Abstract:
Exemplary embodiments provide an apparatus and method of use for more easily and reliably stimulating root growth on the limbs of plants or trees. The apparatus securely locks in place around a limb of a tree, and a root growth medium is placed inside the apparatus around a limb of a plant or tree. A watering tube and viewing port are also provided. After a period of time, roots grow inside the root growth medium, the apparatus is removed, the limb is severed from the plant or tree, and the limb and newly-formed root ball are planted.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/245,094 (Kotter), filed Oct. 22, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference as if set forth in full below. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for germinating roots on the limbs of live plants, particularly, trees and bushes. 
         [0003]    Many types of plant limbs will grow roots when covered in a moist environment; and this principle has been used to propagate plants. Previous efforts to propagate plants include placing plastic containers, sheets of plastic, coffee cans, or aluminum foil filled with a suitable growth medium, such as sphagnum peat moss, around a branch of a tree or plant, keeping the growth medium moist, waiting until roots grown in the growth medium, and then removing and planting the branch. However, these methods and apparatuses are difficult to use, not reusable, susceptible of falling off of a tree or plant in heavy wind, can damage plants, or create irregularly shaped root balls. In view of these problems, disclosed herein is an improved plant limb root germination method and apparatus which solves these problems by being easily and sturdily attachable to a limb of a tree or plant to create a tight seal on a trees or plants of varying sizes to create a uniform regular shaped root ball, while still being easy to water, remove and reuse. The rigidity and locking mechanism disclosed herein provide a plant limb root germination apparatus which is sturdy to the environment which is capable of remaining on a limb of a plant or tree, even in relatively high winds. The hinged operation disclosed herein provides a plant limb root germination apparatus which is capable of fitting around a limb of a plant or tree, even if said plant limb is very long or is larger than the diameter of the provided openings. The watertight seal disclosed herein provide for water to remain inside of a plant limb root germination apparatus, reducing the potential for the interior root growth medium to become too try to promote root growth. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Disclosed herein is a container that can be attached around a plant or tree limb and filled with moss and water to germinate roots, as well as a method of using said container. After approximately six to twelve weeks, and after roots germinate, the plant or tree limb may be severed and planted. 
         [0005]    Also disclosed herein is a plant limb root germination apparatus comprising a first wall and a second wall, said first wall further comprising, a first top indentation, a first bottom indentation, and a first edge; and said second wall further comprising a second top indentation, a second bottom indentation, and a second edge; wherein said first wall and said second wall are hingedly connected on a first side and detachably connected on a second side; and wherein when said first wall and said second wall are closed, said first wall and said second wall form an interior cavity, said first top indentation and said second top indentation form a top opening, and said first bottom indentation and said second bottom indentation form a bottom opening; wherein said interior cavity is capable of holding a root growth medium, further comprising a locking mechanism which locks said first side and said second side together, wherein said first wall and said second wall are rigid, opaque, and non-permeable to water wherein either said first edge or said second edge is a first cushioned surface, wherein when said first wall and said second wall are locked together, said first cushioned surface creates a watertight seal between said first edge and said second edge, wherein said first wall further comprises a viewing port and a watering tube, wherein said first top indentation further comprises a first top indentation edge, said second top indentation further comprises a second top indentation edge, said first bottom indentation further comprises a first bottom indentation edge, and said second bottom indentation further comprises a second bottom indentation edge; and wherein each of said first top indentation edge, said second top indentation edge, said first bottom indentation edge, said second bottom indentation edge are cushioned surfaces. 
         [0006]    Also disclosed herein is a method of creating and using a plant limb root germination apparatus, comprising the steps of: three-dimensionally printing a plant limb root germination apparatus comprising a first concave wall and a second concave wall, wherein said first concave wall and said second concave wall are hingedly and detachably connected and when closed form an interior cavity, a top opening, and a bottom opening; filling said interior cavity of said plant limb root germination apparatus with a root growth medium; attaching said plant limb root germination apparatus to a branch of a plant; monitoring said root growth medium for root growth from said branch of said plant until a root ball forms in said root growth medium; cutting said branch below said root ball; and planting said root ball; wherein said plant limb root germination apparatus is three dimensionally printed to dimensions appropriate for said branch of said plant; wherein said plant limb root germination apparatus is rigid, opaque, and non-permeable to water; wherein said first concave wall further comprises a viewing port and wherein said monitoring step further comprises adding an additional root growth medium into said interior cavity; wherein said first concave wall further comprises a watering tube and said monitoring step further comprises a substep of maintaining moisture in said root growth medium in said interior cavity by adding water into said interior cavity by pouring water into said viewing port or said watering tube; wherein said plant root limb germination apparatus further comprises a locking mechanism and said attaching step further comprises the step of locking said plant root limb germination apparatus; wherein the step of locking said plant root limb germination apparatus securely fastens said plant root limb germination apparatus to said branch of said plant. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing the exterior of an opened plant limb root germination apparatus. 
           [0008]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing the interior of an opened plant limb root germination apparatus. 
           [0009]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a closed plant limb root germination apparatus. 
           [0010]      FIG. 4  is an alternate perspective view of a closed plant limb root germination apparatus. 
           [0011]      FIG. 5  is a reverse perspective view of a closed plant limb root germination apparatus. 
           [0012]      FIG. 6  illustrates a portion of a method of using a plant limb root germination apparatus by illustrating a plant limb root germination apparatus on a tree. 
           [0013]      FIG. 7  illustrates a portion of a method of using a plant limb root germination apparatus by illustrating a small tree after a plant limb root germination apparatus has been removed. 
           [0014]      FIG. 8  illustrates a portion of a method of using a plant limb root germination apparatus by illustrating a branch of a small tree which has been removed from said small tree and planted in the ground. 
           [0015]      FIG. 9  illustrates a portion of a method of creating and using a plant limb root germination apparatus to scale using a three-dimensional printer. 
           [0016]      FIG. 10  depicts a method of creating and using a plant limb root germination apparatus. 
       
