Abstract:
A unitary device for securing the root ball of newly planted trees and/or shrubs into proper position, for stabilizing the trees and/or shrubs to prevent shifting or toppling while the tree and/or shrub root systems are first developing. The device includes a horizontal cross member, and a couple of prongs perpendicularly depending from the horizontal cross member, all formed from a single piece of rod or tubing material. At the time of planting, after the root ball of the tree is set into an appropriate hole and the tree is in proper position, the free ends of the prongs of the device are driven into the ground such that the outer prong is retained in the firm portion of the soil, and the inner prong engages the root ball. The outer prong is of a sufficient length to be held securely in the soil, and the inner prong is both arranged in position and sized in length to engage the root ball securely. The device is driven into the soil deep enough for the cross member to be recessed into the root ball to provide a firm engagement therebetween and to ensure that the device is established below the finished grade of the ground.

Description:
RELATED PATENTS  
       [0001]    This Application is related to U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,903, entitled TREE STAPLE, issued on Nov. 7, 2000, and to U.S. Pat. No. 6,065,243, entitled TREE AND SHRUB STABILIZING DEVICE, issued on May 23, 2000. Each related patent has common ownership herewith. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    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, and more particularly to devices and methods for securing the root balls of the newly planted trees or shrubs into proper position.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    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.  
           [0004]    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 the trunk to the stakes with guy wires 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 in length. The stakes can deteriorate rapidly and are typically limited to single use. Such conventional methods are generally limited to stabilizing small to moderate sized trees and shrubs, and are not recommended for supporting substantially larger trees and shrubs.  
           [0005]    There are several disadvantages associated with using stakes and guy wire systems. The stakes and guy wires 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 wires 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 become established, the stakes and guy wires require prompt disassembly and removal to prevent potentially fatal disfigurement or injury to the tree or shrub.  
           [0006]    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 associated with conventional devices and methods as highlighted above.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0007]    It is an object of this invention to provide a unitary multi-pronged device, fabricated from a single piece of material, of sufficient size to engage both the root ball and the surrounding undisturbed earth, that can provide stabilizing support for any size tree or shrub.  
           [0008]    Another object of the invention is to provide a tree and/or shrub stabilizing support without potentially hazardous cables, ropes, or wires, or stakes.  
           [0009]    Another object of the invention is to provide a tree and/or shrub stabilizing support apparatus that is not difficult to mow or to trim around.  
           [0010]    Another object of the invention is to provide a tree and/or shrub stabilizing support apparatus that is not unsightly.  
           [0011]    Yet another object of the invention is to provide a stabilizing support apparatus that after a period of time in which the planting becomes self-supporting, the components of the apparatus can remain in the ground.  
           [0012]    Another object of the invention is to provide a stabilizing support apparatus that can be made permanent, or can be removed and used again.  
           [0013]    Another object of the invention is to provide a tree and/or shrub stabilizing support apparatus including a device that is applicable to small trees and shrubs, and equally applicable to larger plantings.  
           [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide a tree and/or shrub stabilizing support apparatus that provides superior physical stabilization in comparison to conventional systems.  
           [0015]    Another object is to provide a tree and/or shrub stabilizing support apparatus comprising a unitary multi-grouped tubular device and tool for driving the device into the ground without damage.  
           [0016]    A further object of the invention is to provide a tree and/or shrub stabilizing support apparatus that is quicker and easier to install than the conventional methods.  
           [0017]    Another object of the invention is to provide an improved tree and/or shrub stabilizing support apparatus including a device that facilitates the application of water and/or fertilizer to the root system of the tree or shrub.  
           [0018]    In one embodiment of the invention, with the problems of the prior art in mind, various objects of the invention are provided by a novel unitary tree stabilizing device, fabricated from a single piece of material, having a cross member, and two side portions of prongs perpendicularly depending or bent from proximate the ends of the horizontal cross member. The embodiment typically has a vertical outer prong bent from proximate one end of the horizontal cross member, and a vertical inner prong bent from the other end of the cross member. The free ends of the outer and inner prongs include tapered ground penetrating tips that can be formed, for example, by cutting the free ends at an angle relative to the horizontal.  
           [0019]    In a second embodiment, the angles and orientation of the ground penetrating tips at the respective free ends of the prongs are selected to substantially prevent the prongs from breaking up the root ball as the present device is driven into the ground.  
