardboard. The growth sleeve is made from a flat blank, with the longitudinal edges of the blank joined together. Perforations are provided in the flat blank to ventilate the growth sleeve.

[0012] US 2012 / 0 080 156 A1 describes a paper comprising a base mass of fibrillated long fibers, cellulose fibrils, mineral filler particles and an anionic binder, wherein the mineral filler particles are present in an amount of up to 90 wt.% of the paper.

[0013] Based on the described prior art, the present invention seeks to propose a tree growth cover that offers greater flexibility in terms of length and that can be manufactured, transported, stored, and handled particularly easily and cost-effectively. Furthermore, it would be desirable for the tree growth cover to be completely biodegradable and contain no plastic.

[0014] To achieve this object, the invention proposes a tree growth cover with the features of claim 1. In particular, starting from the tree growth cover of the type mentioned at the outset, it is proposed that the tree growth cover has at least two separate material webs, which, when the tree growth cover is used as intended to protect a young tree or a young plant, each have a sleeve shape with a longitudinal extension, wherein the at least two sleeve-shaped material webs are pushed into one another parallel to their longitudinal extension, so that different lengths of the tree growth cover can be adjusted by longitudinally displacing the material webs relative to one another.

[0015] The tree growth sleeve according to the invention has the advantage that it offers a particularly high degree of flexibility with regard to its length and, at the same time, can be manufactured, transported, stored, and handled particularly easily and cost-effectively. In particular, the invention allows the production of a standard material web with a sleeve shape that, in particular, has a uniform length parallel to the longitudinal extent of the material web. Greater lengths of the tree growth sleeve, which exceed the length of a single material web, can be achieved by simply pushing several sleeve-shaped material webs into one another. A desired length of the tree growth sleeve can be set quickly and easily by longitudinally shifting the material webs relative to one another.

[0016] The length of a material strip is, for example, between 50 cm and 80 cm, preferably 65 cm. By sliding two material strips together, the length of the tree cover can be adjusted, for example, between 90 cm and 120 cm.

[0017] The material webs can have holes or perforated sections that can be pressed out of the material webs to form holes, e.g., by a user. Through the holes, the climate (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) and a chimney effect inside the tree growth cover can be varied or adjusted as desired. Preferably, the holes or perforated sections are spaced apart from one another along the length of the material webs. Preferably, the holes or perforated sections of the nested material webs are aligned at specific set lengths of the tree growth cover.

[0018] Furthermore, the material sheets can be treated in a conventional manner with a fungicide, herbicide, or similar agent to prevent or inhibit the growth of harmful fungi or weeds. It is also conceivable for the material sheets to be treated in a conventional manner with a pesticide to prevent the excessive spread of pests and infestation of the tree seedling or plant inside the tree growth casing. The tree growth casing is preferably translucent to a certain degree to promote the growth of the tree seedling or plant inside the tree growth casing. Finally, it is also conceivable for anchoring means to be provided at a lower end of the tree growth casing for improved attachment of the tree growth casing to the ground.

[0019] The material webs of the tree cover, which are longitudinally movable relative to one another, can be secured to one another in any desired manner in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the material webs. One conceivable approach is to secure the material webs relative to one another by means of a form-fitting connection. In this case, it is conceivable, for example, for sections of the material webs to be designed to be foldable inward, along a longitudinal axis of the sleeve-shaped material webs. When the foldable sections of the nested material webs overlap, the sections of the nested material webs are folded inward together, so that they are secured relative to one another by means of a form-fitting connection.

[0020] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to secure the nested material panels relative to each other using adhesive or separate fasteners, such as wires. Finally, it would also be conceivable to guide plant stakes or posts intended to support the tree cover through corresponding tabs provided in one of the nested material panels and through openings formed in the other of the material panels, before the plant stake or post is then guided through the tabs.

[0021] According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the sleeve-shaped material webs be secured to one another by means of a force fit in a direction parallel to their longitudinal extent. In particular, the material webs are secured to one another by means of a friction fit. The durability of the force fit connection can be increased by suitable design or reworking of the surfaces of the material webs. To adjust the length of the tree growth sleeve, a user only needs to overcome the force fit or friction fit in a direction parallel to the longitudinal extent of the material webs. Additional fastening means for securing the nested material webs relative to one another, as well as separate tools, are not required.

