Abstract: The invention provides methods for inhibiting the uprooting and toppling of trees during storms, and tree-stabilizing apparatuses adapted for this purpose.

Abstract: A structure for creating housings for setting trees into the ground includes a plurality of modular elements (2), each one having an upper face (21) and support legs (22), the elements being associable with one another so as to obtain an upper surface (P, M), which is substantially continuous, and a lower volume (V), which is substantially empty. Tubular extensions (24), which at least partially cover the legs (22), according to their length determine the depth of the housing and hence the dimension of the volume (V). The tubular extensions are held in position, before the subsequent positioning of the modular elements, by a framework, which is provided with supports (32) adapted to be inserted into the upper mouth of the tubular extensions.

Abstract: A grow tube formed from a sheet of thermoform polymer to include a plurality of longitudinal ribs that protrude in a first direction normal to the plane of the sheet. When rolled into a grow tube, the ribs can extend radially inward and act as cushions that prevent the stem of the resident plant from colliding with or resting on the continuous rim of the grow tube. The ribs can also define vertically oriented channels that are open to the interior of the grow tube. Natural convection currents develop in the channels, promoting air exchange between the interior of the grow tube and the surroundings. The ribs can promote diffusion of the incoming sunlight. In one embodiment, the grow tube includes snap forms that overlap when the sheet is rolled into tubular form to provide a flangeless grow tube.

Abstract: A belt device for arrangements which are put under tensile load, particularly for systems for the securing of tree crowns, having a belt (10) with a loop at each end (12, 12?) which is formed by turning over the end parts of the belt (10) and fastening the ends to the belt, wherein the fastenings (14, 14?) and the belt (10) are adapted to withstand a pre-determined minimum tensile force. In order to guarantee a good visibility of the indicating element even from greater distances, it is proposed by the invention that the belt (10) is overlapped by an indicating element (16) in the vicinity of at least one of the loops (12), which indicating element shortens the belt (10) and is fastened with two end portions on the belt (10) such that one of the fastenings (18) gives way when a pre-determined tensile force acts on the belt (10), the tensile force being smaller than the minimum tensile force which the loop fastenings (14, 14?) and the belt withstand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formulation with particles of a controlled particle size distribution, fixed in an elastic coating, that is applied, either separately or in mixture, in order to prevent attacks by gnawing animals, especially insects, to seedlings.

Abstract: A decorative tree protector which is positioned on the ground around a tree trunk to prevent grass from growing close to the tree trunk. The tree protector includes a round hollow body having a top wall, downwardly dependent sidewall, and a radially extending lower rim for ease of mowing around. A central hole through the top wall and a radial slit from the central hole allow the tree protector to be fit around the trunk of a tree. Opposing portions of the protector body at the slit are retained together after fitting around the tree by retaining screws and nuts. The tree protector can include a built-in seat formed into the top wall and sidewall thereof, being coverable by a pivoting seat cover. The tree protector can further include a decorative device such as a flower trough, a plurality of battery-powered light bulbs extending from the sidewall, a decorative metallic band, or external decorations such as bark, mulch, stones, bricks, sand, or plants, affixed to the protector body.

Abstract: A method of cultivating a plant is disclosed which meets certain aesthetic and other requirements. A plant (8) is stripped of any unwanted growth from its stem (9) leaving the upper foliage (10) in place. The thus stripped stem (9) is then passed through the full length slot (2) of a first sleeve (1) to retain the stem (9) within the sleeve (1). A hollow frusto-conical retainer (3) is then positioned with its smaller end in communication with the upper end of the sleeve (1), the upper foliage (10) being passed through a slot (4) to be encapsulated within the retainer (3). The retainer (3) is then rotated to misalign the respective slots (2), (4). The sleeve (1) and retainer (3) are then moved upwards until the upper foliage (10) is also encapsulated within the first sleeve (1). The retainer (3) is then removed and a wire (11) is attached to the upper end of the sleeve (1). A second sleeve (5) is then slid over the wire (11) and first sleeve (1).