Abstract: A tree box for growing and transporting a tree includes sidewalls and a removable bottom panel. The bottom panel can be removed prior to replanting the tree. In some embodiments portions of the tree box are formed of a plastic material.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a system comprising a plurality of trays, at least one retention layer configured to absorb at least a portion of water that falls upon the plurality of trays, and/or a drainage layer configured to allow the water to drain out of the at least one retention layer.

Abstract: A method of removing a tree and rootball includes the steps of excavating around the rootball, driving a plurality of pipes through a lower portion of the rootball to expose first ends on one side of the rootball and second ends on the other side of the rootball, disposing a first slotted beam across the topsides of the first ends of the plurality of pipes, disposing a second slotted beam across the topsides of the second ends of the plurality of pipes, interlacing a first lacing member with the first ends of the plurality of pipes and a first plurality of cross members, interlacing a second lacing member with the second ends of the plurality of pipes and a second plurality of cross members, and pulling the first and second lacing members taut to secure the first and second slotted beams to the pipes to create a platform.

Abstract: A container for a plant includes a wire mesh that is formed in the shape of a plant pot, and a layer of biodegradable material that is attached to the wire mesh in the shape of the pot. The container provides protection to plant roots from gophers and protection from root damage during transplanting, and can reduce air gaps between a pot and a hole in the ground, saving plants from drying out. The wire mesh provides a supportive frame so that the biodegradable material layer can be thinner, with the biodegradable material quickly softening and/or decomposing to let the plant roots grow through the pot into the soil. The wire mesh can extend beyond the biodegradable material layer at a top of the pot to provide protection against surface foraging rodents.

Abstract: A self-mulching planter bag that is tapered such that the diameter is larger at the top providing for easy removal of the bag from the root mass. It can be used for transplantation where a user can place a planter bag into a larger planter bag as the plant grows. The larger planter bag has space for the smaller bag through the use of a core feed plug which, when removed from the larger bag, leaves a void that is equal or greater to the size of the smaller bag. The larger bag can be pre-filled with designer soils especially suited for the particular plant. The planter bag also incorporates attachment points that can be used to train the plant or to attach the bags to surfaces or even to each other. Interconnected planter bag configurations can be used in a variety of applications including erosion control and environmental restoration.

Abstract: A root ball including soil disposed in and around root system and a layer of agricultural polymer around the soil and root system. The agricultural polymer creates a root ball having a semi-permeable, solid outer layer, which provides protection for the root system and eliminates the need for a container.

Abstract: A tree balling system automates the current tree balling method and greatly reduces strenuous physical labor. A novel wire basket having projections with hooks is provided for securing the earth ball of a plant for transplantation. Wrapping and tensioning a tensile member around these hooks encloses the projections around the earth ball. A balling station is also disclosed which has a stand for supporting and rotating the wire basket and plant. The balling station includes a tensile member guide and a tensioning component. The balling station is preferably located on a transportable vehicle and is equipped with unloading features for discharging the wrapped earth ball. A powered tensioning device tightens the wire basket around the earth ball. A hook forming device is also disclosed wherein the hook forming device can modify conventional wire baskets.

Abstract: A root ball including soil disposed in and around root system and a layer of agricultural polymer around the soil and root system. The agricultural polymer creates a root ball having a semi-permeable, solid outer layer, which provides protection for the root system and eliminates the need for a container.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. Other embodiments involve affixing a container at least partially filled with superabsorbent polymeric powder to a substrate, placing the container proximate to the element, or affixing the container to a separate member. The products may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.

Abstract: The belowground tree anchoring apparatus (10) includes a blanket (12), a plurality of stakes (16), and a plurality of ties (14). The blanket (12) fits over the root ball (B) at the base of the trunk (R) of the tree (T) and has a center opening and an elongated, radial slit (22) for facilitating this arrangement. The blanket (12) has a plurality of peripheral tie attachment holes, which may be reinforced with grommets. The stakes (16) are driven into the planting hole (H) at the bottom of the hole (H), and each stake (16) is connected to the blanket by a tie (14), and each tie (14) is attached to the blanket (12) at one of the peripheral grommets. When the ties (14) are fully tensioned, the blanket (12) holds the root ball (B) tightly to the ground.