[0022] The sleeve-shaped material webs can have any cross-section during the intended use of the tree growth sleeves. In particular, this cross-section can be at least approximately circular, round, oval, or polygonal. This possibly only approximate shape can arise from the fact that the material webs may be folded during transport and storage and are only unfolded for their intended use, and cannot be immediately and permanently formed into their desired cross-sectional shape.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the sleeve-shaped material webs each have at least approximately a rectangular, in particular a square, cross-section. This means that the material webs can be folded together at opposite folded edges during transport and storage, and that they have additional folded edges between the opposite folded edges, preferably exactly centrally between these folded edges, so that the rectangular or square cross-sectional shape of the material webs can be achieved during intended use. The folded edges are preferably embossed or punched into the material web before folding. Due to the folding during transport and storage of the material webs, it is conceivable that they initially have a cross-sectional shape in the shape of a rhombus immediately after unfolding.However, this generally does not impair the proper functioning of the tree cover. Alternatively, it would be conceivable to take appropriate measures to ensure that the initial rhombus shape transforms immediately or over time into the desired rectangular or square shape.

[0024] The sleeve shape of the material webs can be achieved - for example, when the material webs are manufactured from plastic sheets - by producing the material webs in a suitable manufacturing process in a tube or sleeve shape and cutting them to the desired length.

[0025] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the sleeve shape of the material webs is achieved by fastening opposite lateral edges of the, preferably initially single-layer, material web to one another, as viewed longitudinally. This results in the desired sleeve-shaped material web.

[0026] The opposite edges of the, preferably initially single-layer, material web are preferably fastened together at the end of the material web production process and prior to delivery and the intended use of the tree cover ("prior to shipment and use"). The customer therefore receives a material web already formed into a sleeve from the manufacturer, which they only need to place over the tree or plant to be protected for its intended use. For easier and more space-saving transport and storage of the sleeve-shaped material web, it can - as mentioned - be folded along opposite folded edges that run parallel to the length of the sleeve-shaped material web, so that the material web is produced and delivered to the customer as a sleeve-shaped, double-layer material web.

[0027] The opposing edges of the material web, preferably initially a single-layered one, can be attached to each other in any way. For example, attachment by welding, clamping, snapping, or a separate fastening element is conceivable. Advantageously, the opposing lateral edges of the material web, preferably initially a single-layered one, are attached to each other using an adhesive. This allows for quick and permanent attachment of the lateral edges to each other.

[0028] The adhesive is preferably an aqueous dispersion adhesive, in particular a water-based synthetic resin dispersion adhesive (e.g., Eukalin 4002-400 from Eukalin Spezial-Klebstoff Fabrik GmbH, Eschweiler, Germany). The adhesive used preferably has a viscosity (Brookfield DVII+ at 20°C) of 4,000 mPas ±20%. The adhesive can be diluted with water. The storage stability of the adhesive in the sealed original container at 10-30°C is up to 6 months after shipment. The adhesive is preferably processed at ambient temperature. The pH value of the adhesive is preferably between 4 and 9. The kinematic viscosity at 20°C is between 3,500 and 4,000 mm 2 / s, preferably at 3,884 mm 2 / s. The density of the adhesive is preferably between 0.95 and 1.15 kg / l, preferably 1.03 kg / l.

[0029] The material webs preferably comprise natural fibers, particularly plant fibers, and most preferably eucalyptus fibers. These can be bonded together using a natural resin. Simply put, the material webs consist of a special paper that is, on the one hand, stable and resistant enough to fulfill the intended tasks of the tree cover for a defined period of time, while, on the other hand, being able to degrade completely and residue-free (e.g., biologically or chemically) after the defined period of time. In particular, the material webs comprise: - bleached softwood kraft pulp (BSKP), - Mineral fillers (e.g. calcium carbonate), - Starch, AKD (Alkyl Ketene Dimer) glue, carboxymethylcellulose, - Dyes, pigments, - wet strength resin (e.g. polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin, polyamine-epichlorohydrin resin).

[0030] The weight of the material of the material webs is preferably between 180 and 200 g / m 2 , particularly preferably at about 190 g / m 2 according to MCM-003 (ISO 536). The thickness of the material is preferably between 240 and 285 µm, particularly preferably about 263 µm according to MCM-004 (ISO 534). The liquid absorption of the wire side of the material of the material webs is preferably between 16 and 30 g / m 2 , particularly preferably at about 24 g / m 2 according to MCM-011 (ISO 535) and between 15 and 30 g / m 2 , particularly preferably at about 23 g / m 2The elongation properties (tensile strength) of the material of the material webs are defined by the tear strength of the material. In the machine direction (MD), this is preferably between 120 and 200 N / 15mm, particularly preferably 164 N / 15mm according to MCM-017 (ISO 1924), and in the cross direction (CD), this is preferably between 60 and 200 N / 15mm, particularly preferably 88 N / 15mm. The tear strength when wet is preferably between 40 and 200 N / 15mm in the machine direction (MD), particularly preferably 57 N / 15mm according to MCM-017 (ISO 3781), and in the cross direction (CD), this is preferably between 20 and 200 N / 15mm, particularly preferably 30 N / 15mm.

