Abstract:
An underground tree stabilization device used to stabilize a tree in heavy weather. The tree stabilizer includes a cement anchor base that increases the drag through the soil and thus acts as a brake. When attached to the base of a tree, the tree stabilizer can prevent the tree from being toppled. By limiting the rocking motion and installing the cement base below the top soil, the trees natural ability to survive is greatly enhanced. The present invention is intended for mature shallow root trees, using an underground cabling system attached to a large cement base that may be formed with the tree in place.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/391,250, filed Apr. 25, 2016, and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/494,872, filed Aug. 24, 2016, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to tree stabilization systems and apparatus and, more particularly, to subterranean systems for anchoring a tree in the surface of the ground. 
     When landscaping a site that is prone to high winds torrential rains, it desirable to anchor a transplanted tree to assist in stabilizing the tree in the soil until the root structure has had an opportunity to mature. In instances where the soil does not provide a great deal of stability, such as sandy soils, and sandy loam, particularly in coastal areas, it is also desirable to provide a permanent anchoring of the tree. Permanent anchoring is intended to prevent toppling and malformation of the tree growth as a result of strong winds and ground saturation by significant rain events, whether prevailing winds or those from strong storms, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. 
     Presently in the art, most tree anchors consist of stakes that are driven into the ground around the periphery of the tree root ball. To provide better vertical and lateral stabilization of a tree, these stakes are driven into the ground at a distance from the tree base. This leaves the tie down cables as unsightly additions to the landscape. The exposed cables also present trip hazards and interfere with other routine landscape maintenance chores, such as grass cutting, weeding, or mulching around the tree base. In addition, the stakes do not provide a sufficient anchoring, particularly after heavy rains, which can soften the soil. Moreover, the the forces developed by the winds acting on the trees are concentrated at the stakes, which may cause them to become dislodged from the soil. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for an improved tree anchoring system that provides for a closer anchoring around the base of the tree and wider distribution of the forces acting on the anchor points. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention, a method of anchoring a tree in a soil surface is claimed and disclosed. The method includes forming a cavity in the soil beneath the root structure of the tree; forming a bore in the soil to intersect with the cavity; extending a ground cable through the bore to place a first portion of the ground cable within the cavity and retaining a second portion of the ground cable above the soil surface; and filling the cavity with a Cementous material to form a cast base, wherein the first portion of the ground cable is cast within the cast base. The method may also include attaching the second portion of the ground cable to an anchor in a base of the tree; and forming a loop in the second portion of the ground cable. The method further includes forming a plurality of channels through a trunk of the tree, the channels opening proximal to the loop in the ground cable. 
     Other aspects of the method include threading a trunk cable having a first free end and a second free end through the plurality of channels; and threading the free ends of the trunk cable through the loop in the ground cable. The free ends of the trunk cable are secured to an offset anchor. The ground cable may then be tightened via the anchor. Then, the trunk cable may be tightened via the offset anchor. Preferred aspects of the method, include inserting a pipe into the bore; and extending the ground cable through the pipe. Preferably the cavity and the bore are formed by hydraulic drilling. 
     In yet other aspects of the invention, a tree stabilization device includes a cast base occupying a cavity formed subjacent to a root structure of a tree; a plurality of anchor bores extending from a soil surface adjacent to a trunk of the tree and extending into the cavity. A plurality of anchor cables are secured in the cast base and extend through the anchor bores and have a loop end at a point proximal to a trunk of the tree. An eye lag screw is configured to be threaded into the trunk between adjacent trunk bores, wherein the anchor cable is received through an eye of the eye lag screw and the anchor cable is tightened by rotation of the eye lag screw into the trunk. A trunk cable is configured to extend through a plurality of trunk bores extending transversely across a cord line of the trunk, the trunk bores are oriented to extend between adjacent anchor cables. The trunk cable is configured to be threaded through the loop of the anchor cable. 
     In some embodiments, the tree stabilization device may also include an outer shield received in the anchor bores, wherein the anchor cable is carried within the outer shield. An offset eye lag screw is configured to receive the trunk cable through the offset eye lag screw, wherein the trunk cable is tightened by rotation of the offset eye lag screw. In yet other embodiments, a tubular insert is received in the trunk bores and the trunk cable is threaded through the tubular insert. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side elevation view of a tree anchor according to an embodiment of invention in use. 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the tree anchor taken on line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the tree anchor, not showing the tree. 
