by TOMMY THAYER
Getting through the HLB disaster that has devastated the Florida citrus industry these past few decades has called for tremendous combined efforts from across the spectrum. These efforts include cutting-edge research, newly developed products, and innovative best practices. Each area builds and pushes the others forward.
At Tree Defender, we continue to learn from these new efforts in order to help the industry. The more we learn, the more we understand that growing citrus in this climate is not a one-size-fits-all proposition.
There are multiple factors that can dictate how, when, and what kinds of products are appropriate for growers, including growing conditions, grower practices, available financial resources, type of citrus, and geographical area.
The robust participation and feedback from growers have given us the perspective and insight to address each of these factors and brainstorm solutions so that we can continuously improve our Tree Defender IPCs. That’s why the growers are so vital for us.
The Tree Defender — and everything we put into it — was created with them in mind. They put their trust in us, and we give our commitment to listen, enhance, and develop our products that will ensure a successful — and disease free — growing process for them.
Observations from growers have recently resulted in several improvements to the IPC method that specifically address factors such as high-wind events and tropical storm-type weather. These improvements include marine-grade stainless steel grommets in the bottom hem and a sturdier, more substantial custom composite stake that has a cap specifically designed for solid anchoring.
In addition, it was regular discussions with growers that drove us to develop a wide range of sizes and styles. We can now offer everything from the small, very basic pillowcase design to the much larger trellis design because of the growers’ invaluable input.
Conversations with growers in the much colder Northern region were instrumental in our decision to produce a Tree Defender IPC that has a weed-blocking, fabric-enclosed bottom that is tailor made for use in that region.
It’s going to take this same kind of commitment and united effort to create a way forward. We can forge a successful future for the citrus industry, but it’s going to take shared knowledge and innovative thinkers. We’re on board for that!
This column is sponsored by Tree Defender, and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFAN or of its advertisers.Bio: Tommy Thayer is the co-owner of Tree Defender and owner of Southern Citrus Nurseries, which has been in business since the 1970s. Both companies are based in Dundee, Florida. As a native Floridian, he is a fifth-generation citrus grower who graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Resource Economics. For more information, visit thetreedefender.com