[0031] According to the invention, a first material web is folded for transport and storage at opposite folded edges of the sleeve shape, so that the first material web for transport and storage has two layers arranged one above the other, and the two layers of the first material web are bent apart at the opposite folded edges for the intended use of the tree growth sleeve, so that the sleeve shape of the first material web is produced, wherein the first material web of the tree growth sleeve is held in the bent-apart sleeve shape in that it and at least one further material web, which is designed exactly like the first material web, are pushed into one another parallel to their longitudinal extent in such a way that the folded edges of the at least one further material web are arranged offset in the circumferential direction to the folded edges of the first material web.

[0032] This allows for particularly space-saving transport and storage of the material sheets for the tree cover according to the invention, as the material sheets are folded together at the opposite folded edges. Furthermore, for their intended use, the material sheets do not need to be held in their sleeve shape by separate support or stabilizing elements. Instead, the at least two nested material sheets hold each other in the desired sleeve shape. This significantly speeds up and simplifies the assembly and installation of the tree cover.

[0033] Advantageously, the folded edges of the first material web and the at least one further material web are arranged offset by 90° to one another in the circumferential direction during the intended use of the tree growth sleeve. This results in the greatest possible stability and spreading of the material webs to create a sleeve shape with the largest possible clear width. In this way, the force generated by a first material web due to the tendency of the first material web to fold back together at the opposite folded edges where it is folded together during transport and storage spreads the other material web apart. Accordingly, the force generated by the other material web due to the tendency of the other material web to fold back together at the opposite folded edges where it is folded together during transport and storage spreads the first material web apart.Due to the offset of the folded edges by 90° to each other, the mutual spreading of the material webs is maximum.

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that the material webs each have at least one marking as an assembly aid for a user of the tree growth covers, in order to ensure that the folded edges of the nested material webs are offset from one another in the circumferential direction by a predetermined amount. For example, with a square cross-sectional area of ​​the material webs, it would be conceivable for different characters or symbols to be embossed or punched alternately on the four side surfaces of the material webs, and that when nesting the material webs, care must be taken to ensure that a side surface of a first material web with a first marking rests on a side surface of another material web with a second marking. The first and second markings can be the same or different.

[0035] In a particularly preferred example, different letters (e.g., "A" and "B") are alternately embossed or punched on the four side surfaces of the material webs, each with a square cross-sectional area. When inserting the material webs into one another, care is taken to ensure that a side surface of a first material web with a first marking (e.g., "A") rests on a side surface of another material web with a second marking (e.g., "B"). In this case, the first and second markings are different.

[0036] To facilitate the insertion of the material webs into one another, it is proposed that at least one of the material webs have at least one folded edge at a lower and / or upper edge, viewed in the longitudinal direction, to reduce the clear width of the diameter of the sleeve-shaped at least one material web. The folded edge is preferably arranged on the edge of a first material web that is to be inserted into another material web, wherein the edge faces the other material web before the first material web is inserted into the other material web.

[0037] Preferably, a folding edge is arranged or formed on the edge on opposite sides of the sleeve-shaped material web.

[0038] Preferably, a folded edge for reducing the clear diameter of all material webs is arranged equally at one of the edge sections or on the opposite sides of the edge section. This facilitates the transport and handling of the material webs, as well as the process of creating the finished tree cover by interlocking the material webs, because each of the material webs can be inserted into any other of the material webs.

[0039] The at least one folded edge advantageously has the shape of a capital letter Y with a vertical leg running parallel to the longitudinal extent of the at least one material web and, adjoining it, two legs arranged in a V-shape relative to one another, wherein the vertical leg extends to the lower or upper edge of the at least one material web. The side section with the Y-shaped folded edge can be easily pressed inward, particularly even while wearing work gloves, so that the clear width of the diameter of the material web is reduced at the level of the side section, and the material web can be easily inserted or inserted into another material web.

[0040] Finally, the present invention also relates to a sleeve-shaped material web for use in a tree growth casing according to the invention. The material webs, which form the tree growth casing by being nested together, are preferably all of the same design. Only one type of material web needs to be manufactured, transported, handled, and stored. The material webs can be assembled to form the tree growth casing according to the invention particularly easily and quickly. The length of the tree growth casing can be variably adjusted by nesting the material webs to a greater or lesser extent. Clear marking of the sides of the material webs ensures that, when nesting the material webs, the folded edges of the material webs are offset from one another in the circumferential direction, preferably by 90°.