Abstract: A hydromulch container medium including a container and a root system disposed in the container. A hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed between the root system and the container to form a semi-solid container medium around the root system.

Abstract: A landscape dolly (200) includes an upper frame (201, 203) and a lower frame (207, 209) attached to the upper frame for supporting the upper frame against a lower surface. The invention utilizes one or more collapsible legs (221, 223) that are positioned on the side of the lower frame for allowing the landscape dolly to move into a tilted position while being transported on a vehicle or with a handle mechanism (500). The handle mechanism (500) is used with removable wheels (300) which allow the dolly to be moved and/or steered into a desired location.

Abstract: A planter box for transplanting or removing trees, shrubs, or plant material. The planter box includes four corner members and a first and second channel arranged on each corner member. The box has a plurality of wall members arranged within the channels. A plurality of fastening members are arranged between the corner members.

Abstract: A root ball including soil disposed in and around root system and a layer of agricultural polymer around the soil and root system. The agricultural polymer creates a root ball having a semi-permeable, solid outer layer, which provides protection for the root system and eliminates the need for a container.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for insulating the root system of a plant includes a side wall made of a material with insulating characteristics. The side wall may be a pair of reflective sheets separated by an air space. The top of the protective apparatus may be a porous material also with insulating characteristics. The protective apparatus will insulate the root system and will prevent the temperature of the root ball and root system from dropping to dangerous levels.

Abstract: A tree root ball wrapping apparatus (100) includes a circular platform (109, 113) for supporting a separable, open-frame, root-containment structure (103, 105, 107) having an inverted conical shape. A group of pivot joints (201, 203, 205, 207) are located at an upper section of the root-containment structure for separating the root-containment structure into half sections. In practice, the group of pivot joints can be opened during tree transplantation for providing removal of a root ball from the wrapping apparatus by opening the sections at the group of pivot joints for easily facilitating removal of the wrapping apparatus (100) from within a transplantation hole.

Abstract: A low-profile container with a wide flat bottom for use in transplanting trees and other large plants with minimal disruption to the root ball. It typically has a diameter dimension of approximately four feet or more, with the minimum contemplated diameter dimension being approximately one-and-one-half feet, as well as arcuate side walls and at least one sturdy ring on its outside surface that is configured for lifting the combined weight of the container, plant, and root ball. A plant would be grown in the container, transported to its intended planting location in the container, and then transplanted into a pre-dug hole with the assistance of the container. Optionally, the container also may have drainage holes adjacent to or through its bottom surface and obliquely positioned anchoring passages that assist in maintaining the plant and container in an upright position in the presence of strong winds.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system comprising a floral sleeve having a base portion having a decorative pattern thereon. The sleeve may have an upper sleeve portion which can surround a plant disposed in a pot and which can be detached once the protective function of the sleeve is complete or which can be used to support the sleeve from a support device prior to use. The decorative pattern has a curved or non-linear upper boundary which gives the sleeve the appearance of having a curved or non-linear upper skirt extending from the base portion.

Abstract: A cover for use with a flower pot having a floral grouping disposed therein. The cover includes a sheet of material having a sheet extension connected to an outer peripheral surface thereof. The sheet of material is formed into a pot cover for covering the flower pot and the sheet extension extends over the floral grouping.

