Tree and shrub stabilizing apparatus and method for stabilizing a tree or shrub

Abstract

An apparatus for stabilizing a tree or shrub, comprises a plurality of stakes each including first and second ends, respectively, the first ends being adapted for permitting the stakes to be driven into the ground, a plurality of straps, and attachment means located on the plurality of stakes, respectively, for securely attaching a portion of selected ones of the plurality of straps thereto, respectively, wherein the plurality of stakes are arranged in a desired spaced apart configuration around the root ball, and driven via their respective first ends at least partly into the ground, each of the plurality of straps being individually connected via the attachment means to and between a selected pair of the plurality of stakes, respectively, for providing a desired configuration of a single layer or multiple overlying layers of the plurality of straps, whereby the plurality of straps are positioned over and against the root ball to provide a downward force thereagainst and to secure the root ball in place.

Description

RELATED PATENT APPLICATION AND PATENTS[0001] This Application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______: (Attorney Docket No. 1002.1.004), entitled UNITARY TREE AND SHRUB STABILIZING DEVICE, filed on Apr. 1, 2002; U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,903, entitled TREE STAPLE, issued on Nov. 7, 2000; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,243, entitled TREE AND SHRUB STABILIZING DEVICE, issued on May 23, 2000. Each of the related patent application and patents have common ownership herewith.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002] The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for stabilizing newly planted trees and shrubs to prevent them from shifting or toppling while their root systems are first developing,BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003] In the initial period, newly planted trees or shrubs typically require some level of assisted support to avert tilting or toppling. Strong winds and excessive moisture can cause a poorly supported tree or shrub to lean excessively or fall to the ground. Adequate supp...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] The present invention is directed to an apparatus and a method for stabilizing a tree or a shrub to prevent it from toppling from a vertical position. The apparatus generally includes two or more stakes inserted into the ground in a circumferentially spaced apart manner around the root ball of a tree or shrub, with one or more pieces or straps of flexible material secured to the stakes. As the stakes are driven into the ground, the one or more straps are drawn downwardly to exert a constant pressure upon the root ball, thus immobilizing it and preventing movement that can result in toppling of the associated tree or shrub.

[0010] at least one strap having portions thereof individually to and between selected pairs of the plurality of stakes, respectively, wherein the plurality of stakes are arranged in a desired spaced apart configuration around the root ball, and driven via their respective first ends at least partly into the ground, whereby the portions of the at least one strap are positioned over and against the root ball desired configuration to provide a downward force thereagainst and to secure the root ball in place.

[0014] attachment means located on the plurality of stakes, respectively, for securely attaching a portion of the at least one strap thereto, wherein the plurality of stakes are arranged in a desired spaced apart configuration around the root ball, and driven via their respective first ends at least partly into the ground, and the at least one strap has individual portions connected via the attachment means between selected ones of the plurality of stakes in a desired configuration for positioning the portions of the at least one strap over and against the root ball in a desired configuration to provide a downward force thereagainst and to secure the root ball in place.

[0021] tensioning the plurality of straps attached to and between the corresponding selected pairs of the plurality of stakes to provide a sufficient downward force against the root ball to secure the root ball in place.

Problems solved by technology

Strong winds and excessive moisture can cause a poorly supported tree or shrub to lean excessively or fall to the ground.

Such conventional methods are also generally suitable for stabilizing small to moderate sized trees and shrubs, and are not recommended for supporting substantially larger trees and shrubs.

There are several disadvantages associated with using stakes and guy line systems.

The stakes and guy lines are typically exposed above grade level of the ground, and can pose hazards to passing traffic such as pedestrians, children, ground maintenance equipment such as lawnmowers and the like.

The presence of such components are usually displeasing to the eye and often undesirably detract from the appearance of the tree or shrub and the surrounding area.

The stakes and guy lines also need frequent attention and adjustment, since they can become loosened, vandalized, damaged, shifted or simply outgrown by the tree or shrub.

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