Method of Preventing Snails from Accessing the Upper Portions of a Tree

Abstract

A method of preventing snails from reaching the upper portion of the plant or tree utilizes a device which bars access to leaves and fruit subject to attack from the snails. Embodiments of the device utilized in the method have an inner funnel-shaped sleeve which biases against the tree trunk to provide a sufficiently tight closure to prevent snails from climbing between the trunk and the device. Embodiments of the device have a downward facing surface having a plurality of closely-spaced downwardly facing spike members. These spike members are sufficiently closely spaced so as to substantially or completely prevent snails, including small-sized young snails, from moving across the downwardly facing surface to crawl around the outside of the device to gain access to the upper portion of the tree.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This is a Divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 674,421, which was filed on Mar. 31, 2015 and for which a Notice of Allowance was issued on Mar. 2, 2016. This inventor claims domestic priority to U.S. application Ser. No. 14 / 674,421, which application is incorporated herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention generally relates to methods and apparatus for preventing snails from damaging plants, trees, flowers, and fruit. This invention more particularly provides a method which prevents snails from gaining access to the leaves, flowers, and fruit of large plants and trees.[0003]Snails can inflict severe damage to plants and trees, and to fruit growing on the plants and trees. With respect to trees, citrus trees and citrus fruit are especially susceptible to damage. Snails are most active at night, and will typically seek hiding places to avoid sun and bright light. Shady areas and areas with dense ground cover prov...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The device described in this patent helps to securely attach an irrigation system to a tree trunk and direct water away from the base of the tree. This prevents water from causing damage to the tree and ensures that the irrigation system is properly installed. Overall, the device provides a more efficient and effective way to irrigate citrus trees.

Problems solved by technology

Snails can inflict severe damage to plants and trees, and to fruit growing on the plants and trees.

With respect to trees, citrus trees and citrus fruit are especially susceptible to damage.

However, many have various drawbacks as well with respect to expense, practicality, danger to young children and animals, and, with respect to traps, the unpleasant task of disposing of a large number of snails.

Images