Abstract: A bulb and root protection system for allowing bulbs and rooted plants to be planted in the ground and protected from small burrowing animals. A protection cage has a top edge, and encloses a volume. The protection cage is open at the top edge. The protection cage is placed in the soil up to the top edge wherein bulbs or rooted plants are placed inside an interior volume of the protection cage, and the protection cage is filled with soil. Small animals are prevented from reaching the bulb or planted roots by the protection cage, but roots growing from the bulb or plants can grow and penetrate the mesh of the protection cage. The bulb and plant root protection system is additionally provided with a flexible liner provided within the interior volume. A dual purpose stabilizing strut is also provided with the plant root and bulb protection system, the strut comprising an anchor portion and a water dispensing portion for dispensing water below the surface of the ground to the plants roots or the bulb.

Abstract: A cylindrical plant container having a dual sidewall is provided. The inner sidewall is constructed of polypropylene fabric and the outer sidewall is constructed of wire, such as chicken wire. The inner sidewall extends above the outer sidewall and is folded over the top of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The inner sidewall also extends below the outer sidewall and is folded over the bottom of the outer sidewall and is fastened thereto. The present invention is designed to be used in a plant nursery. The woven polypropylene permits air to penetrate through the sidewall permitting air pruning of the roots proximal the sidewall. This forces the roots to grow in both a horizontal and downward fashion resulting in a denser plant root system with no spiraling or circling of roots within the cylindrical plant container. The heat transfer characteristics of the polypropylene reduces the root ball temperature compared to other containers.

Abstract: Root growth and development of vegetation used to remediate contaminated soil and/or groundwater is directed to targeted zones by a casing lining the hole in which the vegetation is planted. A flexible, self-sealing casing encourages strong and healthy root development of the root system deep in the soil horizons, resulting in an increase in the remedial capacity of the vegetation through the preferential development in or near the zone of soil or groundwater contamination.

Abstract: A method of growing trees for transplantation develops a long and narrow root system for ready rooting activity when transplanted at a remediation site. The trees can be grown in a lined hole with an optional basin, or cap, or otherwise lined at the bottom. The liner can be removed with the root system and associated soils for ease of transportation, and for use in continuing to encourage a downward vertical growth of the root system after transplantation. The trees can also be grown out of the ground in vertical or horizontal tubes which receive, under controlled conditions, water and nutrients. The medium in which tree can be grown out of the ground includes hydroponic media and soil.

Abstract: A conical tree transplanter is formed of first and second pairs of opposed tapered blades loosely connected sequentially side by side to form a cone having a narrow end and a wide end. The first pair of opposed tapered blades is removable from the second pair of opposed tapered blades by movement in the direction from the narrow end towards the wide end of the cone and is supported by the second pair of opposed tapered blades against movement from the wide end to the narrow end of the cone. A connector is located on each of the tapered blades at the wide end of the cone for connection to a lifting apparatus.

Abstract: A plant preservation and growth control bag and method of using the bag are provided. The bag includes an open top, a tapered side and a bottom and is formed of a porous fabric which catches plant roots and prevents root circulation, induces root branching within the bag and resists substantial root penetration. The bag is used in accordance with the method of the invention for preserving a plant while restricting the growth thereof after initially growing the plant in the ground and removing it therefrom in anticipation of transplantation.

Abstract: A crate for a plant, hedge or tree, including first and second end members positioned in spaced relation, and first and second side panels extending between the end members. The end members each removably receive and support an end portion of each of the side panels, respectively, wherein the side panels are removably supported in an upwardly diverging relation and define a crate interior therebetween. Preferably, the side panels are slidably received in the end members, in a manner which enables the side panels to be removed from the end members by pulling the side panels in their respective upwardly diverging directions. The crate is designed to carry at least one plant or tree to be transplanted by placing the entire crate in a transplanting hole and pulling the side panels thereof out of the hole, thereby leaving the plant in the hole and enabling the crate to be re-used with another plant or tree.

