Abstract:
A root watering system for a tree or a shrub includes an outer container of a water-permeable, flexible material. A perforated, hollow inner support structure maintains the flexible material in an elongated shape between first and second ends. The outer container is positioned in the ground with the elongated shape proximate to the roots of the tree or shrub and with the first end proximate to the surface of the ground and with the second end near a lower end extending generally downward toward the lower portion of the root system of the tree or shrub. Water applied to the ground proximate the upper end of the outer container enters the first end and fills the outer container including the hollow inner support structure. Water within the outer container is released through the porous, flexible material to provide water to the root system of the tree or shrub.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention is in the field of watering systems to provide water to the root systems of trees and shrubs. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Water is essential to the growth of plants. Typically, plants are watered by applying water to a ground surface where plants are growing so that the water will seep into the soil where the root systems of the plants are located. Although surface watering is generally effective for grasses and other plants with shallow root systems, surface watering is not effective for trees and shrubs. In particular, in addition to supplying water, the root system of a tree or shrub also serves as a foundation or anchor for the tree or shrub. Thus, it is desirable for a tree or shrub to have a root system that extends to a much greater depth than for grasses and other shallow-rooted plants. The deeper root systems also allow a tree or shrub to obtain water that may exist at deeper levels even when the ground surface and the soil immediately below the surface are dry. 
     It has been found that frequent shallow watering of a tree or shrub tends to cause the tree or shrub to develop a root system near the surface rather than to develop a deep root system. In addition to not extending to a depth to provide support to the tree or shrub and to reach water existing at lower depths, the shallow root system tends to break through the ground surface. The shallow root system is aesthetically displeasing and subjects the roots to damage by yard equipment and other impacts. 
     A need thus exists for a watering system that provides water below the ground surface proximate to the root system of a tree or shrub. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A root watering system for a tree or a shrub includes an outer container of a water-permeable, flexible material. A perforated, hollow inner support structure maintains the flexible material in an elongated shape between first and second ends. The outer container is positioned in the ground with the elongated shape proximate to the roots of the tree or shrub and with the first end proximate to the surface of the ground and with the second end near a lower end extending generally downward toward the lower portion of the root system of the tree or shrub. Water applied to the ground proximate the upper end of the outer container enters the first end and fills the outer container including the hollow inner support structure. Water within the outer container is released through the porous, flexible material to provide water to the root system of the tree or shrub. 
     An aspect in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention is a system that provides water to the roots of a tree or shrub. The system comprises a container having a flexible outer material that is permeable to water and that is generally impermeable to debris. The container has a cavity disposed between a first end and a second end. A plurality of support structures are enclosed within the cavity of the container. Each of the support structures comprises an inner cavity surrounded by an outer shell. The outer shell has a plurality of openings that enable free flow of water into and out of the inner cavity. 
     In certain embodiments of the system, the flexible outer material comprises high-tenacity monofilament polypropylene yarns woven into a stable network such that the yarns retain their relative positions. Preferably, the flexible outer material is formed into a cylindrical configuration having a tubular body portion and at least one generally disk-shaped end portion. In certain embodiments, the tubular body portion and the end portion are secured by polyester stitching. 
     In certain embodiments of the system, the support structures comprise plastic spheres. For example, each plastic sphere advantageously has size and shape corresponding to one of a softball, a baseball or a golf ball. Other sizes and shapes can also be used. In the illustrated embodiments, each plastic sphere has a hollow inner cavity and a thin outer shell. The thin outer shell is perforated by a plurality of holes to enable water to flow into and out of the inner cavity. In the illustrated embodiments, the plurality of support structures are positioned generally in a line extending from the first end to the second end of the container. 
     If desired a slow release fertilizer may be placed within the container. 