         FIG. 4  is a detail perspective view of the tree anchor applied to the tree. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides an improved tree anchor system, method and apparatus having a broad subterranean base to provide for stability and anchor ties in the base of the tree to eliminate unsightly and interfering cable extensions. 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 1 , a tree anchor system  10  according to aspects of the present invention includes a cast base  12 , a plurality of tree restraints having an outer shield  14  and an inner anchor cable  16 . The cast base  12  is positioned subjacent to the root ball of the tree and the anchor cables  16  and outer shields  14  extend through the cast base and the soil to a position at or above the ground surface. The trunk cables  16 ′ are configured to extend through the trunk  11  of the tree proximal to the ground surface. 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 2 , the trunk cables  16 ′ are configured to extend through the tree trunk  11  through a plurality of trunk bores  17  formed through the tree trunk  11 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2 , three trunk bores  17  extend through the tree trunk  11  in a generally triangular configuration. The trunk bores  17  have a tubular insert  18  that extends through the bores  17  to a point proximal to the cast base  12 . 
     The stabilizer  10  may be installed with new plantings or may be applied to a mature tree in situ. The stabilizer  10  is designed to be installed in the subsoil directly under the tree. The idea is to place the stabilizer base  12  as deep into the subsoil beneath the root ball or root center as possible. 
     The installation according to aspects of the present invention is fairly simple. A source of pressurized water is applied to the soil structure around the base of the tree using a hydraulic drilling process to erode the soil and define a plurality of anchor bores  15  extending into the soil and a produce cavity at the intersection of the plurality of anchor bores  15  beneath the tree&#39;s root structure. 
     Preferably a water pump is utilized to create the pressurized water source to wash the dirt/sand from the pipes quickly. The pressure from a garden hose will work, but requires more time. When using a garden hose, it is preferable to use a multi-connector with a ¾″ hose outlet to connect two or more hoses to build pressure. 
     Step 1 Surface Preparation 
     In a first step, surface preparation is accomplished by removing landscaping from around the base of the tree. Using a pressurized water source, wash the debris and loose soil from the base of the tree to a depth of about 4 inches so as to partially expose the major roots of the tree. When the debris has been removed, the location for the placement of a plurality of anchor bores  15  in the next step can be determined. For most applications, three anchor bores  15  should be sufficient to construct the stabilizer base  12 , but there is no maximum number that may be used, depending upon on the size and shape of the in situ tree. All tools and pipes need to be securely fastened. The back and forth motion used for the hydraulic drilling can cause them to work loose and fall off. It is also recommended to leave the water source running until the tool is removed from pipe, to prevent settling sand from locking tool in the hole. 
     Step 2 Bore and Cavity Formation—Hydraulic Drilling 
     The plurality of anchor bores  15  are formed by the injection of a pressurized water source through a pipe to flush the soil out of the anchor bore  15 . In most applications, a 36″ section of 2″ PVC pipe is utilized to apply a pressurized source of water to wash a passage for the pipe between the roots. The pipe carrying the pressurized water protects the surrounding roots from being damaged by the pressure washer and later introduction of cement into a cavity that will be formed beneath the root ball. During the hydraulic the pipes should be oriented so that they will be slightly angled toward the base of the tree and converge beneath the tree to intersect and create a cavity beneath the root ball. The larger the tree, the greater the angle. 
     Most local building codes will require the collection of sediments on the preparation site that is generated by the hydraulic drilling process. To collect &amp; bag sand and soil sediments, place a 2″ “T” joint, with a small extension on top of the hydraulic drilling pipe. Attach flexible 2″ hose to 2″×4″ connector to end of the hose and secure sand bag around connector. This collects and bags the sand as it is washed out of the hole. This keeps the work area clean and by counting the volume of soil displaced and collected in the bags, measures the amount of soil removed. The bagged sand will be replaced with like amount of cement. For particularly sandy soils, a vacuum source, such as a Shop Vac can also be used to remove sand from the bores and form the cavity. 
