Abstract: A degradable agricultural mulch, mat or ground cover including cotton linters fibers, hardwood kraft pulp fibers, softwood kraft pulp fibers, and a water holdout material which is strong enough to be laid mechanically and is 100% photo- or biodegradable.

Abstract: A novel agricultural mulch is disclosed comprising a paper substrate having coated thereon on the top and bottom side film forming latexes resistant to water permeability. The superior paper mulch according to the invention is degradable but possesses most of the beneficial aspects of polyethylene-type mulches.

Abstract: A ground covering mat creating a safe working environment around certain pedestals containing electrical and/or telephone equipment and for preventing the growth of vegetation around ground-anchored structures in general. Such structures include fire hydrants, pedestals for containing telephone or electrical circuitry, and gas vents. The mat includes a main body defined by an outer perimeter. The mat is constructed from synthetic fibers saturated with a resin containing ultraviolet inhibitors and a fire-retardant. The mat is resilient so as to conform to the shape of the ground for which it covers. The mat is designed to be substantially non-biodegradable. In a preferred embodiment, the mat has a concentric series of scored profiles defining successively larger interior sections. The scored profiles facilitate a user in cutting a central open area corresponding in with the size of the ground anchored structure.

Abstract: The fertilizing apparatus comprises a diffusion member having a porous member associated with it to retain fertilizer inside a compartment defined by the diffusion member. The diffusion member provides a diffusion pathway that is protected from gravitational water flow and rapid temperature fluctuation. The compartment is filled with fertilizer and inserted into growth media adjacent a plant's root system so that the diffusion pathway is substantially occupied by the plant growth media. A plurality of diffusion members, each member having a different length, may be used to establish diffusion times for specific fertilizer formulations. The fertilizing apparatus can be adapted for use with a closed, insulated pallet system for producing container-grown plants.

Abstract: A mortarless building block system employs primary blocks with projection on the top sides and recesses on the bottom sides to lock different courses of primary blocks together in a wall. The primary blocks in one course are rotated by 180.degree. with respect to the primary blocks in the next course. Each primary block has a generally rectangular main portion and a bulbous portion of the same width as the main portion. The bulbous portion is joined to the main portion at one end thereof, and the other end of the main portion has a concave socket region which receives the bulbous portion of another primary block. The bulbous portion may be shaped as an incomplete regular dodecagon (12-sided polygon), irregular polygon, or cylinder. In addition to the primary blocks, the building block system includes covers for the top course of primary blocks and auxiliary blocks corresponding to the bulbous portions of the primary blocks.

Abstract: A torroidal outer ring is positioned with a plant coaxially thereof, wherein the torroidal outer ring includes ring segments securable relative to one another in an end-to-end relationship receiving spikes between ring segment junctions to secure the rings together and to an underlying ground surface. A cylindrical trough is directed about a top wall of the ring member, including apertures to direct fluid therethrough. A central insert is positioned medially to the top wall, including a fertilizer to be dispersed through each interior cavity of each ring segment to the underlying ground surface.

Abstract: A mulch skirt for inhibiting the growth of vegetation around a tree or post is formed from a single sheet having an initial axial opening and a slit extending from the axial opening to a point on the periphery of the skirt. A plurality of adjustment strips are formed around the axial opening by successive concentric rows of serrations. The mulch skirt can be custom-sized on the site to fit around a selected tree or post by removing an inner portion of the mulch skirt along a selected row of serrations corresponding in diameter to the base diameter of the tree or post with which the mulch skirt is to be used. The mulch skirt may be stabilized by a ring extending around the periphery of the skirt and by anchor pins fastening the ring to the ground.

Abstract: A tree guard mat is made from flexible fiber ropes or fibrous strips arranged in concentric rings to form a mat. For installation around a tree, a selected number of inner rings may be removed until a central hole is equal in diameter to the diameter of the tree. In one embodiment, the ends of the concentric rings are joined along a separation radius so that a gap may be created through which the mat can be installed around a tree trunk. The mat is water and gas permeable, and will suppress plant growth around the base of the tree so that trimming is unnecessary.