[0041] Further features and advantages of the present invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a tree growth cover according to the invention before two sleeve-shaped material webs are inserted into one another; Fig. 2 the tree growth sheath Fig. 1 with the material strips inserted into each other; Fig. 3 a tree growth sheath according to the invention of a first length; Fig. 4 the tree growth sheath according to the invention of a second length; Fig. 5 the tree growth sheath according to the invention of a third length; Fig. 6 a tree growth cover according to the invention immediately before its intended use; Fig. 7 the tree growth cover according to the invention in its intended use; Fig. 8 a development of a material web according to the invention of the tree growth sheath according to the invention; Fig. 9 the material web according to the invention from Fig. 8 with a fold on opposite folded edges of the later tube-shaped material web; Fig. 10 the material web according to the invention from Fig. 9 with the lateral edges of the material web fastened together; Fig. 11 the material web according to the invention from Fig. 10 in sleeve form; and Fig. 12 an example of a material web according to the invention.

[0042] The present invention relates to a tree growth sheath 2 (cf. Fig. 2) for the mechanical protection of a young tree 4 or a young plant. The tree growth sleeve 2 is placed over the tree seedling 4 from above in the direction of an arrow 6. The growth sleeve 2 can be secured in the ground 8, for example, by anchoring means formed or arranged at a lower end of the tree growth sleeve 2. For securing the growth sleeve 2 in the ground 8, a planting rod or post 10 can also be provided, to which the growth sleeve 2 is attached (cf. Fig. 7).

[0043] The invention proposes a tree growth cover 2 that offers greater flexibility in terms of its length and that can be manufactured, transported, stored, and handled particularly easily and cost-effectively. The tree growth cover 2 has at least two separate material webs 12, each of which has a sleeve shape with a longitudinal extension 14 when the tree growth cover 2 is used as intended to protect the young tree 4 or the young plant. The at least two sleeve-shaped material webs 12 are pushed into one another parallel to their longitudinal extension 14, so that different lengths of the tree growth cover 2 can be adjusted by longitudinally displacing the material webs 12 relative to one another in the direction of the double arrow 16.

[0044] In the Fig. 3 to 5 show three different lengths of the growth sheath 2. In Fig. 3, the sleeve-shaped material webs 12 are pushed into each other only slightly, for example 15% of a length of a material web 12. With an exemplary length of a material web 12 in the direction of the longitudinal extension 14 of 65 cm, Fig. 3 one material strip 12 can be pushed, for example, 10 cm into the other material strip 12. This results in a total length of the tree growth sheath 2 of 120 cm. Fig. 4, the sleeve-shaped material webs 12 are pushed into each other somewhat further, for example 38% of a length of a material web 12. With an exemplary length of a material web 12 in the direction of the longitudinal extension 14 of 65 cm, Fig. 4 one material strip 12 can be pushed, for example, 25 cm into the other material strip 12. This results in a total length of the tree growth sheath 2 of 105 cm. Fig. 5, the sleeve-shaped material webs 12 are pushed into each other even further, for example 62% of a length of a material web 12. With an exemplary length of a material web 12 in the direction of the longitudinal extension 14 of 65 cm, Fig. 5 One material strip 12 can be pushed, for example, 40 cm into the other material strip 12. This results in a total length of the tree growth sheath 2 of 90 cm.

[0045] Of course, it would also be conceivable to use material webs 12 with other dimensions and / or to use the material webs 12 more or less than in the examples of Fig. 3 to 5, to achieve different lengths of the tree growth sleeve 2.

[0046] The sleeve shape of the material webs 12 can have almost any cross-section. Particularly conceivable is an at least approximately round, circular, or oval cross-section, a polygonal cross-section, preferably in the form of an isosceles polygon, most preferably a polygon with an even number of sides. In the area of ​​the corners of the polygon, the material webs 12 each have folded edges 18 (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), which preferably run parallel to the longitudinal extension 14 of the material web 12. The possibly only approximate shape of the cross-section may result from the fact that the material webs 12 may be folded together during transport and storage and are only unfolded for their intended use and cannot be immediately and permanently brought into their desired cross-sectional shape.

