Patent ID: 9468160
Filing Date: 2016-10-18
CPC Classification: A01G

Claim Text:
1. A method for moving trees comprising: cutting a first and a second trench along two opposite sides of a tree at a predetermined depth and distance from the bole of the tree thereby severing roots of the tree at the trenches; waiting a period of time for the tree to recover from the shock of root severing and thereafter cutting a third and a fourth trench each generally perpendicular to and intersecting the first and second trenches on opposite sides of the tree so as to define a generally square root ball for the tree; waiting an additional period of time for the tree to recover from the cutting of the second pair of trenches; creating a first excavated area along one side of the tree extending outwardly from a first trench along that side of the tree, the first excavated area having a size larger than the size of the area defined by the trenches surrounding the tree and having a depth at least the depth of the trenches; positioning a box structure in the first excavated area, the box structure having a bottom plate and at least three vertically extending side members attached to peripheral edges of the bottom plate, the peripheral edge of the bottom plate abutting the first trench having a cutting blade without a side member; creating a second excavated area on a side of the tree opposite the first excavated area, the second excavated area being sized to accept a pulling mechanism having a pair of cable attachments for connection to the box structure; positioning the pulling mechanism in the second excavated area and connecting the cable attachments to the box structure through the pair of trenches oriented perpendicular to the first and second trenches; actuating the pulling mechanism to pull the box structure under the tree without additional excavation such that the cutting blade severs the roots under the tree and the box structure encompasses the root ball of the tree defined by the trenches; fastening a fourth side of the box structure to the base plate and to the adjacent sides of the box structure; connecting a lifting device to the box structure and raising the box structure along with the tree for transport to another location.