    
    
       [0017]    The images in the drawings are simplified for illustrative purposes and are not depicted to scale. Within the descriptions of the figures, similar elements are provided similar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s). The specific numerals assigned to the elements are provided solely to aid in the description and are not meant to imply any limitations (structural or functional) on the invention. 
         [0018]    The appended drawings illustrate exemplary configurations of the invention and, as such, should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention that may admit to other equally effective configurations. It is contemplated that features of one configuration may be beneficially incorporated in other configurations without further recitation. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0019]      FIG. 1  illustrates rooter  100 . As used herein, the term “rooter” means a plant limb root growth apparatus.  FIG. 1  depicts certain features of an exemplary embodiment of rooter  100 , namely, first wall  102 , second wall  104 , viewing port  106 , watering tube  108 , watering tube hole  110 , first top indentation  112 , second top indentation  114 , first hinge  116 , second hinge  118 , clasp reception block  120 , clasp reception ridge  122 , rotating clasp block  124 , rotating clasp bar  126 , rotating clasp  128 , rotating clasp lip  130 , first edge  134 , second edge  132 , first top indentation edge  138 , and second top indentation edge  136 . Not shown in  FIG. 1  are second bottom indentation edge  140 , first bottom indentation edge  142 , second bottom indentation  144 , first bottom indentation  146 , second wall (interior)  148 , first wall (interior)  150 , top opening  152 , bottom opening  154 , and interior cavity  180 . 
         [0020]    In an exemplary embodiment, rooter  100  is comprised of a thermoplastic polymer such as polylactic acid (PLA) and is opaque. Rooter  100  may also be made of expanded polystyrene foam, elastomers, a thermosetting polymer, or other suitable materials. In exemplary embodiments, rooter  100  is comprised of a material that is not permeable to water. 
         [0021]    In said exemplary embodiment, rooter  100  is approximately  200 . 00 mm long,  107 . 72 mm wide, and  46 . 19 mm tall, having an approximately ovoid shape. However, other sizes and shapes may be used. 
         [0022]    In another exemplary embodiment, rooter  100  is approximately seven inches long as measured between first top indentation  112  and first bottom indentation  146  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and gradually tapers from approximately four inches wide between clasp reception block  120  and rotating clasp block  124  to approximately one inch wide at first top indentation  112  (and between first top indentation  112  and second top indentation  114  when rooter  100  is closed). However, other sizes and shapes may be used. 
         [0023]    In said exemplary embodiment, first wall  102  further comprises viewing port  106  and watering tube  108 , with watering tube  108  further comprising watering tube hole  110 . Viewing port  106  is a void in first wall  102  provided for allowing visual and physical access to interior cavity  180  (shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ) of rooter  100 . Watering tube  108  (in exemplary embodiments, watering tube  108  is a cylinder) surrounds watering tube hole  110  (and, watering tube hole  110  forms a void in first wall  102 ); and both watering tube  108  and watering tube hole  110  are provided to allow for water to be poured into interior cavity  180  of rooter  100  while rooter  100  is in use. Viewing port  106  is approximately a circle of two inches in diameter; and watering tube hole  110  is approximately a circle of one inch in diameter. However, other sizes and shapes may be used. 
         [0024]    In said exemplary embodiment, first wall  102  further comprises first hinge  116 , which is located on a side of first wall  102 ; and second wall  104  further comprises second hinge  118 , which is located on a side of second wall  104 . First hinge  116  is approximately three inches by one inch at its connection point to first wall  102  and has two members extending outward towards second hinge  118 . Second hinge  118  is approximately three inches by one inch at its connection point to second wall  104  and has three members extending outward towards first hinge  116 , wherein the two members of first hinge  116  and the three members of second hinge  118  interlock and form an axis of rotation. Thus, first wall  102  and second wall  104  are hingedly connected by first hinge  116  and second hinge  118 . Other shapes and sizes may be used for first hinge  116  and second hinge  118 . Other hinged connections may be used. Non-hinged flexible connections may also be used. 