[0047] The tree growth casing 2 according to the invention has the advantage that it offers a particularly high degree of flexibility with regard to its length and, at the same time, can be manufactured, transported, stored, and handled particularly easily and cost-effectively. In particular, the invention allows the production of a standard material web 12 with a sleeve shape, which in particular has a uniform length parallel to the longitudinal extent 14 of the material web 12. Greater lengths of the tree growth casing 2, which exceed the length of a single material web 12, can be achieved by simply pushing several sleeve-shaped material webs 12 into one another. A desired length of the tree growth casing 2 can be set easily and quickly by longitudinally displacing the material webs 12 in direction 16 relative to one another.

[0048] The material webs 12 can have holes 20 (cf. Fig. 3 to 5) or perforated section surfaces that can be pressed out of the material webs 12 to form holes, e.g., by a user. By providing or deliberately omitting holes 20, the climate (e.g., temperature, humidity, etc.) and a chimney effect inside the tree growth casing 2 can be varied or adjusted in any desired manner. The holes 20 or perforated section surfaces are preferably located spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal extent 14 of the material webs 12. The holes 20 or perforated section surfaces are preferably arranged or formed on opposite sides of the material webs 12.

[0049] Furthermore, the holes 20 or perforated section surfaces of the nested material webs 12 are preferably aligned in certain set lengths of the tree growth cover 2. For example, it can be seen that in the Fig. 3, two of the three holes 20 of one material web 12 are covered by the other material web 12 (covered holes 20') and only one of the holes 20 of the nested material webs 12 is aligned (open hole 20"). In the case of the Fig. 4, one of three holes 20 of a material web 12 is covered by the other material web 12 (covered holes 20') and two of the holes 20 of the nested material webs 12 are aligned (open holes 20"). In the case of the Fig. In the even shorter length of the tree growth cover 2 shown in Figure 5, none of the three holes 20 of one material web 12 is covered by the other material web 12 and all three holes 20 of the nested material webs 12 are aligned (open holes 20").

[0050] The material webs 12 of the tree growth sheath 2, which are longitudinally displaceable relative to one another, can be secured to one another in any desired manner in the direction parallel to the longitudinal extension 14 of the material webs 12. For example, securing the material webs 12 relative to one another by means of a positive fit is conceivable. In this case, it is conceivable, for example, for regions of the material webs 12 to be designed to be foldable inward, in the direction of a longitudinal center axis of the sleeve-shaped material webs 12 (not shown). When the foldable regions of the nested material webs 12 overlap, the regions of the nested material webs 12 are folded inward together, so that they are secured relative to one another by means of a positive fit.

[0051] Alternatively, it would also be conceivable to secure the nested material webs 12 relative to one another using adhesive or separate fastening means, e.g., wires or similar. Finally, it would also be conceivable to guide plant stakes or posts 10, which may be provided for supporting the tree cover 2, through corresponding tabs provided in one of the nested material webs 12 and guided through openings formed in the other material web 12, before the plant stake or post 10 is then guided through the tabs (not shown).

[0052] However, it is particularly preferred if the sleeve-shaped material webs 12 can be secured to one another by means of a force fit in the direction 16 parallel to their longitudinal extension 14. In particular, the material webs 12 are secured to one another by means of a friction fit. By appropriately designing or reworking the surfaces of the material webs 12, the durability of the force fit and / or the holding forces can be increased. To adjust the length of the tree growth sleeve 2, a user merely needs to overcome the force fit or friction fit in the direction 16 parallel to the longitudinal extension 14 of the material webs 12.

[0053] It is particularly preferred if the sleeve-shaped material webs 12 each have at least approximately a rectangular, in particular a square, cross-section. This means that the material webs can be easily folded during transport and storage (see Fig. 10) can be folded together at two opposite folding edges 18', and that they have additional folding edges 18" between the opposite folding edges 18', preferably exactly centrally between these folding edges 18', so that the rectangular or square cross-sectional shape of the material webs 12 can be maintained during intended use (cf. Fig. 11) can be obtained.

[0054] The folding edges 18 are preferably before folding (cf. Fig. 8) embossed or punched into the material web 12. Due to the folding during transport and storage of the material webs 12, it is conceivable that immediately after unfolding, they initially have a cross-sectional shape that is only approximately square, e.g., in the shape of a rhombus. However, this generally does not impair the proper functioning of the tree growth cover 2. Alternatively, it would be conceivable to take suitable measures to ensure that the initial rhombus shape immediately and / or permanently, or over time, transforms into the desired rectangular or square shape.

[0055] The sleeve shape of the material webs can be achieved - for example, when the material webs are manufactured from plastic sheets - by producing the material webs in a suitable manufacturing process in a tube or sleeve shape and cutting them to the desired length.