Abstract: A root control and containment system for holding and growing a plant in a cavity in the earth for controlling and containing vertical and horizontal root growth is disclosed. The system includes a vessel having upstanding sidewalls and a base therebelow and an open top thereabove. A root inhibiting carbon bound material is in chemical communication with the vessel and stores and releases the root inhibiting carbon bound materials over protracted periods of time. The root inhibiting carbon bound material is disposed in a discrete pattern relationship on an inner surface of the sidewalls and the base. The controlled release of the carbon bound material rejects lateral root growth therethrough the wall and vertical root growth therethrough the base of the vessel. An arcuate collar is attached to an upper edge of the sidewall of the vessel and is disposed above the surface of the earth surrounding the cavity for rapid identification of the cavity by field personnel when performing field tasks.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planting and maintaining bulberous and tuberous plants is described. The apparatus includes a bulb container having a top open end and a bottom closed end for planting the bulb, and a placement container having a top open end and a bottom closed end for preserving the hole that is created upon removal of the bulb container. The bulb and placement containers may be color coded to correspond to a particular bulb. The method for planting and maintaining a bulb includes placing the bulb and soil in the bulb container, planting the bulb container, removing the bulb container at the end of the bulb's active growing season, replacing the bulb container with the placement container to preserve the hole left upon removal of the bulb container, storing the bulb container during the bulb's dormant season, removing the placement container at the start of the bulb's active growing season, and replacing the placement container with the corresponding bulb container.

Abstract: A rubber composition or a rubber composite which is biodegradable in soil and is used to hold pot soil to the roots of plants to facilitate transplanting, said rubber composition containing a natural or synthetic rubber component and a water-soluble additive which does not bind to the rubber component and thus can elute into the soil.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hanging basket liner for lining wire and other types of hanging baskets designed to hold live, growing plants and flowers or artificial plants and flowers. The liner is of a generally pouch-shape construction with an opening at the top. The liner is made of a flexible material to conform to the shape of a hanging basket and also to provide a pleasing and aesthetic appearance. When necessary, the interior of the liner is covered by an additional water controlling material to help appropriately retain moisture and water within the basket, reduce excessive drainage and reduce the drying out of the growing medium. The liner is easily installed and comes in a variety of sizes and shapes to custom fit a hanging basket. The liner can be easily punctured or cut so that the sides and bottom of a hanging basket can also be planted. The liner is durable, long lasting and reuseable.

Abstract: Disclosed is a heeling-in and transplating means for easy inducing and cutting roots comprising a culturing bag and being characterized in that the culturing bag is provided near a middle portion a partition which guides roots of a plant heeled in the culturing bag to grow and extend evenly and radially above the partition and then downward along an innner periphery of the culturing bag, a plurality of water-soluble root-inducing nutrient stripes attached to the inner periphery of the culturing bag below the partition, and a plurality of externally communicable eyelets provided at a lower portion of the nutrient stripes for guiding and cutting roots. When the culturing bag is to be used, first position it in a planting hole on the ground, and the partition is lifted to facilitate the filling in of culture medium. Then, the partition is lowered again and more culture medium is filled in the bag to an adequate thickness.

Abstract: Methods of growing transplantable nursery stock plants are provided wherein the root growths of the plants are controlled. The methods basically comprise forming a plurality of spaced holes in the ground and placing a porous fabric blanket over and into the holes whereby depressions in the blanket conform with the holes. The porous fabric blanket has sufficient strength to constrict penetrating roots whereby root growth below the blanket is restricted and enlarged root nodule formation and root branching are promoted within the depressions above the blanket. The depressions are filled with a growing medium, and a plant is planted and grown in each of the depressions. The plants are subsequently removed from the depressions for transplanting.

Abstract: A carrying device is provided for lifting and transporting a balled and burlapped plant or the like without damaging the plant's root system or the top thereof. The carrying device includes at least two carrying straps having a fastening device at one end thereof. The straps are arranged such that they adjoin or intersect at a point beneath the balled plant. A carrying handle extending between the carrying straps is positioned on each side of the intersection point near the top shoulder of the plant. Thus, the plant can be securely lifted by the carrying handles without causing a loosening of the earth ball or burlap surrounding the plant roots.