         [0025]    In said exemplary embodiment, first wall  102  further comprises clasp reception block  120 , which itself further comprises clasp reception ridge  122 . Clasp reception block  120  is located on a side of first wall  102  opposite first hinge  116 . Clasp reception ridge  122  is a raised ridge extending outward from clasp reception block  120 . 
         [0026]    Second wall  104  further comprises rotating clasp block  124 , which itself further comprises rotating clasp bar  126 . Rotating clasp block  124  is located on a side of second wall  104  opposite second hinge  118 . Rotating clasp block further comprises two members which extend outwards, away from second wall  104  to rotating clasp bar  126 . Rotating clasp bar  126  connects said two members of rotating clasp block  124  and is an approximate cylinder having an axis parallel to a lengthwise axis of rooter  100  and also parallel to the axis of rotation formed by first hinge  116  and second hinge  118 . 
         [0027]    Clasp reception block  120  and rotating clasp block  124  are each approximately three inches long by one inch wide. However, other shapes and sizes may be used. Other clasp mechanisms may be used. 
         [0028]    Rooter  100  further comprises rotating clasp  128 . Rotating clasp further comprises a cylindrical tubular shape sitting around rotating clasp bar  126 . Thus, rotating clasp  128  is rotationally connected to rotating clasp bar  126 . Rotating clasp further comprises a first member extending outward, away from rotating clasp bar  126  and a second member extending, at an approximate  90  degree angle away from said first member of rotating clasp  128 . Rotating clasp  128  further comprises rotating clasp lip  130 , which is a raised area of rotating clasp  128 , in particular a raised ridge of said second member of rotating clasp  128 . 
         [0029]    In said exemplary embodiment, first wall  102  further comprises first top indentation  112 , which is a void in first wall  102 ; and second wall  104  further comprises second top indentation  114 , which is a void in second wall  104 . First top indentation  112  and second top indentation  114  are each approximately a semicircle of one inch in diameter. However, other shapes and sizes may be used. 
         [0030]    First edge  134 , second edge  132 , first top indentation edge  138 , and second top indentation edge  136  are discussed in the description of  FIG. 2 . 
         [0031]      FIG. 2  depicts certain features of an exemplary embodiment of rooter  100 , namely, first wall  102 , second wall  104 , viewing port  106 , watering tube  108 , first top indentation  112 , second top indentation  114 , first hinge  116 , second hinge  118 , clasp reception ridge  122 , rotating clasp block  124 , rotating clasp bar  126 , rotating clasp  128 , rotating clasp lip  130 , first edge  134 , second edge  132 , first top indentation edge  138 , and second top indentation edge  136 , as pointed out in the description of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2  depict different views of the same exemplary embodiment, but  FIG. 2  also depicts first top indentation edge  138 , second bottom indentation edge  140 , first bottom indentation edge  142 , second bottom indentation  144 , first bottom indentation  146 , second wall (interior)  148 , first wall (interior)  150 . Not depicted in  FIG. 2  are clasp reception block  120 , top opening  152 , bottom opening  154 , and interior cavity  180 . 
         [0032]    In an exemplary embodiment of rooter  100 , first wall  102  further comprises first bottom indentation  146 , which is a void in first wall  102 ; and second wall  104  further comprises second bottom indentation  144 , which is a void in second wall  104 . First bottom indentation  146  and second bottom indentation  144  are each approximately a semicircle of one inch in diameter. However, other shapes and sizes may be used. 
         [0033]    In said exemplary embodiment, first wall  102  further comprises first edge  134 , an end to the approximately concave surface of first wall  102 , forming an approximate oval; and second wall  104  further comprises second edge  132 , an end to the approximately concave surface of second wall  104 , also forming an approximate oval. As shown in this exemplary embodiment, second edge  132  is a foam cushioned surface adhesively attached to second wall  104 . In other embodiments, first edge  134  is foam cushioned surface adhesively attached to first wall  102 . In yet other embodiments, both first edge  134  and second edge  132  are foam cushioned surfaces adhesively attached to first wall  102  or second wall  104 , respectively. In exemplary embodiments, the foam cushioned surfaces are not made out of the same material as rooter  100  (i.e., PLA), but rather, out of another material such as urethane foam, neoprene, other open or closed cell foam, rubber, or any suitable cushioned material, with preferred embodiments using water-impermeable materials. 