[0056] Preferably, however, the sleeve shape of the material webs 12 results from the fact that opposite lateral edges 22 of the initially single-layer material web 12, viewed in the longitudinal extension (cf. Fig. 8) are attached to each other. This results in the desired two-layer, sleeve-shaped material web 12 (cf. Fig. 10) for transport and storage.

[0057] The opposite lateral edges 22 of the initially single-layer material web 12 are preferably fastened together at the end of the production of the material web 12 and before delivery and the intended use of the tree growth cover 2 ("prior to shipment and use"). A state of the material web 12 shortly before the lateral edges 22 are fastened together is shown in Fig. 9. The customer receives a double-layered material web 12 from the manufacturer (cf. Fig. 10), which for its intended use only needs to be unfolded at the 18' fold edges and folded at the additional 18" fold edges to assume the sleeve shape (cf. Fig. 11).

[0058] The opposite edges 22 of the initially single-layer material web 12 (cf. Fig. 8) can be fastened to one another in any desired manner. For example, fastening by welding, clamping, snapping, or a separate fastening element is conceivable. Preferably, the opposite lateral edges 22 are fastened to one another by means of an adhesive 24. This allows for a quick and permanent attachment of the lateral edges 22 to one another. The adhesive 24 is applied to one side of a longitudinal flap 26 of the material web 12, which is connected to the remaining material web 12 via an additional folded edge 18".

[0059] It is emphasized that the use of the terms "single-layer" and "double-layer" does not mean that multi-layer material webs 12 cannot be used to create the tree growth cover 2. Their use is merely intended to clarify the difference between the unfolding of the material web 12 (cf. Fig. 8 and Fig. 12), in which the opposite edges 22 are not yet attached to each other, on the one hand, and the material web 12 (cf. Fig. 10), in which the opposite edges 22 are fastened to each other and which is folded at the folding edges 18', on the other hand.

[0060] The adhesive 24 is preferably an aqueous dispersion adhesive, in particular an aqueous-based synthetic resin dispersion adhesive.

[0061] The material webs 12 preferably comprise natural fibers, particularly preferably plant fibers, most preferably eucalyptus fibers. These can be bonded together using a natural resin. In particular, the material webs 12 can comprise the following materials: - bleached softwood kraft pulp (BSKP), - Mineral fillers (e.g. calcium carbonate), - Starch, AKD (Alkyl Ketene Dimer) glue, carboxymethylcellulose, - Dyes, pigments, - wet strength resin (e.g. polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin, polyamine-epichlorohydrin resin), and - chemical additives.

[0062] Such material webs 12 or the tree growth covers 2 formed therefrom are completely self-degradable after a defined period of time and do not contain any plastic.

[0063] The weight of the material of the material webs 12 is preferably between 180 and 200 g / m2 , particularly preferably at about 190 g / m 2 according to MCM-003 (ISO 536). The thickness of the material is preferably between 240 and 285 µm, particularly preferably about 263 µm according to MCM-004 (ISO 534). The liquid absorption of the wire side of the material of the material webs 12 is preferably between 16 and 30 g / m 2 , particularly preferably at about 24 g / m 2 according to MCM-011 (ISO 535) and between 15 and 30 g / m 2 , particularly preferably at about 23 g / m 2The elongation properties (tensile strength) of the material of the material webs 12 are defined by the tear strength of the material. This is preferably between 120 and 200 N / 15 mm in the machine direction (MD), particularly preferably 164 N / 15 mm according to MCM-017 (ISO 1924), and preferably between 60 and 200 N / 15 mm, particularly preferably 88 N / 15 mm, in the cross direction (CD). The tear strength when wet is preferably between 40 and 200 N / 15 mm in the machine direction (MD), particularly preferably 57 N / 15 mm according to MCM-017 (ISO 3781), and preferably between 20 and 200 N / 15 mm, particularly preferably 30 N / 15 mm, in the cross direction (CD).

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment, it is proposed that a first material web 12' for transport and storage is folded at opposite folding edges 18' of the sleeve shape, so that the first material web 12' for transport and storage has two material layers arranged one above the other (cf. Fig. 10), and the two layers of the first material web 12' are bent apart at the opposite folded edges 18' for the intended use of the tree growth cover 2, resulting in the sleeve shape of the first material web 12'. In the case of a square cross-section of the sleeve shape, the double-layered material web 12 (cf. Fig. 10) is folded at additional folding edges 18" arranged between the opposite folding edges 18' in order to achieve the at least approximately square cross-sectional shape.