     Another aspect in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention is a method for watering the roots of a tree or a shrub by positioning at least one water sock in soil proximate the root system of the tree or shrub. The water sock comprises a container having an outer cover of a flexible water permeable material formed into a hollow, generally cylindrical shape with an upper closed end forming a base of the cylindrical shape. The water sock further comprises a plurality of internal support structures positioned within the container between the upper closed end and a lower closed end. The internal support structures cause the outer cover to retain the generally cylindrical shape when the water sock is positioned in the ground and surrounded by the soil. Each support structure comprises a hollow inner cavity and a thin outer shell. The thin outer shell is perforated by a plurality of holes. The method further comprises applying water to an upper surface of the soil proximate to the tree or shrub. The water enters at least the upper closed end of the water sock and fills the container. The water enters the inner cavities of the internal support structures via the plurality of holes in each support structure. The method allows the water that fills the container to pass outward through the water permeable material of the outer cover into the surrounding soil to thereby water the roots of the tree or shrub at least to a depth corresponding to a length of the water sock between the first end and the second end. 
     In certain embodiments of the method for watering the roots of a tree or shrub, the flexible water permeable material comprises high-tenacity monofilament polypropylene yarns woven into a stable network such that the yarns retain their relative positions. Preferably, each internal support structure comprises a sphere having the size of one of a softball, a baseball or a golf ball. The method may also be used to apply fertilizer by including a slow release fertilizer with the container. The fertilizer is gradually dissolved in water that fills the container and is thereby distributed to the roots of the tree or shrub. 
     Another aspect in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention is a method for constructing a water sock for watering the roots of a tree or a shrub. The water sock is constructed by forming a sheet of flexible water permeable material into a body having a hollow, generally cylindrical shape. A disk is also formed of the flexible water permeable material and is attached to one end of the body to form a closed base at a first end of the hollow, generally cylindrical shape. A second end of the body initially remains open. A plurality of internal support structures are positioned into the body through the open second end with the first internal support structure placed adjacent the closed base and with each succeeding internal support structure placed adjacent the preceding internal support structure. The number of internal support structures is selected to provide a selected overall length for the water sock. Each internal support structure comprises a thin outer shell surrounding an inner cavity. The thin outer shell has a plurality of holes that access the inner cavity. After the internal support structures are positioned in the body, the second end of the body proximate the last internal support structure positioned in the body is closed to confine the internal support structures within the body and to preclude the entry of material through the second end. 
     In certain embodiments in accordance with the method of constructing the water sock, the flexible water permeable material comprises high-tenacity monofilament polypropylene yarns woven into a stable network such that the yarns retain their relative positions. Preferably, the body is formed into the generally cylindrical shape by stitching with polyester thread, and the disk is attached to the body by stitching with polyester thread. In certain embodiments, the support structures comprise plastic spheres. In particularly preferred embodiments, each plastic sphere has a size and shape corresponding to one of a softball, a baseball or a golf ball; however, other sizes and shapes may also be used. If desired, a slow release fertilizer may be placed within the body before closing the second end. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Embodiments in accordance with aspects of the present invention are described below in connection with the attached drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a water sock; 
         FIG. 2  is the perspective view of the water sock of  FIG. 1  with a portion of the outer cover broken away to show the internal supporting structures enclosed within the outer cover; 
         FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C and  3 D are perspective views of the water sock that illustrate the steps of adding the internal supporting structures to the water sock of  FIG. 1  and sealing the completed water sock, wherein a portion of the outer cover is broken away to show the interior cavity of the water sock; 
         FIGS. 4A ,  4 B and  4 C are cross-sectional view of three embodiments of the water sock having different sized outer covers and internal supporting structures; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a kit comprising a plurality of water socks and an auger for creating holes to enable the water socks to be inserted in the ground proximate a shrub or tree; 
         FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C illustrate exemplary steps for installing the water socks in the kit of  FIG. 5  proximate to an existing shrub or tree; 
         FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C illustrate exemplary steps for installing the water socks when planting a new shrub or tree in an open planting pit; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates the installation of a plurality of water socks proximate the root ball of a transplanted tree on generally level ground; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates the installation of a plurality of water socks proximate the root ball of a transplanted tree on sloping ground; and 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the installation of a plurality of water socks proximate the root ball of a transplanted tree with the water socks at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) with respect to perpendicular. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The root watering system is disclosed herein with respect to exemplary embodiments. The embodiments are disclosed for illustration of the root watering system and are not limiting except as defined in the appended claims. 
