Timber Protector MTG Card


Timber Protector ensures Treefolk/Forests survive longer, creating a robust defense. Aids in smooth spell casting by protecting mana-producing Forests from disruption. Indestructible aura activates instantly, offering immediate benefit to Forest and Treefolk plays.
Card setsReleased in 2 setsSee all
Mana cost
Converted mana cost5
RarityRare
TypeCreature — Treefolk Warrior
Power 4
Toughness 6

Text of card

Other Treefolk creatures you control get +1/+1. Other Treefolk and Forests you control are indestructible.

In his presence, an ordinary grove becomes a bastion to turn spells and break armies.


Cards like Timber Protector

Timber Protector is a unique force within the realm of creature protection and enhancement in Magic: The Gathering. It stands shoulder to shoulder with cards like Dauntless Dourbark, which also thrives on a deck rich in Forests and Treefolk. Yet, Timber Protector offers an exceptional advantage by not only making your other Treefolk tougher but also turning your Forests into indestructible fortresses. Dauntless Dourbark may grow larger with more Trees and Forests but lacks the defensive boon Timber Protector grants to the lands themselves.

Another family member in this arboreal lineup is Leaf-Crowned Elder. While this elder isn’t fortifying the ranks with indestructibility, it does allow the potential for casting Treefolk and Shaman spells for free, promoting an accelerated and cost-efficient game plan. Comparatively, Timber Protector ensures longevity and resilience for your forces on the battlefield, a boon that is strategically different from the cost-saving tactic provided by the Elder.

In the analysis of Treefolk synergy and land protection, Timber Protector emerges with a distinctive role. By bolstering your defenses and rallying fellow Treefolk, this card secures a foundational edge in game strategies centered around arboreal might and steadfast land preservation within Magic: The Gathering.

Dauntless Dourbark - MTG Card versions
Leaf-Crowned Elder - MTG Card versions
Dauntless Dourbark - MTG Card versions
Leaf-Crowned Elder - MTG Card versions

Cards similar to Timber Protector by color, type and mana cost

Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
Durkwood Boars - MTG Card versions
Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Panther Warriors - MTG Card versions
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Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Crashing Boars - MTG Card versions
Kavu Climber - MTG Card versions
Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Consuming Blob - MTG Card versions
Ashaya, Soul of the Wild - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions
Thicket Basilisk - MTG Card versions
Cockatrice - MTG Card versions
Ironroot Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Elvish Bard - MTG Card versions
Durkwood Boars - MTG Card versions
Elven Riders - MTG Card versions
Panther Warriors - MTG Card versions
Redwood Treefolk - MTG Card versions
Spined Wurm - MTG Card versions
Rabid Wolverines - MTG Card versions
Deadly Insect - MTG Card versions
Vintara Elephant - MTG Card versions
Crashing Boars - MTG Card versions
Kavu Climber - MTG Card versions
Kavu Chameleon - MTG Card versions
Spring-Leaf Avenger - MTG Card versions
Okina Nightwatch - MTG Card versions
Consuming Blob - MTG Card versions
Ashaya, Soul of the Wild - MTG Card versions
Primeval Force - MTG Card versions

Card Pros

Card Advantage: Timber Protector presents a steady path to card advantage by protecting your valuable Treefolk and Forests, key components of your deck that can pave the way to a win. Ensuring their survival often means retaining more cards in your hand longer as opponents may hesitate to exchange their removal spells into your resilient board.

Resource Acceleration: By safeguarding your Forests, Timber Protector not only bolsters your defensive line but also maintains your land-based resources intact. This indirect type of resource acceleration allows you to consistently play your spells on time and capitalize on the mana your Forests produce without the fear of disruption.

Instant Speed: While Timber Protector itself may not operate at instant speed, its protective aura does. Once deployed, any Treefolk or Forest you play benefits instantly from its defensive boon, making the timing of your plays less predictable and more advantageous as you effectively nullify threats at any moment of the game.


Card Cons

Discard Requirement: Playing the Timber Protector requires precise deck construction to ensure its abilities are fully utilized. Without the right support cards, its impact can be underwhelming, as it depends heavily on the presence of other Treefolk or Forests on the battlefield.

Specific Mana Cost: Timber Protector’s mana cost includes two green mana, which makes it a challenging fit for multicolored or splash decks without a strong green mana base. This can potentially limit its flexibility and inclusion in diverse deck archetypes.