[0065] The first material web 12' of the tree growth sleeve 2 is held in the bent-out sleeve shape by the fact that it and at least one further material web 12" (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2), which is designed in the same way as the first material web 12', are pushed into one another parallel to their longitudinal extent 14 such that the folded edges 18'; 18" of the at least one further material web 12" are arranged offset in the circumferential direction to the folded edges 18'; 18" of the first material web 12'.

[0066] The folding of the material webs 12', 12" at the opposite fold edges 18' to form the double-layered material web 12 (cf. Fig. 10) allows for particularly space-saving transport and storage of the material webs 12 for the tree growth cover 2 according to the invention. On the other hand, the material webs 12', 12" do not need to be held in their sleeve shape by separate support or stabilizing elements for their intended use. Rather, the at least two nested material webs 12', 12" hold each other in the desired sleeve shape. This can significantly accelerate and simplify the construction and installation of the tree growth cover 2.

[0067] Particularly preferably, the folded edges 18', 18" of the first material web 12' and of the at least one further material web 12" are arranged offset from one another by 90° in the circumferential direction during the intended use of the tree growth cover 2. This means that, with a square cross-section, the opposite folded edges 18' of the first material web 12' are aligned with the additional folded edges 18" of the further material web 12" (cf. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2). In this way, a force generated by the first material web 12' due to its tendency to refold at the opposite folded edges 18' where it was folded during transport and storage spreads the further material web 12" apart. Accordingly, a force generated by the further material web 12" due to its tendency to refold at the opposite folded edges 18' where it was folded during transport and storage spreads the first material web 12' apart. Due to the offset of the folded edges 18', 18" by 90° to each other, the mutual spreading of the material webs 12', 12" is maximum.

[0068] Preferably, the material webs 12 each have at least one marking 28 as an assembly aid for a user of the tree growth covers 2, in order to ensure that the folded edges 18', 18" of the nested material webs 12 are offset from one another in the circumferential direction by a predetermined amount. Thus, with a square cross-sectional area of ​​the material webs 12, it would be conceivable that different characters or symbols 28', 28" are alternately embossed or punched into the four side surfaces 30 of the material webs 12, which are separated from one another by the folded edges 18', 18", and that when nesting the material webs 12, care is taken to ensure that a side surface 30 of a first material web 12 with a first marking 28' rests on a side surface 30 of another material web 12 with a second marking 28" (cf. Fig. 1).

[0069] In a particularly preferred example, different letters (e.g. "A" and "B") are alternately embossed or punched on the four side surfaces 30 of the material webs 12, each with a square cross-sectional area, and when the material webs 12 are inserted into one another, care is taken to ensure that a side surface 30 of a first material web 12 with a first marking 28' (e.g. "A") comes to rest on a side surface 30 of another material web 12 with a second marking 28" (e.g. "B"). In this case, the first and second markings 28', 28" are different. A marking 28 can also consist in that one side surface 30 has a marking 28 and another side surface 30 has no marking.

[0070] In order to facilitate the insertion of the material webs 12 into one another, it is proposed that at least one of the material webs 12 has at least one folded edge 34 on a lower and / or upper edge 32, viewed in the longitudinal extension 14, for reducing the clear width of the diameter of the sleeve-shaped material web 12. The folded edge 34 is preferably arranged on the edge 32 of a first material web 12 which is to be inserted into another material web 12, wherein the edge 32 faces the other material web 12 before the first material web 12 is inserted into the latter (cf. Fig. 1).

[0071] Preferably, a folding edge 34 is arranged or formed on the edge 32 on opposite sides 30 of the sleeve-shaped material web 12 in order to reduce the clear width of the diameter of the sleeve-shaped material web 12.

[0072] Particularly preferably, folded edges 34 are formed equally on all material webs 12 that together form a tree growth cover 2. This facilitates the transport and handling of the material webs 12 as well as the process of creating the finished tree growth cover 2 by nesting the material webs 12, because each of the material webs 12 can be inserted into any other of the material webs 12.

[0073] The at least one folded edge 34 for reducing the clear diameter of the sleeve-shaped material web 12 advantageously has the shape of a capital letter Y with a vertical leg 34' running parallel to the longitudinal extent 14 of the at least one material web 12 and adjoining it two legs 34" arranged obliquely relative to one another in a V-shape. The vertical leg 34' extends to the lower or upper edge 32 of the at least one material web 12. It preferably runs centrally between two folded edges 18', 18" delimiting the side 30. The obliquely or V-shaped legs 34" preferably extend from the end of the vertical leg 34' opposite the lower or upper edge 32 to one of the folded edges 18', 18".