           [0020]    In all of the embodiments described, the unitary tree stabilization devices may consist of material such as iron, steel, or other metal, preferably free of harmful platings or coatings. Typically, an inexpensive material such as metal or plastic polymer in the form of a reinforcement bar (rebar) or a tubular member can be used. Other suitable materials can also be used for fabricating the device of the present invention. Optionally, the device can include a through cavity or hollow core extending from an inlet in the cross member to a plurality of holes in the prongs through which a substance such as water or fertilizer can be conveniently irrigated directly to the roots of the tree or shrub beneath the ground.  
           [0021]    In all of the embodiments described, the unitary tree stabilizing device is preferably installed at the time the tree or shrub is planted. After the root ball of the tree or shrub is set into an appropriate sized hole, the tree is positioned to the proper vertical position and desired orientation, and the surrounding hole space is filled with soil, the tree stabilizing device is driven into the ground such that the outer prong engages the soil around the root ball, and the inner prong engages the root ball. The outer prong is of a sufficient length to be held permanently and securely into the earth, and the shorter inner prong is arranged both in position and length to engage the root ball securely. The unitary tree stabilization device is typically driven into the earth deep enough so that the cross member will be recessed into the root ball and adjacent soil to ensure a secure anchoring engagement of the device with the root ball. By recessing the cross member into the root ball, the tree stabilization device is positioned below the finished grade of the ground. Since the tree stabilization device is established below the finished grade, the disadvantages of the prior art including hazards to passing traffic, unappealing appearance and the like, are avoided. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0022]    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;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of one embodiment of the invention in which a tree stabilization device is provided from a single piece of material, making it unitary, having an outer prong and a shorter inner prong, each bent vertically from a cross member;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 2 illustrates a newly planted tree stabilized by a pair of the present unitary tree stabilization devices in one embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 3A illustrates a newly planted tree stabilized by three unitary tree stabilization devices arranged in one of many possible support configurations in accordance with the principles of the present invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 3B is a top view of the newly planted tree stabilized by the three unitary tree stabilization devices as shown in FIG. 3A;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a unitary tree stabilization device in accordance with second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of a unitary tree stabilization device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 6A is a perspective view of a unitary tree stabilization device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the unitary tree stabilization device of FIG. 6A operatively engaged with a root ball of a tree or shrub;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a tool for driving the inner and outer prongs into the ground without damaging the portions of the associated cross members that is impacted or struck in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view of the tool of FIG. 7;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the tool operatively coupled to one embodiment of the unitary tree stabilization device in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a tool for another embodiment of the present invention shown operatively coupled to the unitary tree stabilization device for the embodiments of the present invention of FIGS. 1 and 4. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0035]    The present invention is generally directed to an apparatus for stabilizing a tree or shrub which comprises a unitary stabilization device adapted for providing structural support to trees and/or shrubs, and optionally a tool for installing the stabilization device. The stabilization device of the present invention provide safe and effective support for a range of plantings in all types of soils and conditions, while being relatively inexpensive and simple to fabricate and install. The stabilization device is further adapted for effective concealment during use to avoid obstructing passing traffic including pedestrians, and avoid detracting from the appearance of the tree or shrub and the surrounding area. The stabilization device is also designed to prevent or at least minimize any injury to the tree and/or shrub during planting.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a tree stabilization device  10  in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The tree stabilization device  10  includes in this embodiment a single piece of tubing material bent into a substantially squared-off U-shaped configuration having a horizontal cross member  12 . A vertically oriented outer prong  14  is bent from one end of the cross member  12 , and a vertically oriented inner prong  16  is bent from the other end of the cross member  12 . The inner prong  16  is shorter than the outer prong  14 , in this example. It is noted that the lengths of the outer and inner prongs  14  and  16  can vary with respect to one another depending on the needs of the application at hand, the depth of the planting hole, soil conditions, terrain features, and the like.  
         [0037]    The outer and inner prongs  14  and  16  each include ground penetrating tips  22  and  24 , respectively, at respective ends  18  and  20 . The ground penetrating tips  22  and  24  are each cut at substantially parallel angles with respect to one another. The ground penetrating tip  24  is formed by making a cut proceeding from the inside surface of the prong  16  downward to its outside surface at the end  20  at an angle sufficient to form a sharp point. The ground penetrating tip  22  is formed by making a cut proceeding from the outside surface of the prong  14  downward to its inside surface at the end  18  at a substantially equivalent angle for forming the tip  24  of the prong  16 . The cuts form point edges that are angled in a manner to cause the prongs  14  and  16  to slightly shift towards the tree as the device  10  is being driven into the ground. The tendency for the prongs  14  and  16  to shift towards the tree helps to prevent or at least minimize the break-up of or injury to the root ball. Optionally, the ends of the prongs  14  and  16  can be further modified through suitable methods such as by pinching or welding to seal the tips  22  and  24 , respectively. It is further noted that the form of the ground penetrating tips and the method of fabricating them are not limited to those disclosed herein, and can include other suitable configurations and methods as known in the art.  
