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 hooks 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 hooks 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 
     This Application is related to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 10/113,729 : 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 
     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 
     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 support not only enhances the survival of the tree or shrub during the critical growth period, but also reduces the risks of injury to people and of damage to property. The support is usually maintained until the roots have sufficiently established themselves in the ground. The time required for the roots to establish themselves can vary depending on tree or shrub type, growth conditions, soil type and condition, moisture and nutrient level and other factors. Adequate support is necessary for larger trees or shrubs especially those planted during wet or freezing weather. 
     Conventional methods for supporting trees or shrubs typically include driving two or more stakes into the ground adjacent to the trunk or the tree or shrub and tethering guy lines between the trunk and the respective stakes to provide the support. The stakes are usually composed of wood or other suitable material in the form of short spikes a few inches in length to elongate poles a few feet long. The stakes and guy lines are typical adapted for single use. 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. Once the roots of the tree or shrub have established themselves, the stakes and guy lines require prompt disassembly and removal to avoid inflicting potentially fatal injuries to the tree or shrub as it grows. 
     For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for developing an improved device and method for providing a tree or shrub with adequate support at the time of planting that avoids the limitations and disadvantages typically associated with conventional devices and methods as highlighted above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     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. 
     In one particular aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stabilizing a tree or shrub, comprising: 
     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; and 
     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. 
     In another particular aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stabilizing a tree or shrub, comprising: 
     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; 
     at least one strap; and 
     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. 
     In another particular aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for stabilizing a tree or shrub, comprising: 
     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; and 
     a plurality of straps each being individually attached to and between a selected pair 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 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. 
     In another particular aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for stabilizing a tree or shrub, comprising: 
     inserting a plurality of stakes into the ground in a spaced apart arrangement around the circumference of the root ball of the tree or shrub; 
     attaching either each one of a plurality of straps individually between selected pairs of the plurality of stakes, respectively, or a single elongated strap with portions thereof between the selected pairs of the plurality of stakes, across and against a top portion of the root ball; and 
     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. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The various embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings, in which like items are identified by the same reference designation, wherein; 
     FIG. 1 is a partial cross sectional view of a planting hole in which the root ball of a tree is planted and stabilized therein by tree stabilizing apparatus for one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a pictorial view a stake of the tree stabilizing apparatus for one embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of tree stabilizing apparatus installed around a tree for another embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a suitable layout for securing a strap to a plurality of stakes in accordance with the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is generally directed to apparatus for stabilizing trees or shrubs and to prevent their toppling over or shifting from a vertically upright position. The apparatus can be installed in a rapid and simple manner, while being cost effective to fabricate. The apparatus is designed for effective concealment, thus providing a desirable neat appearance of the surrounding area and minimizing obstructions to passing traffic. The apparatus is further designed to avoid direct contact with an associated tree or shrub that may cause damage or injury to the trunk or root system thereof 
     With reference to FIG. 1, a tree stabilizing apparatus  10  is illustrated for one embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  is adapted to provide safe and effective support to a tree  12  having a root ball  14  surrounded by fill soil  18  in a planting hole  16 . The planting hole  16  is typically prepared by digging a hole having a diameter twice that of the root ball  14 . The apparatus  10  includes two or more stakes  20  arranged in a spaced apart manner around and adjacent to the circumference of the root ball  14 . In this example, three stakes  20  are shown positioned equidistant from one another. It is noted that the number and arrangement of the stakes can vary depending on the size of the tree and root ball, the soil conditions, soil type and the like. 
     The stakes  20  are each configured to be driven vertically through the fill soil  18  into surrounding undisturbed soil  22  beneath the planting hole  16  to provide firm anchoring. Preferably, the stakes  20  are positioned adjacent to the root ball  14  of the tree  12 . The stakes  20  are adapted to be driven into the ground through suitable means including hammering and the like. It is noted that the lengths of the stakes  20  can be modified as necessary depending on the needs of the application at hand, the depth of the planting hole, soil conditions, terrain features, and the like. 
     The apparatus  10  further includes a plurality of flexible straps  24 , each having one end securely attached to an upper portion  26  of one stake  20  and the other end securely attached to the upper portion  26  of a successive stake  20 . Each of the flexible straps  24  is secured to and between successive stakes  20 , respectively and, in combination, forming a support band extending over the root ball  14  around the tree  12 , as shown. As the stakes  20  are driven deeper into the ground, the support band comprising the co-joined successive flexible straps  24  is drawn downward against the top portion  21  of the root ball  14 . In the installed state, the stakes  20  are adapted to securely retain the corresponding flexible straps  24  where a continuous downward pressure is applied over the top portion  21  of the root ball  14  to safely and effectively immobilize the root ball  14  in place. In this manner, the apparatus  10  can effectively minimize undesirable movement that may cause the tree  12  to shift or topple to the ground. 