Abstract: A mulch collar for installation around a stem of a plant. The mulch collar comprises a web of relatively thin, pliable material having an opening for accommodating the stem of the plant and a slit extending from the opening to a peripheral edge of the web. An elongate flexible member formed into a ring is attached to the web, and has first and second ends adjacent to one another. The ring is attached to the web so that the opening through the web is located within the ring, and so that the first and second edges of the slit meet the ring proximate the first and second ends of the flexible member, respectively, and are thus adjacent to one another. The collar may be installed about a plant by spreading the first and second ends of the flexible member apart so as to form a gap intermediate the first and second edges of the slit, and pulling the collar around the plant so that the stem of the plant passes through the gap and into the opening in the web.

Abstract: A watering device comprising a flexible plastic bag with inlet and outlet necks whereby the bag may be filled and enabled to trickle water therefrom. The outlet neck is provided with a wick material and it is supported at a point therealong above the water level in the device so as to control the rate of outflow. The watering device is a split bag to encompass the base of a tree.

Abstract: This invention consists of a tree grate system in concrete, artificial stone, terrazzo or similar molded material intended for use at ground level at the base of a tree. The system is designed to permit periodic enlargement of the opening for the tree trunk according to the growth of the tree. The system is formed by parallel or concentric grate elements forming a horizontal grill. Adjacent grate elements are joined by connectors which, when severed at their point of least section, permit the easy removal of the grate elements nearest the tree trunk, leaving a clean, presentable break at the remaining adjoining element.

Abstract: A combined root deflector and watering collar which may be assembled from a plurality of panels. Each panel has a preselected shape and is formed of a comparatively thin body member having an upper arcuate edge, a lower arcuate edge and a pair of spaced apart lateral edges extending between the upper and lower arcuate edges. The upper and lower arcuate edges are concentric about a center remotely spaced from the upper and lower arcuate edges. The body has an outer surface of an inner surface and radially extending ribs project from the inner surface between the upper arcuate edge and regions adjacent the lower arcuate edge. A notch in the body at the lower arcuate edge adjacent each of the ribs and a thin section of the body extending along the rib from the notch are provided to achieve a weakening of the body so that as roots of the plant growing through the notch enlarge, the body will tear adjacent to the ribs and starting at the notch.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth including a surrounding shield formed with a central aperture positionable about a central stalk or trunk portion of a shrub or tree growth. The apparatus includes four pie-shaped segments that are interlocked relative to one another utilizing lug members receivable within key-shaped openings of adjacent walls of the pie-shaped segments. The segments include a floor formed with a matrix of apertures therethrough. Each pie-shaped segment is defined by a perimeter wall defining a cavity with a pie-shaped container segment of complementary configuration received within a forward portion of the cavity, wherein the container segments are defined by a perimeter wall of a height greater than that defined by the pie-shaped segment walls for receiving additional plants therewithin is surrounding relationship relative to a main plant or alternatively receive fluid fertilizer and the like for treatment of the root system of an associated central plant.

Abstract: A method provides and apparatus for recovering and revegetating shorelines subjected to low to moderate wave energy and other terrains subject to erosion processes. Biodegradable, cardboard sheet material formed with an array of projections and depressions over the entire surface of the material is utilized. A plurality of plant-receiving and letting apertures are formed in the sheet in accordance with predetermined plant density requirements. The sheet material is formed with plant nutrients suspended in it and is further provided with a hydrophobic composition coating for delaying biodegradation. The surface pattern formed on the sheet dissipates wave energy, traps sand and sediment, and prevents plant washout. The sheet material is secured to the surface by a plurality of biodegradable stakes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved plant soil protector. The improved plant soil protector includes a plurality of segments made from a grid-like material which permit the passage of air, water and fertilizer therethrough while protecting the soil from pets or the like. Additionally, each of the segments includes means which permit the segments, when joined together, to adapt to different sized plants as well as different sized pots.