         [0034]    In said exemplary embodiment, first top indentation  112  further comprises first top indentation edge  138 ; first bottom indentation  146  further comprises first bottom indentation edge  142 ; second top indentation  114  further comprises second top indentation edge  136 ; and second bottom indentation  144  further comprises second bottom indentation edge  140 . In said exemplary embodiment, first top indentation edge  138  is a foam cushioned surface adhesively attached to first wall  102 ; first bottom indentation edge  142  is a foam cushioned surface adhesively attached to first wall  102 , second top indentation edge  136  is a foam cushioned surface adhesively attached to second wall  104 , and second bottom indentation edge  140  is a foam cushioned surface adhesively attached to second wall  104 . These foam cushioned surfaces are capable of forming a watertight seal around a limb of a tree and also are capable of helping to hold rooter  100  in place while in use. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  also depicts second wall (interior)  148  and first wall (interior)  150 . In said exemplary embodiment, second wall (interior)  148  is the interior side of second wall  104 ; and first wall (interior)  150  is the interior side of first wall  102 . 
         [0036]    In an exemplary embodiment, first wall  102 , watering tube  108 , first hinge  116 , clasp reception block  120 , clasp reception ridge  122 , and first wall (interior)  150  are a solid form (i.e., in certain embodiments, formed from the same piece of PLA). Second wall  104 , second hinge  118 , rotating clasp block  124 , rotating clasp bar  126 , and second wall (interior)  148  are a solid form (i.e., in certain embodiments, formed from the same piece of PLA). Rotating clasp  128  and rotating clasp lip  130  are a solid form (i.e., in certain embodiments, formed from the same piece of PLA). 
         [0037]      FIGS. 3, 4, and 5  depict said exemplary embodiment of rooter  100  when rooter  100  is closed.  FIGS. 3 and 4  show the same features of rooter  100  as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , but  FIGS. 3 and 4  also depict top opening  152  and interior cavity  180  and  FIG. 5  also depicts bottom opening  154 . 
         [0038]    In said exemplary embodiment of rooter  100 , first wall  102  and second wall  104  rotate about the hinged connection between first hinge  116  and second hinge  118 , with  FIGS. 3, 4, and 5  depicting rooter  100  in a closed position, that is, a position having first edge  134  and second edge  132  touch. When rooter  100  is in a closed position, first top indentation  112  and second top indentation  114  form top opening  152 ; first bottom indentation  146  and second bottom indentation  144  form bottom opening  154 ; and first wall (interior)  150  and second wall (interior)  148  form interior cavity  180 . First edge  134  and second edge  132  are approximately the same shape; thus, when rooter  100  is in a closed position, first edge  134  and second edge  132  are aligned. Top opening  152  and bottom opening  154  are each approximately circles of one inch in diameter, although other sized openings may be used. 
         [0039]    In said exemplary embodiment, when rooter  100  is closed, top opening  152  and bottom opening  154  are on opposite sides of rooter  100 ; and top opening  152  and bottom opening  154  define a lengthwise axis through rooter  100 . Clasp reception block  120  and rotating clasp block  124  are on a side of rooter  100  opposite first hinge  116  and second hinge  118 ; and clasp reception block  120  and rotating clasp block  124 , on the one hand, and first hinge  116  and second hinge  118 , on the other hand, define a second axis through rooter  100  which is orthogonal to the lengthwise axis through rooter  100 . 
         [0040]    In said exemplary embodiment, when rooter  100  is closed, rotating clasp  128  is capable of rotating and touching clasp reception ridge  122 ; and clasp reception ridge  122  is capable of receiving rotating clasp  128 , thus locking rooter  100 . Thus, clasp reception block  120 , clasp reception ridge  122 , rotating clasp block  124 , rotating clasp bar  126 , rotating clasp  128 , and rotating clasp lip  130  create a locking mechanism. When rooter  100  is in a locked position, force is used to push rotating clasp lip  130  over clasp reception ridge  122 , and rotating clasp lip  130  snaps in place parallel to clasp reception ridge  122 . Thus, when rooter  100  is in a locked position, clasp reception ridge  122  and rotating clasp  128  (in particular, rotating clasp lip  130 ) push against each other to prevent first wall  102  and second wall  104  from rotating about the rotational connection of first hinge  116  and second hinge  118  (i.e., to prevent rooter  100  from moving from a closed, locked position to an open position). Other embodiments may include other types of locking mechanisms such as clasps, bolts, latches, or any other suitable type of fastener. 
