Abstract: A cutting bit including a conical nose and an integral depending cylindrical shank. The conical nose includes a tip having a hard wear resistant insert and a flange positioned between the tip and the shank and having a diameter greater than the shank. The flange has a planar underside including at least one undercut extending radially inward from the exterior peripheral surface of the flange to provide in cooperation with the face of a cutting bit block a resistance surface for insertion of a tine of a cutting bit removal tool.

Abstract: Wire tree baskets are disclosed for receiving tree or shrub balls. The baskets are comprised of a plurality of spaced apart, circular wire rings of differing diameters in order to taper the basket at an angle of 28.degree. to 32.degree. and a plurality of wire upright loops terminated by bights to give tie-off points for securing the ball within the the basket. The basket is welded together with the welds located to reduce the possibility of fractured welds and, further, reduce both the damage to the structural integrity of the basket caused by the fracture of a weld and reduce the potential for damage to adjacent trees caused by the fracture of a weld when balled trees are stacked together. Advantageous methods for using the tree baskets are also disclosed.