Opti-Shield™
Opti-Shield™ is an individual plant growth accelerator that provides an optimized tailored red enriched light environment and protective microclimate to accelerate tree development and shorten time-to-production and maturity in newly planted tree crops by 1-2 years.
Citrus, Avocado, Almond, Pistachio, and others · Installation guide (PDF)
What growers measured.
yield increase measured on young citrus
Young-citrus trials
yield increase measured on avocado
Avocado trials
canopy-growth acceleration in year one, up to
First-season measurement
working lifespan of the recyclable HDPE shield
Product guarantee
Figures reported from Opti-Harvest field trials and grower results. Ask us for the full data deck and we will email it to you.
What it delivers.
Improved Photosynthesis
Utilizes patented Opti-Filter™ technology to convert natural sunlight into red-enriched diffused light, increasing net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance.
Accelerated Tree Establishment
Newly planted trees reach first crop and full production one to two years faster by shortening the non-productive juvenile phase.
Rapid Vegetative Growth
Up to 200% acceleration in canopy growth within the first year; as much as 50% increase in tree height and trunk diameter.
Enhanced Early Yields
50–100% harvestable yield increase in the first production year.
How it earns its keep.
Water and Resource Efficiency
Up to 50% reduction in daily plant water stress enabling a predicted 15–20% reduction in irrigation and electric pumping costs.
Significant Pest Reduction
Proven to reduce insect-caused foliar damage by up to 70% and tree damage/losses from gopher activity by 50%.
Environmental Protection
Provides comprehensive wind protection, eliminating the need for conventional shade cloth and protecting young trees from extreme temperatures.
Denser Root Systems
Promotes development of root systems that are 30–40% denser and larger, improving water and nutrient uptake and utilization.
Strong Economic Benefits
Projects an approximately 8–12× return on investment, depending on crop and growing conditions.
Durable Design
Manufactured in the U.S.A from recyclable HDPE, Opti-Shields are easy to install and remove and are designed for 6-7 uses over a 12-14 year usable life.
What growers say.
On operational savings and durability
We trialed the Opti-Shields over the last two seasons at our Rancho Santa Rosa avocado planting to see exactly what the benefits were. We found that with traditional plastic and stakes, we were having to replace them about three times during the same period. When you factor in the cost of stakes, plastic, and the labor required for those repairs, our overall savings are probably 30% greater using the shields. Beyond the economics, we felt we simply got better wind coverage and protection for the trees compared to the plastic alternatives.
Al Wagner, Senior Vice President of Operations, Foley Family Farms
On wind resilience and tree vitality
Farming here in the Santa Rita Hills means battling a constant 15 to 20 mile-an-hour wind every single day, which makes protecting young trees incredibly difficult. With the old-style black windshields, everything gets tattered, torn, and the stakes just start bending over—it’s a constant struggle to manage. The difference with the Opti-Harvest shield is literally night and day. The shield is sturdy and strong, and the tree behind it is vibrant, green, and not stressed. It is a stark contrast to the “battle-rattled” trees we see with traditional protection.
Craig Harvey, Lead Manager, Nelson Farming
On long-term performance
We’ve been looking at what we can accomplish by protecting our young growing trees from year one through year two in this Gem avocado block. Comparing the Opti-Harvest shields to our original windshields after nearly three years in the ground, the results are clear. While the old style is tattered and failing under the wind, the Opti-Harvest shields remain a nice, strong guard that keeps the trees thriving through their growing cycle.
Craig Harvey, Lead Manager, Nelson Farming
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