       FIGS. 1 and 2  illustrate an embodiment of a water sock  100 . The water sock comprises an outer cover  110  that is generally formed as an elongated tubular body  112  having a first end  114  (referred to herein as the upper end) and a second end  116  (referred to herein as the lower end). The outer cover comprises a sturdy filtration material that allows water to seep through the covering but which prevents soil, insects and other unwanted material from passing through the covering. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the outer cover comprises a geotextile material such as MIRAFI® 140N, which is commercially available from Ten Cate Geosynthetics North America, 365 South Holland Drive, Pendergrass, Ga. 30567. As described by the manufacturer, the geotextile material comprises high-tenacity monofilament polypropylene yarns that are woven into a stable network such that the yarns retain their relative positions. The geotextile is inert to biological degradation and resists naturally encountered chemicals, alkalis and acids. Similar materials from the same manufacturer or from other manufacturers may also be used. 
     As further shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body  112  of the outer cover  110  is formed from a generally rectangular sheet  120  of the geotextile material with the long edges attached (e.g., by sewing) along a longitudinal seam  122  to form a generally cylindrical shape. The upper end  114  comprises a generally circular sheet  124  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of the geotextile material having a diameter sufficiently larger than the diameter of the tubular body. The circular sheet is attached to the generally circular perimeter formed by a short edge of the geotextile material to close the tubular body along a circumferential seam  126 . In the illustrated embodiment, the seams are formed by stitching the geotextile material with polyester thread or a similar long lasting thread. Preferably, the stitching or other attachment of the edges of the rectangular sheet and the attachment of the circular sheet to the circular perimeter are performed with the outer covering turned inside out. The outer covering is then inverted to the configuration shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  so that the two seams are on the inside. Thus, the stitches or other attachment is protected from abrasion. In the illustrated embodiment, the lower end  116  of the outer covering is closed with a suitable crimping device  130 , such as, for example, a metallic band similar to the leg bands used to identify birds. Alternatively, a plastic tie wrap or similar device can be used to close the lower end  116  to provide a tight seal. 
     In  FIG. 2 , the tubular body  112  of the outer cover  110  of the water sock  100  is partially broken away to show a plurality of internal supporting structures  140 , which are enclosed within the outer cover. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal supporting structures comprise hollow spheres, which preferably comprise polypropylene or other suitable plastic material formed as a thin outer shell with a relatively large inner cavity. The thin outer shell of each sphere is perforated with a plurality of holes  142  so that the inner cavity of the sphere is exposed. 
     In the illustrated embodiments, the perforated spherical shape of the internal supporting structures  140  is similar to the shape of conventional plastic training balls used in various sports. Such training balls can be used for the supporting structures; however, the aerodynamic characteristics of the internal supporting structures are not pertinent to the supporting function. Accordingly, the sizes, shapes and number of holes  142  may be selected to reduce the volume of the plastic material and thereby reduce the weight of the supporting structures. Preferably, the holes that perforate the spherical outer shell are distributed over the surface of the sphere so that the orientation of a supporting structure within the outer cover is not critical to the function of the water sock. In particular, a sufficient number of holes are included so that when the water sock is installed in the soil, as described below, at least one hole of each supporting structure is oriented generally downward regardless of the angular orientation of the supporting structure. Thus, as the water sock delivers water to the root system of tree or shrub, the internal supporting structures trap very little water within their respective cavities. 
       FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C and  3 D illustrate the steps of adding the internal supporting structures  140  to the water sock  100  of  FIG. 1  and sealing the completed water sock. In  FIGS. 3A-3D , the water sock is oriented such that the outer cover  110  is inverted with the closed first (upper) end  114  shown at the bottom and the second (lower) end  116  shown at the top. In each of  FIGS. 3A-3D , the tubular body  112  of the outer cover is partially broken away to show the cavity formed by the tubular body. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates the water sock  100  after the material of the tubular body  112  and the disk  124  are sewn or otherwise attached to create the outer cover  110  with the closed first end  114 . In  FIG. 3A , the second end  116  is open and is ready to receive the first internal supporting structure  140 . In  FIG. 3B , three of the internal supporting structures have been inserted into the water sock and a fourth supporting structure is being added. In  FIG. 3C  the water sock is filled with the desired number (e.g., 8) of the supporting structures, and the outer cover proximate to the second end is scrunched (e.g., folded or pleated) to reduce the cross-sectional area so that the crimping device  130  can be attached. As discussed above, one suitable crimping device is a generally circular metallic band such as a leg band used to identify a bird. Such leg bands are available, for example, from L&amp;M Bird Leg Bands, Inc., of San Bernardino, Calif., and are available in different sizes. As shown in  FIG. 3C , the crimping device is a split band, which is initially open so that the scrunched second end of the outer cover can be easily inserted. In  FIG. 3D , the crimping device is secured to the scrunched material close to the uppermost (as viewed in  FIGS. 3A-3D ) supporting structure by applying pressure to close the open ends of the crimping device. For example, the pressure to close the band is advantageously applied using a pliers (not shown) adapted to close the gap in the band. Such pliers in sizes corresponding to the sizes of the leg bands are also available from L&amp;M Bird Leg Bands, Inc. Preferably, excess material extending past the crimping device is removed (e.g., by cutting). 
     In certain embodiments of the water sock  100 , prior to closing the second end  116 , a fertilizer tablet  200  (shown in  FIGS. 3C and 3D  and in  FIG. 2 ) is added to the interior along with the internal supporting structures  140 . In particular, the fertilizer tablet is a slow release tablet that dissolves slowly over an extended period (e.g., many months) so that fertilizer is released into the soil proximate the root system of the plant when the water sock is installed as described below. 
     The diameters of the supporting structures  140  and the diameter of the outer cover  110  are matched so that the supporting structures fit within the outer cover. For example, as shown in  FIG. 4A , a first embodiment  150  of the water sock has internal supporting structures  152  with diameters similar to the diameter of a conventional softball (e.g., approximately 4.5 inches). The outer cover has a slightly larger inner diameter to accommodate the internal supporting structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body  112  has a length slightly larger than approximately 36 inches to accommodate the accumulative diameters of 8 internal supporting structures. The length of the tubular body and the number of internal supporting structures can be adjusted to create a water sock having a longer length or shorter length as desired. As described below, the larger first embodiment is suitable for use with a transplanted tree having a root ball with a depth of 2-3 feet. The first embodiment of the water sock has an internal volume of approximately 570 cubic inches, which is reduced by the relatively small volume displaced by the non-perforated portions of the outer shells of the internal supporting structures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , a second embodiment  160  of the water sock has internal supporting structures  162  with diameters similar to the diameter of a conventional baseball (e.g., approximately 2.75 inches). The outer cover  110  has a slightly larger inner diameter to accommodate the internal supporting structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body  112  of the second embodiment has a length slightly larger than approximately 22 inches to accommodate the accumulative diameters of 8 internal supporting structures. The length of the tubular body and the number of internal supporting structures can be adjusted to create a water sock having a longer length or shorter length as desired. As described below, the mid-sized second embodiment is suitable for use with smaller transplanted trees and larger shrubs having root balls less than approximately 2 feet in depth. In particular, the second embodiment of the water sock has an internal volume of approximately 130 cubic inches, which is reduced by the relatively small volume displaced by the non-perforated portions of the outer shells of the internal supporting structures. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4C , a third embodiment  170  of the water sock has internal supporting structures  172  with diameters similar to the diameter of a conventional golf ball (e.g., approximately 1.68 inches). The outer cover  110  has a slightly larger inner diameter to accommodate the internal supporting structures. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular body  112  of the third embodiment has a length slightly larger than approximately 13.5 inches to accommodate the accumulative diameters of 8 internal supporting structures. The length of the tubular body and the number of internal supporting structures can be adjusted to create a water sock having a longer length or shorter length as desired. As described below, the small-sized third embodiment is suitable for use with small transplanted trees and shrubs having root balls approximately a foot in depth. In particular, the third embodiment of the water sock has an internal volume of approximately 30 cubic inches, which is reduced by the relatively small volume displaced by the non-perforated portions of the outer shells of the internal supporting structures. 
