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The early years

In 1989, what began as a humble screen-printing business founded by Doug Suckling transformed into something much more impactful during the early 1990s. While on a trip to Belfast, he observed an innovative solution—durable, reusable plastic tree guards being widely used to shield young trees from pests. Inspired, he recognized a similar need in New Zealand, where pests like rabbits, rats, possums, and pukekos were a constant threat to seedlings. However, the tree guards available at the time were flimsy and ineffective.

Seeing a better opportunity for the New Zealand market, Mr. Suckling introduced these robust, reusable tree guards as a distributor. His journey began with a display roadshow, showcasing the concept to key distributors, including Farmlands, CRT, and various nurseries. Through live demonstrations, he illustrated how proper protection could ensure the survival, uniform growth, and ease of maintenance of native trees, even in the face of challenges from pests and herbicides.

When you nurture and care for a New Zealand native tree, you ensure it survives, grows strong, and becomes easier to maintain, especially when shielded from threats early on.”

These rigid, reusable guards became a game-changer, offering better durability and adaptability, with larger 1200mm guards catering to areas where sheep grazing posed additional risks.

From these beginnings, Advance Landscape Systems emerged as a pioneer in land care solutions, continually innovating to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Today, they stand as trusted advisors in environmental sustainability, providing cutting-edge, environmentally conscious solutions to protect and nurture the landscapes of New Zealand.

The journey from those early days to becoming leaders in sustainable land care highlights a commitment to innovation and the belief that nurturing plants means nurturing the environment.

As New Zealand faced the growing challenge of pests devastating native vegetation, Advance Landscape Systems began experimenting with various planting and protection methods. Recognizing the need for a natural solution, they introduced Plantskydd, the world-renowned pest repellent, to the New Zealand market. This innovative product quickly became a popular and cost-effective choice for protecting young plants from browsing pests.

1990's

Early 2000's

By the early 2000s, Advance Landscape Systems had established itself as a trusted name in native planting and land care. Collaborating with farmers, ecological enthusiasts, and environmental agencies, Advance were instrumental in providing input for native planting handbooks and best-practice systems to support landowners in restoring and nurturing natural habitats.

In response to the growing demand for effective tree protection, Advance introduced the KBC CombiGuard system. Designed to protect against wind, pests, and sprays, this revolutionary product significantly increased plant survival rates while promoting rapid growth and easy maintenance. It became a trusted solution, safeguarding millions of seedlings and solidifying Advance’s reputation for innovation.

2009 / 2010

2012 / 2013

Advance took an environmentally conscious leap by promoting wool fibre as a natural alternative for weed suppression in native planting projects. Collaborating with Lincoln University, they conducted trials showcasing how these biodegradable products reduced the need for herbicides, retained soil moisture, and minimized transplant shock.

Recognizing the importance of accessibility, Advance launched its first eCommerce store, expanding its product range to cater to commercial, residential, and DIY landscaping needs. With dedicated sales representatives, they ensured a personal touch and maintained strong customer relationships.

2015

2016

Advance’s commitment to innovation led to the release of Flex MSE, a patented, environmentally friendly retaining wall system. Offering a soft-armoured solution for unstable lands and construction projects, this product became a game-changer in sustainable engineering.

Responding to a nationwide shift toward eco-friendly products, Advance began designing and testing the biodegradable NaturGuard plant protector. This innovation was tailored to meet the needs of regional councils and specifiers while adapting to the changing climate and industry demands.

2017

2019

The launch of NaturGuard was met with acclaim, earning Advance the Innovation Award at the Mystery Creek Fieldays™. This recognition solidified their position as leaders in sustainable plant protection and marked the beginning of a biodegradable revolution.

Advance introduced FiberGuard, a unique plant guard made from recycled pulp fiber, and hemp-based biodegradable geotextiles. By becoming the sole distributor of these products in New Zealand, they reinforced their commitment to sustainability. That same year, they achieved BioGro™ certification for their hemp and wool geotextiles, cementing their focus on environmentally responsible practices.

2020

2021

Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Advance opened a new branch in Onehunga, Auckland, to better serve customers in the Auckland region. This expansion reflected their resilience and commitment to meeting customer needs.

In a groundbreaking move, Advance Landscape Systems launched the landscaping industry’s first plastic recycling program, allowing customers to return used plastic guards for repurposing. This initiative underscored their dedication to reducing waste and fostering a sustainable future.

This journey of innovation, commitment, and adaptability continues to shape Advance Landscape Systems as a trusted leader in sustainable land care solutions.

2022

FlexMSE Lunch & Learn

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Plant Guard to Post Recycling Scheme

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Apply for a Trade Account

Our trade account customers enjoy regular purchasing options with prompt service and competitive trade pricing. They also gain access to our exclusive, customised products tailored to their needs. Apply today to start benefiting from these valuable offers! Conditions apply to qualify for a trade account — contact our team today to learn more!

Bulk Pricing Request

For large projects or landscaping jobs, you can easily submit a bulk pricing request. Our team will review your needs and get in touch with a tailored quote. We’re here to help you get the best value for your project.

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