Abstract: The present invention is a reusable nursery stock container (1) which is designed to receive the root ball directly from the tree diging machine (2) which may be disassembled at the time a plant (3) is transplanted so as to substantially reduce damage to the root ball of the plant. The container(1) is formed of detachable container halves(9,8) which are securely attached to each other to form an integrated container by means of flanges. A bottom member(19) is secured to a bottom region of the container by a shelf(14) which is spaced above the bottom edge of container and held in place by means of tabs (25). The side walls may be tapered to facilitate vertical stacking, and molded in handles(6,7) are formed near an upper region of the container so as to facilitate handling.

Abstract: The pruning-cloth is a heavy duty fabric supported by two light weight poles which can be guided under any type or size shrub with very little effort. Once the cloth has been positioned under the shrub, the pruning is ready to begin. The clippings will fall onto the cloth, saving valuable time and energy, as there is virtually no clean-up or raking. After the shrub is totally pruned, carefully shift the clippings toward the center of the cloth, bringing the poles or guides together, holding them horizontally until they are held vertically over a container, such as a 30 or 40 gallon trash can. The clippings will fall with ease neatly into the container. You are now ready to begin your next shrub with no clean-up behind you.

Abstract: An improved container for growing and holding plants for transplanting encloses the root ball in a polyurethane liner, which is then supported within a wire mesh outer basket. The polyurethane liner does not rot above ground, yet is permeable, so that the roots in the root ball air prune, forming extensive fine filamentary root growth, significantly improving the viability and health of the plant when transplanted. Although the liner of the invention does not rot above ground, it easily passes roots when the basket and root ball is planted, As a result, the basket and liner need not be removed prior to planting the plant, significantly simplifying handling of the plant.

Abstract: A method of moving large trees is disclosed. The method includes digging a trench around the tree at a depth and distance from the trunk of the tree to provide a ball large enough to sustain the tree after it is severed from the ground until the tree can be replanted, placing the side walls of a container in the trench to support the sides of the ball, moving a cutter horizontally under the ball from one side to the other, pushing support members under the ball behind the cutter as the cutter moves under the ball so that when the cutter moves out from under the ball, the ball will be completely supported by support members.

Abstract: An improved fabric container for controlling the root growth of nursery stock planted in the ground prior to transplant is provided. The improved fabric container is formed of a porous, needle-punched, continuous fiber fabric that maintains root growth in the ground such that roots are readily caught and caused to initially penetrate the container, but the fabric functions to constrict the roots sufficiently to produce nodule formation and root branching within the confines of the container.

Abstract: In order to reduce labor costs, enhance handling convenience, and encourage resource reutilization, a reusable tree-shrub carrier is disclosed. The carrier includes a plurality of side wall sections each configured so as to be arranged into a root ball container. Each of the side wall sections is substantially identical in shape and has an edge to be placed in juxtaposition to an edge of an adjacent one of the side wall sections such that the container has at least one open end. the carrier also includes a plurality of corner locking channels for releasably securing the edges of the side wall sections and retention strap assemblies for releasably securing a root ball during carrier transport.

Abstract: The present invention provides a durable tree basket having generally horizontally disposed rings connected by at least one pliable support. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the substantially horizontal rings are supported by removable slats, for example, made from wood lath.

Abstract: Wire panels which are easily and readily adapted to any size tree or shrub root ball and which when attached together form a basket to preserve the integrity of the root ball are disclosed. The panels are formed in a criss cross configuration and are secured by rope, cord, twine or wire in a shoelace type tightening arrangement. It is also possible to preconnect several wire panels in a size corresponding to a commercial shade digger by use of an easily deforming wire link at the top and bottom of the panels. The wire panels provide the sizing flexibility to be used for any size tree or shrub root ball.