     Other sizes of water socks can be constructed using internal supporting structures with different diameters and supporting structures that have different shapes; however, the foregoing sizes of spheres are particularly advantageous because of the commercial availability of the perforated spherical balls widely used in sporting activities. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a kit  200  comprising a plurality (e.g., 3 in the illustrated embodiment) of water socks  100  and an auger  210  for creating holes to enable the water socks to be inserted in the ground proximate a shrub or tree. The auger has a shaft  212  coupled to a helical cutting member  214  that is sized to create a bore hole in the soil that is slightly larger than a water sock. The water socks in the kit are sized in accordance with one of the embodiments described in  FIG. 4A ,  FIG. 4B  or  FIG. 4C , respectively. For example, for a kit comprising the smaller water sock  170  of  FIG. 4C  having the golf ball sized internal supporting structures, the helical cutting member has a diameter of approximately 1.75 inches to 2 inches. The mid-sized water sock  160  of  FIG. 4B  can be positioned in a bore hole created by an auger having a cutting member with a diameter of approximately 3 inches. The larger water sock  150  of  FIG. 4A  can be positioned in a bore hole created by an auger having a cutting member with a diameter of approximately 4.75 inches to 5 inches. As discussed below, the auger is advantageously driven by a power drill or other rotational source. 
       FIGS. 6A ,  6 B and  6 C illustrate exemplary steps for installing the water socks  100  in the kit  200  of  FIG. 5  proximate to an existing shrub or small tree  250 . The existing shrub or small tree has a trunk  252  that supports foliage  254 . The shrub or small tree is anchored to the soil via a root system  256 . The auger  210  is coupled to a drill  260  or other source of rotating power and is positioned on the surface of the soil beneath the drip line of the tree or shrub as shown in  FIG. 6A . The drill is operated to produce a generally vertical bore hole  270  that extends downward into the soil by a desired depth. For example, if only a single water sock  170  in accordance with the smallest embodiment is to be inserted, the depth of the bore is selected to be approximately 13.5 inches so that the when the second end  116  of the water sock is resting at the bottom of the bore hole, the first end  114  of the water sock is at the level of the original ground surface. The first end of the water sock may be slightly above or slightly below the ground surface and be effective for providing water to the root system of the tree or shrub. The bore hole may be extended or may be partially filled with soil to achieve the desired depth and resulting positioning of the first end of the water sock. 
     If the root system  256  of the tree or shrub  250  is particularly deep, the bore hole  270  may be bored to a depth sufficient to accommodate two water socks  170 . The first water sock is inserted into the bore hole and the second water sock is positioned in the bore hole on top of the first water sock. 
     After creating a sufficient number of bore holes  270  for the number of water socks  170  to be installed, the water socks are inserted into the bore holes with the first (upper) ends  114  proximate the surface of the ground as shown in  FIG. 6B . If the water socks are loose in the bore holes, dirt may be added around the outsides of the water socks. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6C , after installing the water socks  170 , a small berm  280  is created around the tree or shrub  250  outside the drip line so that the bore holes  270  with the water socks are within the boundaries of the berm. 
     The berm  280  forms a shallow pond around the base of the tree or shrub  250 . When the tree or shrub is irrigated, the water collects in the pond and filters into the interiors of the water socks  170 . Thus, when a sufficient amount of water is applied to fill the pond, an additional volume of water is stored in the water socks within the bore holes. This accomplishes a dual purpose. The added volume of the water socks increases the amount of water that can be applied during an irrigation cycle. The water socks also serve as conduits to deliver water to the lower levels of the root system  256  of the tree or shrub instead of relying on the water applied to the ground surface to filter through the soil. Thus, unlike conventional surface watering which may result in a shallow root system, the watering system utilizing the water socks causes the root system to develop at a greater depth, thus creating a stronger anchor for the tree or shrub and also causing the root system to be positioned to absorb water available at greater depths. 