         [0038]    The tree stabilization device  10  of the present invention can be fabricated with a solid or tubular construction using a durable, rigid material that is impact resistant including wood, plastic polymers, metal such as ferrous-based alloys or other suitable material that is at least minimally safe for plants including trees and shrubs, and free from harmful plating or coatings.  
         [0039]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the tree stabilization device can be fabricated from a plastic polymer material preferably one that is biodegradable. The plastic polymer can be extruded, molded or reinforced, and is capable of withstanding the rigors associated with installation and implementation. The plastic polymer material can be further impregnated with a soil enriching or conditioning agent that can be released into the surrounding soil and provide beneficial sustenance for the growth of plants including trees and shrubs. Such soil enriching agent can include minerals, ions, fertilizers including nitrogen sources, and other suitable plant nutrients.  
         [0040]    The tree stabilization device  10  can be driven into the ground using conventional mallets, sledge hammers or other appropriate means for driving the device  10  into the ground. During installation, the shorter inner prong  16  is positioned for penetration into the root ball of the planting, and the outer prong  14  is positioned for penetration into the more stable ground extending around the perimeter of the root ball. Once the device  10  is so positioned, a mallet or hammer can be used to strike the upper portions of the cross member  12 , preferably near the prong  14  or  16 , to drive the device  10  into the ground.  
         [0041]    In FIG. 2, two unitary tree stabilization devices  10  are installed for stabilizing a newly planted tree  100  having a root ball  110 . Generally, a planting hole having a diameter twice that of the root ball  110  is prepared. The root ball  110  is placed into the planting hole with the base of the tree trunk even with or above the grade level of the surrounding soil  112 . As the root ball  110  is placed into planting hole, a quantity of fill soil  114  is added to fill the space under the root ball  110  and elevate the tree  100  to a suitable planting height. The devices  10  are positioned at opposite sides of the tree  100  to provide a dimensionally-equalized anchoring support. The inner prongs  14  are placed over the root ball  110 , while the outer prongs  14  are placed on the soil along the edge of the root ball  110 . With the tree  110  held in the desired positioned, each of the devices  10  is driven fully into the ground until the cross member  12  is recessed into the root ball  110 . Recessing the cross member  12  into the root ball  110  ensures that the device  10  is firmly secured to the root ball  110  and that the device  10  is installed below the finished grade of the ground for effective concealment. Preferably, the cross member  12  is recessed about an inch or more into the root ball  110 . It is noted that the number, shape, and size of the stabilization devices can be modified as required depending on the size and type of tree, the planting hole and root ball, the features of the terrain, the soil conditions, the soil type, the moisture content of the soil, the wind conditions, space constraints and the like.  
         [0042]    The inner prongs  16  of the devices  10  are adapted to efficiently penetrate into the root ball  110  of the tree  100 . The respective pointed inner prong tips  24  include sharp points that can penetrate the root ball  110  to provide a secure anchoring engagement. The outer prongs  14  each comprise a length sufficient to extend through the fill dirt  114  beyond the depth of the planting hole into the surrounding undisturbed soil  112  for deep anchoring engagement. In order for the outer prongs  14  to penetrate the undisturbed soil  112 , the outer prongs  14  are preferably longer than the depth of the planting hole.  
         [0043]    In the preferred embodiment, the devices  10  are each positioned with the outer prongs  14  positioned adjacent to the root ball  110  and the inner prongs  14  positioned at a distance halfway between the edge of the root ball  110  and the tree  100 . The inner prongs  16  and the respective cross members  12  are each offset at an angle from the extended radius of the tree  100 . The respective cross members  12  are each oriented substantially parallel with one another. Preferably, the angle can range from about 0° to 90°, preferably from about 30° to 45°.  