     The flexible straps  24  are each further adapted to conform to the shape and contours of the root ball  14  and to uniformly distribute the downward pressure on the top portion  21  of the root ball  14 . In this manner, the shear and strain generated by the tree  12  are effectively dispersed over a significant area of the root ball  14 , thus preventing or at least substantially minimizing injury or damage to the tree roots as the tree  12  is retained in a desired orientation. The straps  24  can be fabricated from any flexible material including, but not limited to, elastomeric materials, woven and non-woven materials, biodegradable materials, plastic materials, fibrous materials and the like. Preferably, the straps  24  are formed from a biodegradable, environmentally-acceptable and safe material such as burlap, linen, and the like that can slowly decompose over time and eventually mix with the surrounding soil. Accordingly, the apparatus  10  can be permanently installed in the ground with little or no adverse effect on the tree&#39;s root system. It is further noted that the dimension, thickness and shape of the flexible straps  24  can also vary as required depending on the means of attachment to the stakes, the number of stakes used, the configuration of the stakes, root ball dimensions and the like. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the plurality of straps  24  can be supplanted by a single unitary piece or segment of flexible material extending around the tree or shrub  12  and secured to the upper portions  25  of the successive stakes  20  to form a closed polygonal-like band therearound over the root ball  14 . The stakes  20  can then be driven into the ground until the unitary piece or segment of flexible material is pulled downward onto the root ball  14  for secure retainment. Also, for this embodiment, and other of the embodiments, any excess length of a strap  24  can be taken up by wrapping the strap  24  a number of times around a top portion of an associated stake  20 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, each of the stakes  20  includes an upper portion  26 , a lower portion  28  and a shaft portion  30  extending therebetween. The stake  20  can be fabricated with a solid or tubular construction using a durable, rigid material that is impact resistant including metal such as ferrous-based materials, plastic polymers, wood materials, fibrous material or other suitable material that is at least minimally safe for plants including trees and shrubs, and free from harmful plating or coatings, for example. 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, the stake  20  can be fabricated from a plastic polymer material preferably biodegradable plastic polymer. The plastic polymer can be extruded, molded or reinforced, and is capable of withstanding the rigors associated with installation and use. The plastic polymer material can be further impregnated with a soil enriching or conditioning agent that can be released over time into the surrounding soil and provide beneficial sustenance for the growth of plants, including trees and shrubs. Such soil enriching agent can include minerals, ion forming compounds, fertilizers including fixed nitrogen sources, and other suitable plant nutrients. 
     The upper portion  26  of the stake  20  further includes a striking end  32  configured to receive and direct the impact of a hammer or mallet along the length thereof, and one or more hook members  34  (see FIG. 2) adapted for facilitating attachment of one or more strap  24  thereto. The hook member(s)  34  can be formed on the stake  20  through suitable means including welding, casting and the like. The hook member(s)  34  are not limited to the form depicted in the drawings, and can include other forms or structures capable of facilitating secure attachment of the strap  24  to the stake  20  as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     As shown in FIG. 1, at least where only one hook member  34  is provided the hook members  34  in the apparatus  10  are generally oriented radially away from the center of the tree  12 , thereby ensuring the retainment of the straps  24  thereon. In the present embodiment, the straps  24  can be fabricated from a woven material such as burlap and the like, in the form of substantially elliptical bands, or loops, in this example. Each strap  24  is secured between successive stakes  20  by looping or fastening the ends thereof onto the corresponding hook members  34 . Alternatively, the straps  24  can be in the form of strips fabricated with a reinforced eyelet at each opposed ends thereof to facilitate secure fastening engagement with the corresponding hook members  34  between the corresponding stakes  20 , respectively. 
     The lower portion  28  of the stake  20  includes a ground penetrating tip  36 . In one embodiment, the tip  36  can be formed by cutting the lower portion  28  at an angle suitable for forming a sharp point. For tubular constructions, the tip  36  can be modified to be sealed from the exterior through suitable means include pinching, heat welding or the like. Alternatively, the tip  36  can be formed by shearing the lower end  28  of the stake  20 . For tubular constructions, the tip  36  is effectively sealed during formation. The method of forming the tip  36  is not limited to that disclosed above and can include other methods of forming a sharp ground penetrating tip as known in the art. 