     The structure of the water sock  100  is particularly advantageous for deep watering of the roots. Unlike pipes or other systems for applying water below the ground surface, which have exposed perforations that may clog up and become nonfunctional, the water sock has a continuous outer surface that allows the water to seep out of the interior of the water sock and into the surrounding soil. Furthermore, the cylindrical structure of the geotextile outer cover  110  of the water sock is maintained by the internal supporting structures  140 , which prevent the water sock from collapsing from the pressure of the surrounding soil. The simple structure allows the water sock be manufactured easily and inexpensively from commercially available parts. The relatively thin shells of the internal support structures and the surrounding geotextile material allows the water sock to have a very light weight and yet be sufficiently rigid to allow the water sock to be easily inserted into a bore hole  270 . 
     The water socks installed in the foregoing manner may include the slow-release fertilizer tablets  200  described above. 
       FIGS. 7A ,  7 B and  7 C illustrate exemplary steps for installing the water socks when planting a new shrub or tree in an open hole. As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the root ball  300  of a tree or shrub  302  is positioned on a mound  310  of undisturbed original soil at the bottom of an excavated planting pit  312  in a conventional manner. As illustrated in  FIG. 7B , a plurality of water socks  100  are positioned in the planting pit next to the root ball with the second (lower) ends  116  of the water socks positioned slightly below the lowest level of the root ball and with the first (upper) ends  114  of the water socks positioned proximate the original ground level surrounding the planting pit. The water socks are held in place while the planting pit is backfilled with soil as shown in  FIG. 7C . As discussed above, a berm  320  is formed around the planting pit generally at the drip line of the tree or shrub. Although installed in a different manner, the water socks installed in accordance with  FIGS. 7A-7C  provide the same deep watering benefits as described above with respect to  FIGS. 6A-6C . The water socks installed in the foregoing manner may include the slow-release fertilizer tablets  200  described above. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates the planting of a new tree  400  on relatively level ground. The tree is planted in a planting pit  410  with the root ball  412  of the tree resting on a mound  414  at the bottom of the planting pit. A plurality of the water socks  100  (preferably the larger water socks  150  of  FIG. 4A ) are positioned in the planting pit at the outer boundary of the pit with the respective second (lower) ends  116  of the water socks extended below the level of the root ball. The respective first (upper) ends  114  of the water socks are positioned approximately at the surface of the ground surrounding the planting pit. After positioning the water socks, the planting pit is backfilled (not shown) and a berm  420  is created around the tree so that the tops of the water socks are within the surface encircled by the berm. 
     The positions of the water socks  100  in the embodiment of  FIG. 8  is advantageous because at least a portion of the water is delivered to soil that is spaced apart from the root ball and that is at a lower depth than the root ball. Accordingly, the root system of the new tree is encouraged to spread outwardly and downwardly to seek water. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates the installation of a new tree  500  on sloped ground. A planting pit  502  is formed in a portion of the ground that is leveled to accommodate the planting pit. The root ball  504  of the tree rests on a mound  506  in the planting pit. A plurality of water socks  100  are positioned around the outer boundary of the planting pit and the planting pit is backfilled (not shown). A berm  520  is formed around the planting pit. 
     In certain installations of a new tree, the root ball may not be installed at a sufficient depth to accommodate the full length of a water sock.  FIG. 10  illustrates the installation of a plurality of water socks  100  proximate to the root ball  602  of a transplanted tree  600  with the water socks positioned on a mound  612  in a planting pit  610  at an angle (e.g., approximately 45 degrees) with respect to perpendicular. The angled positions of the water socks provide the benefit of the full water storage and distribution capacity of the water sock while providing the water to the roots in the root ball from the surface down to the lowest level of the roots. The internal structure of the water sock allows the water sock to bend so that the water sock can form a downward spiral around the outer surface of the root ball or around the inner surface of the planting pit. As before, after installing the water socks and backfilling the planting pit, a berm  620  is created around the tree to encompass the tops of the water socks. 
     The water socks installed in accordance with  FIG. 8 ,  FIG. 9  or  FIG. 10  may include the slow-release fertilizer tablets  200  described above. 
     The embodiments of the water sock described herein provide an economical, light weight, easy to install and long lasting system for providing water to the root systems of shrubs and trees. The materials used do not degrade significantly over many years of use. The water permeable geotextile material allows water to flow in and out of the water socks yet keeps soil, insects and other materials out of the water socks so that the water socks will remain free of debris and continue to transport water to the root systems for many years. 
     As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all the matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.