Abstract: An excavator for excavating a tree and forming a root ball consisting of an excavator scoop having a plurality of segments mounted for movement with respect to one another between a nested position in which the segments are nested one within another and a deployed position in which the segments are extended fron one another and cooperate with one another to form a bowl-shaped scoop. A drive mechanism is provided which serves to drive the segments from the nested position to the deployed position, such that when the nested segments are located adjacent a tree and then driven to the deployed position the segments will pass under the tree to evacavate the tree and form a root ball within the deployed scoop. The excavator is mounted on a crane which is in turn mounted on a truck. The crane serves to manipulate the excavator between a ground contacting position and a load transporting position.

Abstract: This invention deals with a portable lifter of the kind designed to fit around the balled earth and root system or bagged earth and root system of a shrub or a tree. The device of the instant invention is fabricated from light-weight metal such as aluminum or very light steel. It is believed by the inventor herein that this device is most useful in tree and shrub nurserys to allow the transportation of such trees and shrubs.

Abstract: A root control bag of the invention is ued to contain the roots of growing plant stock during in-ground cultivation prior to later excavation and transplantation after the plant has reached a desired stage of maturation. The root control bag includes a wall manufactured from a non-woven fabric formed of a multiplicity of substantially continuous, randomly aligned, polymeric fibres, needle puncture bonded together. A standard probe penetration test is defined in the specification and the physical characteristics of the fabric must fall within certain limits as defined with respect to the standard test. The test basically comprises pressing a standard probe through the fabric and recording the load on the probe. For each test an initial puncture reading is taken, as well as a final penetration reading.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention a piece of perforated tubing is formed into a series of loops which define a generally truncated shape with at least one large diameter loop at the top and at least one smaller diameter loop located below the top loop. The tubing has sufficient strength and is wound into a contour shape to fit around the root ball of a tree or shrub harvested from a nursery. Ther perforated tubing includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings of a size sufficient to supply water and/or fertilizer to the root ball after the root ball is planted in the ground. Means are provided to maintain the tubing in the truncated shape. In one embodiment this shape comprises a series of specially fixed wound loops. In one embodiment this comprises formed loops with six connection points where the loops contact one another. Means are provided for supplying water and/or fertilizer to the tubing after the root ball has been planted.

Abstract: Apparatus for moving a tree is disclosed that includes a plurality of ground piercing blades, means for moving the blades into the ground below a tree to sever the tree and a root ball from ground, and guide means for guiding the blades into position under the tree to sever the tree and to support the tree and the root ball as the tree is moved to another location.

Abstract: A fast fit liner for an earth ball of the type surrounding nursery plants and trees for transportation is formed from a square piece of cloth material which is folded at midpoints along each side thereof to form interiorly extending pleats, with the seams of the pleats being sewn. The seams divide the cloth into four sections which are drawn around the earth ball. The top free corners of each section can be folded over to receive a rope or other type of drawstring to pull the corners tight around the trunk of the plant or tree. The cloth can be folded and sewn in a number of different configurations to vary the shape of the liner to meet different requirements.

Abstract: A cradle for use in transplanting and transporting trees includes a body with an upper rim and two main strap members diametrally opposed and extending downwardly from the rim to terminate at a bottom wall. Auxiliary upright straps extend between the bottom wall and the upper rim, and each main strap has at the top a handle which defines an open ended sleeve parallel with the bottom wall, so that carrying rods can be inserted through the handles to facilitate manipulation.

Abstract: A tree transporter comprises a plurality of buckets pivotally mounted on a rectangular frame. The frame has two sides and a central beam mounted higher than the sides together with a number of transverse beams so as to form square cells between the sides and the central beam in which the buckets can be received. The buckets are supported for pivotal movement on collars attached to the outer surface of the bucket with the axis of rotation inclined relative to the plane of an open mouth of the bucket so that the axis intersects the side wall of the bucket on one side higher than on the other side. In addition the axis of rotation is arranged diagonally relative to the square cells and inclined upwardly from one side to the higher central beam so that the bucket when it pivots moves from a position where the axis of the bucket points outwardly from the side for loading to a transport position wherein the axis of the bucket lies along the framework.