     Wash the dirt from the anchor bore  15 , while inserting the pipe into the ground until desired depth is reached or rock encountered. Measure the depth of the anchor bore  15  and cut a pipe to fit. Cut a notch 1″×4″ on top end of each the pipe  14  to be used proximal to the surface of the ground. The pipes  14  will later be used to place cable  16  into the cavity forming the base  12 , which will be captively retained by pouring cement into pipes later. See step #5. The deeper the cavity, the more secure the stabilizer  10  will be, but should be sufficient to extend beneath the primary root structure and root ball. 
     Repeat the hydraulic drilling procedure until all the anchor bores  15  are formed and their associated pipes  14  are inserted. It should be noted that when a subsequent hydraulic drilling pipe is inserted it will begin to washout the subsoil between it and the previous pipe. When a fluid path is formed between a subsequent anchor bore  15  and a prior anchor bore  15 , the water will start back washing up the previous anchor bore pipe. Temporarily capping the prior pipes will restore the water pressure to continue evacuation of soil from the cavity. As the anchor bores  15  and pipes merge a large cavity will be formed. 
     Continue applying hydraulic water pressure to erode the subsoil in the cavity and until desired size cavity size is achieved, as determined by the volume of soil collected in the sand bags. In most applications, it is recommended to use one 50 lb. bag of cement for each cable  16 . A good rule of the thumb is two partially filled sand bags equal 1 bag cement. 
     Step 3 Tree Trunk Preparation 
     The tree trunk  11  is prepared by installing a plurality of eye lag screws  22  into the base of the tree trunk  11  proximal to the surface of the ground and the each of the plurality of in ground pipes  14 . The trunk  11  is also prepared by drilling a plurality of laterally disposed bores  17  across a cord line of the trunk  11 , being careful to avoid drilling into the heart of the tree. By way of non-limiting example, using a ¼″ drill, predrill a 6″ hole at a 45′ angle, directly above each pipe  14 . Screw the eye lag screws  22   22  about 3″. It is recommended to use a ⅜″×6″ eye lag screw. 
     Using a long ½″ drill, drill a passage  17 , for the cables  16  above the eye lag screws  22 . Insert a ½″ OD PVC pipe, cut to length″, in passageway  17 . This passageway  17  connects the cable  16  to eye lag screws  22 . Drilling holes in the tree only effects the small area where the hole is drilled. An eye lag screw  22  when screwed into a tree leaves no space for pests or disease to enter. Sealing the holes around the pipe  18  also leaves no space for pests or disease to enter. The wood grows over and around the eye lag screws  22  and the embedded pipes  18 . 
     Step 4 Ground Cable Insertion 
     In this step, measure the depth to the bottom of cavity. The length of the cable  16  required is approximately three times the depth of the cavity. This allows the cable to be doubled in length and reach across the cavity. By way of example, for 3 anchor bores  15  that are 10′ deep, you need three cables cut into 30′ lengths or 90′ of cable. Multiply this value by the number of anchor bores  15  and associated pipes  14  and cut a length of cable  16  to this length. Thread one end of the cable  16  through the one of the eye leg screws  22  then even the cable ends out. Repeat until each eye lag screw  22  has a cable looped through it. Place plastic ties along the length of cable to even out any kinks. To pull the cables  16  down pipes  14  and across the cavity, attach a small float/bobber to a strong string. Holding onto one end of the string, drop the bobber into one of the pipes  14 . Water pressure may be used to wash the bobber through the cavity and up the adjoining pipe  14 . By placing an end cap on the other pipes  14 , the flow of water can be directed to the opposite open pipe  14 . When the string is pulled the cables  16  are placed. Repeat this procedure until you have all the cables  16  in place. Leave strings in place for now. They will be used again in step #5. 
     Step 5 Base Casting 
     To cast the base  12  in the cavity, place the cable  16  and string into the 1″×4″ slot cut into the top of the PVC Pipe. Build a funnel on the end of the pipe  14 , for example by placing a 2″ PVC connector over end of pipe  14 . Insert a 12″ section of 2″ pipe into connector. Place a 2″×4″ Connector on the end pipe. Pour cement into each pipe  14  to fill the cavity, then “tug” on the strings. This will pull the cables from the bottom of cavity and encase the cables  16  in the cement base  12 . 