         [0041]    As discussed above, when rooter  100  is in a closed position, interior cavity  180  is formed. When rooter  100  is in a closed and locked position, the locking action creates pressure at first edge  134  and second edge  132 . In embodiments where one or more of first edge  134  and second edge  132  comprise a cushioned surface, because first edge  134  and second edge  132  are aligned and are approximately the same shape, the pressure created by the locking action creates a watertight seal at first edge  134  and second edge  132 . 
         [0042]      FIG. 6  illustrates exemplary embodiments of portions of rooting method  1000 , further discussed in the discussion of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 6  illustrates rooter  604  in use on tree  620 . Tree  620  may be any tree or plant which has the property of growing roots when covered in a mostly light-free, moist environment surrounded by a growing medium. Tree  620  is planted in soil  650 . Soil  650  is any suitable soil where a tree or plant grows. In certain embodiments, rooter  604  is placed over a tree  620  at a point where the size of tree  620  causes rooter  604  to create a tight seal around tree  620 . As depicted, rooter  604  is placed around a branch of tree  620 , closed and clasped shut as described in the description of  FIGS. 3-5 , leaving branch bottom  624  and branch top  626  visible and exposed to the environment exterior to rooter  604 . 
         [0043]    Also depicted are viewing port  606  of rooter  604  and watering tube  610  of rooter  604 , as well as watering device  630 , water  632 , root growth medium  640 . Viewing port  606  may be used to visually inspect the interior of rooter  604 , to water the interior of rooter  604 , or to insert root growth medium  640  into the interior of rooter  604 . Root growth medium  640  may also be placed inside the rooter  604  before the rooter  604  is closed around tree  620 . Root growth medium  640  may be any suitable growth medium, including, without limitation, sphagnum moss or peat moss. 
         [0044]    Watering device  630  is any suitable device for supplying water  632  to watering tube  610 , which in turn supplies water  632  to the interior cavity  180  (not depicted) of rooter  604 . 
         [0045]    In exemplary embodiments, rooter  604  is applied in the fashion described above to tree  620 , and the root growth medium  640  inside rooter  604  is kept moist through regular watering for approximately six to twelve weeks, or until sufficient roots grow from tree  620  into root growth medium  640 . Root sufficiency is determined by the size of branch top  626 . If branch top  626  is larger, more roots  670  (depicted in  FIG. 7 ) must form in root growth medium  640  to be sufficient. Additionally, different types of plants may require more or less roots  670  in root growth medium  640 . 
         [0046]      FIG. 7  illustrates exemplary embodiments of portions of rooting method  1000 , further discussed in the discussion of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 7  illustrates tree  620  after rooter  604  has been removed and roots  670  have grown into root growth medium  640  to create a root ball  660 . Branch top  626  is shown above root ball  660 , and branch bottom  624  is shown below root ball  660 , with tree  620  remaining planted in soil  650 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 8  illustrates exemplary embodiments of portions of rooting method  1000 , further discussed in the discussion of  FIG. 10 .  