[0074] The side section with the Y-shaped folded edge 34 can be easily pushed inwards, in particular even when wearing work gloves, so that the clear width of the diameter of the material web 12 is reduced at the level of the side section and the material web 12 can be easily inserted or plugged into another material web 12.

[0075] Suitable symbols 35 can be embossed or punched onto or into the material web 12, indicating an area or corner of the growth cover 2 where the opposite edges 22 of the material web are fastened to one another by means of the adhesive 24. Due to the longitudinal tab 26, the material web 12 is double-layered there and has particularly high stability. For this reason, this area is particularly well suited for being arranged and / or attached to a plant rod or post 10. In the example shown, the symbols 35 are designed as arrows.

Claims

[1] Tree growth cover (2) for the mechanical protection of a young tree (4) or a young plant, characterized bythat the tree growth cover (2) has at least two separate material webs (12), which, when the tree growth cover (2) is used as intended, each have a sleeve shape with a longitudinal extension (14) for protecting a young tree (4) or a young plant, wherein the at least two sleeve-shaped material webs (12) are pushed into one another parallel to their longitudinal extension (14), so that different lengths of the tree growth cover (2) can be set by longitudinally displacing the material webs (12) relative to one another, wherein a first material web (12') is folded for transport and storage at opposite folded edges (18') of the sleeve shape, so that the first material web (12') has two layers arranged one above the other for transport and storage, and the two layers of the first material web (12') for the intended use of the tree growth cover (2) at the opposite folded edges (18') are bent apart,so that the sleeve shape of the first material web (12) is obtained, wherein the first material web (12') of the tree growth sheath (2) is held in the bent-apart sleeve shape by the fact that it and at least one further material web (12"), which is designed in the same way as the first material web (12'), are pushed into one another parallel to their longitudinal extent (14) in such a way that the folded edges (18') of the at least one further material web (12") are arranged offset in the circumferential direction to the folded edges (18') of the first material web (12'). [2] Tree growth cover (2) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sleeve-shaped material webs (12) are fixed to one another by means of frictional engagement parallel to their longitudinal extent (14). [3] Tree growth cover (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the sleeve-shaped material webs (12) each have a rectangular, in particular a square, cross-section. [4] Tree growth cover (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sleeve shape of the material webs (12) results from the fact that opposite lateral edges (22) of the material web (12) viewed in the longitudinal extent (14) are fastened to one another. [5] Tree growth cover (2) according to claim 4, characterized by that the opposite edges (22) of the material web (12) are fastened to one another at the end of the production of the material web and before delivery and the intended use of the tree growth cover (2). [6] Tree growth cover (2) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by that the opposite lateral edges (22) of the material web (12) are fastened to one another by means of an adhesive. [7] Tree growth cover (2) according to claim 6, characterized by that the adhesive is an aqueous dispersion adhesive, in particular an aqueous-based synthetic resin dispersion adhesive. [8] Tree growth cover (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the material webs (12) consist of natural fibers, preferably plant fibers, which are bonded together by means of a natural resin. [9] Tree growth cover (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the material webs (12) comprise: - bleached softwood kraft pulp (BSKP), - Mineral fillers (e.g. calcium carbonate), - Starch, AKD (Alkyl Ketene Dimer) glue, carboxymethylcellulose, - wet strength resin (e.g. polyamide-epichlorohydrin resin, polyamine-epichlorohydrin resin). [10] Tree growth cover (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the folded edges (18') of the first material web (12') and of the at least one further material web (12") are arranged offset from one another by 90° in the circumferential direction when the tree growth cover (2) is used as intended. [11] Tree growth cover (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by that the material webs (12) each have at least one marking (28) as an assembly aid for a user of the tree growth covers (2) in order to ensure that the folded edges (18') of the material webs (12) pushed into one another are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction by a predetermined amount. [12] Tree growth cover (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one of the material webs (12) has at least one folded edge (34) on a lower and / or upper edge (32) viewed in the longitudinal extent (14) for reducing the clear width of the diameter of the sleeve-shaped at least one material web (12). [13] Tree growth cover (2) according to claim 12, characterized bythat the at least one folded edge (34) has the shape of a capital letter Y with a vertical leg (34') running parallel to the longitudinal extent (14) of the at least one material web (12) and adjoining thereto two legs (34") arranged in a V-shape relative to one another, wherein the vertical leg (34') extends to the lower or upper edge (32) of the at least one material web (12). [14] Sleeve-shaped material web (12) for use in a tree growth cover (2) according to one of the preceding claims.

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