     When filling the cavity with cement it is recommended to mix cement very thin, which makes pouring and infiltration of the cement into the cavity easier. I recommend using Portland cement. Allow the cement to set up/cure for the recommend time. This allows the cement time to cure and the cables  16  to be firmly secured in the cement base  12  before removing the slack in cables  16 , which secures the tree. 
     Step 6 Looping the Eye Lag Screws and Cables 
     To tie the eye lag screws  22  and cables  16 ,  16 ′ together, predrill a ¼″×6″ starter hole between two of the eye lag screws  22 . Start an offset eye lag screw  24  into this hole. The cable  16 ′ should be cut long enough to encircle tree base plus approximately 24″. Do not cut cable too short, as it will need to be overlapped in above eye lag screw  22 . 
     Step 7 Tightening Ground Cables 
     Begin screwing in the eye lag screws  22 . As the eye lag screws  22  are screwed in, the looped ground cable  16  from the ground tubes  14  will be tightened and the slack in ground cable  16  will be removed. 
     Step 8 Installing Trunk Cable 
     A trunk cable  16 ′ is formed to encircle the tree trunk  11  by running a trunk cable  16 ′ through the drilled passages  17 . A free end of the trunk cable  16 ′ is run through the looped ground cables  16  under the eye lag screws  22 . Overlap this cable  16 ′ in the offset lag screw  24  installed proximal to an apex of one of the intersecting channels  17 . Allow some slack in the trunk cable  16 ′ to permit the trunk cable  16 ′ to twist around the offset eye lag screw  24  as it is screwed into the tree trunk  11 , to tension and lock the trunk cable  16 ′ in place. Screw the offset eye lag screw  24  in last. 
     The trunk cable  16 ′ running through the tree trunk  11  secures the eye lag screws  22  firmly in the tree trunk  11 , preventing the eye lag screws  22  from being pulled out and it provides additional strength to the stabilizer  10 . This is a very important step as the trunk cable  16 ′ ties the stabilizer together at the base of the tree and the cement ties ground cables  16  together with the stabilizer base  12  underground. Once complete, recover the site with soil and replace landscaping materials to complete the installation. 
     In use, the tree will grow over the embedded cables  16  and eye bolts  22 ,  24  and they will become part of the tree. In fact, the stabilizer  10  becomes stronger each year. The stabilizer&#39;s  10  life expectancy is 100 years when coated galvanized cable is used. The weakest point in the stabilizer  10  is where the ground cables  16  attach to the tree. This is why the eye lag screws  22  are used to secure the ground cables  16  to the tree. The trunk cable  16 ′ is then threaded through the tree and through the loops in the ground cables  16 . 
     Depending upon the installation, the depth of the stabilizer base  12  may vary. For example, the depth of a shallow root system is 24″ to 30″. The depth of the top soil and/or subsoil will also determines the depth of the cavity and base  12 . In situations where subsurface limestone deposits are encountered, it is recommended to wash all the loose dirt from the limestone, as the cement will adhere well to the clean limestone. 
     The diameter of the steel cable  16  can vary. For example, ¼″ coated steel galvanized cable may be used for the ground cables  16 , while the trunk cable  16 ′ may be increased in size to ⅜″. The ¼″ cable is preferred for the ground cables  16 , because a thicker cable  16  may not have sufficient flexibility to be looped into the pipes  14 . The ¼″ cable is preferably doubled, which increases it&#39;s strength. 
     The size of the ground pipes  14  passing through the roots of trees and into the ground is limited to the space available between the roots. It is recommended that 2″ pipe is the minimum size to use as the pipe  14  should be large enough to accommodate the flow of cement through to the cavity. 
     The number of eye lag screws  22  used will be determined by how many cables are attach to the tree. Galvanized is best for underground applications. 
     Cement has more tensile strength than concrete and can withstand the strong forces of wind better. It is also easier to mix and pour! Use a minimum of 50 LBS. of cement for each cable. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.