FIG. 8  illustrates that the performer or performers of rooting method  1000  have cut tree  620  at branch bottom  624 , severing root ball  660  and branch top  626  from tree  620 ; and root ball  660  has been planted in alternate soil  800 . Alternate soil  800  is in any suitable location and may be a different location than soil  650 . As a result, root ball  660  is underground; but root ball  660  may also be planted in a pot filled with alternate soil  800 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 9  illustrates exemplary embodiments of portions of rooting method  1000 , showing three-dimensional printer  900  and rooter  910 . In an exemplary embodiment, three-dimensional printer  900  is a Makerbot Replicator 2. Other embodiments can use different models of “three-dimensional printers,” that is, machines which are capable of additive manufacturing through the use of heated extruded polymers or plastics including, without limitation, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate (PC), polylactic acid (PLA), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), PC/ABS, polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) and high impact polystyrene (HIPS). One skilled in the art would understand that the disclosed method may be performed by any three-dimensional printer capable of producing the device disclosed herein in varying sizes on demand. Other embodiments include injection molding or other types of molding, and varying sizes of rooter  910  may be achieved by using varying mold sizes. 
         [0049]    Three-dimensional printer  900  can produce, or “print,” a rooter  910  in a range of sizes. Thus, if a performer of rooting method  1000  desires to use a rooter  910  on a larger tree or plant limb, rooter  910  can be printed in a larger size; alternatively, in a performer of rooting method  1000  desires to use a rooter  910  on a smaller tree or plant limb, rooter  910  can be printed in a smaller size. Thus, the size of rooter  910  can be scaled up or down as appropriate for its desired use. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  illustrates rooting method  1000 . 
         [0051]    In an exemplary embodiment of printing step  1010 , branch top  626  and branch bottom  624  of tree  620  are examined to determine an appropriate size of rooter  604 . Then, three-dimensional printer  900  is operated to create a rooter  604  in the desired appropriate size. Rooting method then proceeds to filling step  1020 . 
         [0052]    In an exemplary embodiment of filling step  1020 , rooter  604  is filled with a root growth medium  640 . Rooting method then proceeds to attaching step  1030 . 
         [0053]    In an exemplary embodiment of attaching step  1030 , rooter  604  is closed around a tree  620  and is locked. An interior cavity  180  of rooter  604  may be observed through viewing port  606  to determine if additional root growth medium  640  is needed. If needed, additional root growth medium  640  may be added through viewing port  606 . If significantly more root growth medium  640  is desired, rooting method  1000  may optionally unlock and open rooter  604  and proceed to filling step  1020 . If rooter  604  is determined to be too large or too small for tree  620 , rooting method  1000  may optionally unlock and open rooter  604  and return to printing step  1010 . If no changes are desired, rooting method  1000  proceeds to root growth step  1040 . 
         [0054]    In an exemplary embodiment of root growth step  1040 , water is added to rooter  604  through watering tube  610  or viewing port  606  such that root growth medium  640  is kept moist. During root growth step  1040 , root growth medium  640  is monitored for the growth of a root ball  660 . A root ball  660  generally grows in approximately six to twelve weeks. During root growth step  1040 , additional root growth medium  640  may be added, if needed, through viewing port  606 . If significantly more root growth medium  640  is desired, rooting method  1000  may optionally unlock and open rooter  604  and proceed to filling step  1020 . If rooter  604  is determined to be too large or too small for tree  620 , rooting method  1000  may optionally unlock and open rooter  604  and return to printing step  1010 . After a root ball  660  forms, rooting method  1000  proceeds to severing step  1050 . 
         [0055]    In an exemplary embodiment of severing step  1050 , the root ball  660  and branch top  626  are cut from tree  620 . Rooting method  1000  then proceeds to planting step  1060 . 
         [0056]    In an exemplary embodiment of planting step  1060 , root ball  660  is planted in alternate soil  800 . After planting step  1060  is performed, root ball  660  will continue to grow in alternate soil  800  and branch top  626  will grow into a larger plant. 
         [0057]    The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
         [0058]    This invention is susceptible to considerable variation in its practice. Therefore the foregoing description is not intended to limit, and should not be construed as limiting, the invention to the particular exemplifications presented hereinabove. Rather, what is intended to be covered is as set forth in the ensuing claims and the equivalents thereof as permitted as a matter of law. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Parts list 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 100 
                 Rooter 
               