         [0044]    With reference to FIG. 3A, a plurality of unitary tree stabilization devices  10  are shown employed in a spatial configuration or arrangement to securely anchor a tree or shrub  140  having a root ball  150  planted in the ground. The root ball  150  includes a top portion  151 . The plurality of devices  10  are arranged radially around the tree or shrub  140  and spaced apart by about 120° from one another to provide a firm dimensionally-equalized support in all directions. The root ball  150  is separated from the undisturbed soil  152  by the fill dirt  154 . The inner prongs  16  of the devices  10  are securely anchored into the root ball  150 , while the outer prongs  14  extending through the fill dirt  154  are embedded in the undisturbed soil  152 . Each of the devices  10  is driven into the ground until the cross member  12  is recessed into the top portion  151  of the root ball  150  to provide a firm engagement therebetween and to ensure that the device  10  is positioned below the finished grade of the ground. Preferably, the cross member  12  is recessed about an inch or more into the root ball  150 .  
         [0045]    With reference to FIG. 3B, the devices  10  are each positioned with the outer prongs  14  positioned adjacent to the root ball  150  and the inner prongs  14  positioned at a distance halfway between the edge of the root ball  150  and the tree  140 . The inner prong  14  and respective cross member  12  of each device  10  are oriented at an angle, α, measured from the extended radius  142  of the tree  140 . The angle, α, can range from about 0° to 90°, preferably from about 30° to 45°.  
         [0046]    Referring to FIG. 4, a tree stabilization device  30  is shown for a second embodiment of the present invention. The device  30  consists in this example of a single piece of tubing material, and includes a cross member  12 , an inner prong  16  formed by bending one end portion of the tubing from one end of the cross member  12  at substantially a right angle, and an outer prong  14  formed by bending the other end portion of the tubing from the other end of the cross member  12  at substantially a right angle. The inner prong  16  includes a ground penetrating tip  24  at its end  20  and the outer prong  14  includes a ground penetrating tip  22  at its end  18 , each formed in the same manner as described above for the device  10 . As previously indicated, the device  30  includes a tubular wall  32  typically constructed from a rigid, impact resistant material such as metal or other suitable material for defining an interior cavity or hollow pathway therein.  
         [0047]    The device  30  further includes an opening  36  in the tubular wall  32  at the upper portion of the cross member  12 , and a plurality of irrigation through holes  34  in the tubular wall  32  of the cross member  12 , and the outer and inner prongs  14  and  16 , respectively, in communication with the hollow pathway, thus permitting fluid passage from the opening  36  to the through holes  34 . Once the device  30  is set in the ground, the user can introduce a liquid such as water or a fertilizer solution into the hollow pathway of the tubing  32  via the opening  36 , wherein the fertilizer or water is able to exit from the irrigation holes  34  into the surrounding soil.  
         [0048]    Optionally, the opening  36  can further be adapted to receive the threaded end of a hose to provide a secure fluid coupling therebetween during irrigation. In this manner, the newly established roots of the planting can be fertilized and/or watered directly without undesirably disturbing the soil surface and the fill soil. The device  30  can further include a soil enriching or conditioning agent such as in the form of water-soluble fertilizer granules captively retained in the hollow pathway. The user adds water through the opening  36  into the device  30  where the retained fertilizer is dissolved and carried into the surrounding soil.  
         [0049]    Optionally, the device  30  can further include a projection  38  (shown in phantom in FIG. 4) securely attached to the cross member  12  proximate the outer prong  14 . The projection  38  can be attached to the cross member  12  through any suitable means including welding and the like. The projection  38  includes a notch portion  40  located proximately to the distal end thereof. A guy wire can be used to encircle the trunk or body of the planting and then tied to the notched portion  40  of the projection  38  to provide additional anchoring support, if required.  
         [0050]    With reference to FIG. 5, a tree stabilization device  42  is shown for a third embodiment of the present invention. The device  42  includes a cross member  44 , an inner prong  46  attached near one end of the cross member  44 , and an outer prong  48  attached near the other end of the cross member  44 . The prongs  46  and  48  can be attached to the cross member  44  through any suitable means including welding and the like. The inner and outer prongs  46  and  48  include ground penetrating pointed tips  50  and  51 , respectively, a tubular wall  52  defining a through cavity or open pathway in each prong  46 ,  48 , and a plurality of irrigation through holes  54  in the tubular walls  52  in communication with the pathway. The device  42  further includes a pair of irrigation openings  56  each located proximate to the upper end of the cross member  44  in communication with the respective pathways of the inner and outer prongs  46  and  48 . Once the device  42  is installed, fluid such as water or fertilizer can be introduced through the corresponding openings  56  and passed through the respective pathways where it exits the irrigation holes  54 , respectively, to irrigate the surrounding soil. The irrigation openings  56  can further be adapted to receive the threaded end of an irrigation hose for secure fluid coupling therebetween.  