Comparatively High Mana Cost: With a mana value of five, Timber Protector is on the higher end of the casting cost spectrum, which might not align with faster-paced strategies. Decks focusing on rapid deployment might find this casting cost prohibitive, as it can slow down the tempo and leave the player vulnerable in the earlier stages of the game.


Reasons to Include in Your Collection

Versatility: Timber Protector offers a significant boost to any deck that leverages Treefolk or Forests. Its ability to strengthen these types not only enhances board presence but also adds a layer of protection that can be essential in both casual and competitive play.

Combo Potential: With Timber Protector in play, its passive ability to grant indestructibility to other Treefolk you control opens up numerous combo possibilities. It allows you to build a resilient board that can persist through board wipes and removal spells—a powerful asset for any deck looking to maintain a strong field presence.

Meta-Relevance: In a game where card advantage and board state are critical, Timber Protector ensures that your Treefolk and Forests aren’t just temporary fixtures on the battlefield. Its relevance escalates especially in metas where control decks are prevalent, making it a valuable asset for countering widespread removal strategies.


How to Beat

Timber Protector is a formidable card in Magic: The Gathering, especially within decks that center around Treefolk or Forests. With its static ability to provide indestructible to other Treefolk you control and also to Forests, the card poses a unique challenge to opponents aiming to dismantle your board through damage or destruction effects.

To effectively counter Timber Protector, strategies must shift towards mass -bypassing its protective bubble. Cards that force sacrifices or that change a creature’s base characteristics can be valuable tools. Spells such as Path to Exile provide a clean answer, removing Timber Protector from the game without dealing damage. Similarly, using board wipes that don’t destroy, like Terminus, circumvent its shield by putting creatures on the bottom of the player’s library.

Furthermore, controlling the battle through counterspells and hand disruption can preemptively deal with Timber Protector before it ever hits the board, avoiding the complication altogether. Ultimately, in a game as diverse as Magic: The Gathering, a vast array of strategies exist to deal with even the most stalwart protectors of the forest.


BurnMana Recommendations

Embracing the nuances of MTG can transform every match into a tactical delight. Delving into the depths of adept deck building with cards like Timber Protector elevates your strategic repertoire. By shielding your Treefolk and lands, this card becomes a cornerstone for those valiant green-aligned decks. Looking to fortify your Forests or stand unswayed by board wipes? Consider fitting Timber Protector into your arsenal. Curious about optimizing your deck’s defensive strategies or eager to weave in synergistic Treefolk? Let’s guide you through advanced plays and strategic deck tweaks to harness Timber Protector’s full potential and craft an enduring legacy in your MTG saga.


Where to buy

If you're looking to purchase Timber Protector MTG card by a specific set like Lorwyn and Tales of Middle-earth Commander, there are several reliable options to consider. One of the primary sources is your local game store, where you can often find booster packs, individual cards, and preconstructed decks from current and some past sets. They often offer the added benefit of a community where you can trade with other players.

For a broader inventory, particularly of older sets, online marketplaces like TCGPlayer, Card Kingdom and Card Market offer extensive selections and allow you to search for cards from specific sets. Larger e-commerce platforms like eBay and Amazon also have listings from various sellers, which can be a good place to look for sealed product and rare finds.

Additionally, Magic’s official site often has a store locator and retailer lists for finding Wizards of the Coast licensed products. Remember to check for authenticity and the condition of the cards when purchasing, especially from individual sellers on larger marketplaces.

Below is a list of some store websites where you can buy the Timber Protector and other MTG cards:

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Printings

The Timber Protector Magic the Gathering card was released in 2 different sets between 2007-10-12 and 2023-06-23. Illustrated by 4 different artists.

#ReleasedNameCodeSymbolNumberFrameLayoutBorderArtist
12007-10-12LorwynLRW 2382003NormalBlackTerese Nielsen & Philip Tan
22023-06-23Tales of Middle-earth CommanderLTC 5332015NormalBorderlessGreg Hildebrandt & Tim Hildebrandt

Legalities

Magic the Gathering formats where Timber Protector has restrictions

FormatLegality
CommanderLegal
LegacyLegal
ModernLegal
OathbreakerLegal
VintageLegal
DuelLegal
PredhLegal
PennyLegal

Rules and information

The reference guide for Magic: The Gathering Timber Protector card rulings provides official rulings, any errata issued, as well as a record of all the functional modifications that have occurred.

Date Text
2013-07-01 If Timber Protector somehow becomes a Forest, it doesn’t give itself indestructible.