               
                 102 
                 First wall 
               
               
                 104 
                 Second wall 
               
               
                 106 
                 Viewing port 
               
               
                 108 
                 Watering tube 
               
               
                 110 
                 Watering tube hole 
               
               
                 112 
                 First top indentation 
               
               
                 114 
                 Second top indentation 
               
               
                 116 
                 First hinge 
               
               
                 118 
                 Second hinge 
               
               
                 120 
                 Clasp reception block 
               
               
                 122 
                 Clasp reception ridge 
               
               
                 124 
                 Rotating clasp block 
               
               
                 126 
                 Rotating clasp bar 
               
               
                 128 
                 Rotating clasp 
               
               
                 130 
                 Rotating clasp lip 
               
               
                 132 
                 Second edge 
               
               
                 134 
                 First edge 
               
               
                 136 
                 Second top indentation edge 
               
               
                 138 
                 First top indentation edge 
               
               
                 140 
                 Second bottom indentation edge 
               
               
                 142 
                 First bottom indentation edge 
               
               
                 144 
                 Second bottom indentation 
               
               
                 146 
                 First bottom indentation 
               
               
                 148 
                 Interior of second wall 
               
               
                 150 
                 Interior of first wall 
               
               
                 152 
                 Top opening 
               
               
                 154 
                 Bottom opening 
               
               
                 180 
                 Interior cavity 
               
               
                 604 
                 Rooter 
               
               
                 606 
                 Viewing port 
               
               
                 610 
                 Watering tube 
               
               
                 620 
                 Tree 
               
               
                 624 
                 Branch bottom 
               
               
                 626 
                 Branch top 
               
               
                 630 
                 Watering device 
               
               
                 632 
                 Water 
               
               
                 640 
                 Root growth medium 
               
               
                 650 
                 Soil 
               
               
                 660 
                 Root ball 
               
               
                 670 
                 Roots 
               
               
                 800 
                 Alternate soil 
               
               
                 900 
                 3D printer 
               
               
                 910 
                 Rooter 
               
               
                 1000 
                 Rooting Method 
               
               
                 1010 
                 Printing Step 
               
               
                 1020 
                 Filling Step 
               
               
                 1030 
                 Attaching Step 
               
               
                 1040 
                 Root Growth Step 
               
               
                 1050 
                 Severing Step 
               
               
                 1060 
                 Planting Step