     The installation of the apparatus  10  will now be described in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. The root ball  14  is placed into the planting hole  16 . The planting hole  16  is filled with a fill soil  18  to elevate the base of the tree  12  or the top portion of its root ball  14  above or even with the finished grade. With the root ball  14  and the fill soil  18  installed in the planting hole  16 , the stakes  20  are arranged in a spaced apart manner around the tree  12  along or adjacent to the periphery of the root ball  14 . In other words, the stakes  20  located proximate the root ball  14  about the circumference thereof The number and spatial distribution of the stakes  20  around the circumference of the root ball  14  can be modified as required to meet the support needs of the tree  12 . 
     The stakes  20  are preferably adapted to extend through the fill dirt  18  into the surrounding undisturbed soil  22  for deep anchoring engagement. The stakes  20  are driven to a partial depth into the ground by striking each stake  20  at the striking end  32  using conventionally available mallets, sledge hammers or other appropriate means, Thereafter, the ends of each flexible strap  24  are secured to the respective hook members  34  of the adjacent stakes  20 . With the tree  12  retained in a desired position, the stakes  20  are driven deeper into the ground to pull downward and to more firmly or tightly draw the flexible straps  24  onto the top portion  21  of the root ball  14 . Alternatively, prior to permanent securement of the straps  24  to the stakes  20 , a tensioning device or a winch can be used to adjust the tension in the straps  24  as required to attain firm retainment of the root ball  14 . Note that when so installed, the tips  36  of the stakes  20  are firmly lodged into the surrounding undisturbed soil  22  beneath the planting hole  16 . Once the apparatus  10  is installed, the top portion  21  of the root ball  10  can be covered with a layer of fill soil  18  and/or a layer of mulch or other suitable planting material. Optionally, the striking ends  32  can be driven down to below ground level for concealed installation of the apparatus  10 . 
     With reference to FIG. 3, tree stabilizing apparatus  40  is shown for an alterative embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  40  includes six stakes  20  and  23 , respectively, installed in the ground around the circumference of the root ball  14  in a spaced apart arrangement, and six straps  24  secured to and between corresponding pairs of stakes  20  or  23 . The stakes  20  and  23 , respectively, are each driven into the fill soil  18  and extend into undisturbed soil beneath the planting hole  16  as described above. Each of the straps  24  are secured to and between corresponding stakes  20  or  23 , respectively, by a hook member  34  projecting from the stakes  20  and  23 , respectively. In this arrangement, the apparatus  40  includes two overlapping layers of straps  24  pressed tightly downward against a top portion  21  of the root ball  14 . 
     The number of stakes and patterns of straps are not limited to the embodiment shown herein, and can include further configurations having a single layer or multiple overlapping layers of straps as required to adapt to the needs of the tree stabilizing application, for enhancing stabilization. Furthermore, the straps can be arranged in different configurations and patterns depending on the corresponding pairs of stakes selected for securement of the straps in accordance with the present invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, eyelets  25  or other suitable fastening means can be added at intermediary points of the straps  24  to permit additional straps  24  to be installed between the respective eyelets  25  to provide additional support for small or weak root balls. 
     With reference to FIG. 4, a schematic layout is shown to illustrate an alternate arrangement for securing a single unitary strap  24  to a plurality of stakes  20 . With the stakes  20  suitably installed in the manner described above, the single unitary strap  24  can be readily fastened to the plurality of stakes  20  to secure the tree or shrub root ball. One end of the strap  24  is fastened to a first stake  20 , in this example, by slipping a looped end portion over the corresponding first stake  20 . The strap  24  is then drawn to the stake  20  adjacent to the first stake  20 , and wrapped therearound at least once. The same process is repeated for the next successive stake  20 . The other end of the strap  24  is looped and fastened to the first stake  20 , as shown, to complete the circumferential loop around the tree or shrub. Preferably, the strap  24  is fastened in a taut condition wherein sufficient tension is generated, typically by driving the stakes  20  further into the ground, to effectively retain the tree or shrub root ball thereunder. Optionally, any excess length of the strap  24  can also be wrapped around the stakes  20  as needed to achieve a taut condition. 
     Although various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, they are not meant to be limiting. Those of skill in the art may recognize various modifications to these embodiments, which modifications are meant to be covered by the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, if the integrity of the root ball of a tree is disrupted by drying, poor preparation or rough handling, causing the dirt to break away from the root ball, guy lines may be optionally secured to the hooks  34  of the stakes  20  and the trunk of the tree  12 .