         [0051]    The device  42  can further includes a projection  55  with a notch  57  attached at the end of the cross member  44  proximate the outer prong  48 . Once the device  42  is established in the ground, a guy wire can be tied to the projection  55  at the notch  57  with the other end secured to the trunk of the tree, thereby providing additional support as needed.  
         [0052]    With reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B, a tree stabilization device  58  is shown for a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The tree stabilization device  58  can be constructed from tubular material, flat stock, rebar and the like. It is noted that although the tree stabilization device  58  is illustrated as a unitary piece, it can be comprised of individual components assembled by suitable means including welding and the like. The tree stabilization device  58  includes an outer prong  14  with a ground penetrating tip  22 , and a pair of cross members  12 A and  12 B each connected at a common end to the top of the outer prong  14 .  
         [0053]    As shown in FIG. 6A, the cross members  12 A and  12 B are separated from one another by an angle, θ. The cross members  12 A and  12 B each include an inner prong  16 A and  16 B, respectively, with ground penetrating tips  20 A and  20 B, respectively. The prongs  14 ,  16 A and  16 B in one embodiment can be welded together or can be made from a single casting, for example.  
         [0054]    As shown in FIG. 6B, the cross members  12 A and  12 B are adapted to position the respective inner prongs  16 A and  16 B for penetration into a root ball  110  of a tree. The inner prongs  16 A and  16 B are positioned apart to spread the hold over a wider area, thus improving the anchoring to the root ball  110 . The angle, θ, between the inner prongs  16 A and  16 B can vary depending on the dimensions of the root ball, soil conditions and the like. Preferably, the angle, θ, can range from about 10° to 80°. It is understood that the number of inner prongs is not limited to two, and can include more than two.  
         [0055]    With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, an optional impact tool  70  for installing the tree stabilization device of the present invention is shown for one embodiment of the present invention. The tool  70  is adapted for flush mating engagement with the tree stabilization device  10  of FIG. 1 as further described below. The tool  70  includes a body portion  72 , a curved grooved portion  74 , an upper retainment portion  76  proximate one end thereof, a lower retainment portion  78  proximate the other end thereof, and a striking protrusion  80 . The upper retainment portion  76  includes a vertical width which is preferably less than the diameter of the device  10  to facilitate mounting and removal from the device  10 . The tool  70  is adapted to be struck by the user and to effectively focus and direct the generated impact force through the prongs of the tree stabilization device of the present invention, while minimizing any damage to the device. The tool  70  is constructed as a solid piece from an impact resistant, high-strength material such as steel, for example. Applicants note that the tool can be modified to operate with different embodiments of the tree stabilization device in accordance with the present invention as understood by one skilled in the art.  
         [0056]    In FIG. 9, the tool  70  is shown operatively coupled to the tree stabilization device  10 . The curved groove portion  74  in combination with the retainment portions  76  and  78 , respectively, are adapted to fit with the contours of the stabilization device  10  preferably along the portion between the cross member  12  and the outer prong  14 . The tool  70  is adapted to be attached to the stabilization device  10  so that the impact area or the striking protrusion  80  is positioned in axial alignment with the outer prong  14 . In this manner, the user can strike the striking protrusion  80  with a mallet to efficiently drive the stabilization device  10  into the ground. As noted above, the tool  70  is designed to direct and to focus the impact force into the outer prong  14 , while preventing or at least minimizing any damage to the physical integrity and exterior portion of the device  10 . Applicant notes that the striking protrusion  80  can be omitted from the tool  70 , and the user can strike along the top surface of the tool  70  to drive the device  10  into the ground.  
         [0057]    In FIG. 10, an optional impact tool  82  is shown for a second embodiment of the present invention. The impact tool  82  is similar to the impact tool of FIGS.  7 - 9 . In this embodiment, the impact tool  82  is adapted to fit over the length of the cross member  12 . The tool  82  can be slipped over the cross member  12  as shown. The user can strike along a top surface  84  of the tool  82  or at the strike points  86  provided thereon to drive the device  10  into the ground.  
         [0058]    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.