Abstract: The invention discloses improved edging structures for landscaping, comprised of special curved wood pieces and straight conventional lumber pieces, such as 2".times.4"s or 2".times.6"s. The many separate adjacent pieces, aligned end to end, can be mixed and matched in size and curvature as desired to create a free flowing edging pattern, and then connected together by rigid clips in this aligned end to end manner. Some of the clips have rigid tabs formed off of them, and spikes may be driven through the tabs to hold the clips and connected edging pieces fixed in the created pattern. The edging pieces, as secured together, are partly embedded within the ground, with a top face exposed; and all of the clips, tabs formed thereon, and spikes are also embedded within the ground and hidden. The special curved pieces, clips and spikes may be grouped together to be sold in the form of kits.

Abstract: A plant watering and protecting device is provided which protects a plant from underground attack by rodents, forms a berm for containing overhead water within the drip line of the plant, and optionally provides receptacles for underground fertilizer sticks and above-ground insecticide against surface crawling insects.

Abstract: Landscape edging for defining a border proximate plant life comprises a generally planar member, an interior flange generally parallel to the plane of the member extending along a first portion thereof, and an exterior flange generally parallel to the plane of the member and extending along a second portion thereof. The member further includes a contiguous, raised wall projecting generally perpendicularly to the plane of the member, the wall is interposed between the interior and exterior flanges of the member and extends along the length of the member. The wall cooperates with the interior flange of the member to retain a mulch media thereby, and the wall, the interior and exterior flanges cooperate to limit the growth of undesirable foliage beneath the member. Various shapes of edging are disclosed.

Abstract: A tree surround which is provided to confine shredded or bark material at the base of a tree for the purpose of retaining moisture and likewise prevent the growth of weeds thereby maintaining neat appearance of the tree area, the surround being made from tire carcasses, specifically the sidewalls thereof which would normally be a problem to dispose of and costly to otherwise destroy, the shape of the sidewall and the contact of the severed outer periphery with the ground making possible use of power equipment to trim weeds which may grow near such periphery.

Abstract: A mulching film which comprises a reflective film layer having a reflective peak at a wavelength of less than 0.4 .mu.m and a reflective spectrum having not less than 1.4 of a ratio (R.sub.A /R.sub.B) of the ultraviolet peak reflectance (R.sub.A) and the visible light reflectance at a wavelength of 0.5 .mu.m (R.sub.B) and a black film layer, which is effective for repelling insect pests harmful for various crops and other plants by covering ground for plantation and for lowering of the underground temperature and also for the prevention of the propagation of weeds.

Abstract: A strip of vegetation-growth-blocking material for use as a ground cover as a polyethylene foil on an upper surface of which a bituminous protective and adhesive layer is applied to block ultraviolet deterioration of the foil. Gravel or a like heavy bulk material is bonded by the adhesive to the foil and a reflective layer can be applied to the gravel layer.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mulch sheet to be placed on the soil around the stalk of a plant. The mulch comprises aluminum flakes bonded to a woven mesh which aluminum flakes will reflect rays of the sun upward to the underside of the leaves and the mat will hold moisture in the ground which has seeped into the ground through the porous mat. The aluminum flakes are applied to the upper tacky surface of a thermoplastic woven mat and are pressed into the tacky surface to hold them in position after the thermoplastic, fibrous mat cools to freeze the flake in place. In additional embodiments, it is sometimes appropriate to make a pod containing a seed which will be secured to the underside of the matting in the open hole. A layer on the underside of the mat could include a layer of fertilizer.

Abstract: A barrier comprised of two or more adjacent conductive surfaces with each conductive surface having a sufficient width to insure that when all the conductive surface widths are added together, the largest snail to be protected against cannot step over the combined width; also all adjacent conductive surfaces are separated by a minimal insulating gap so that the smallest snail to be protected against cannot step over the insulating gap without contacting at least two adjacent conductive surfaces at one time. Each adjacent conductive surface is powered so that it has an electrical potential difference from the adjacent conductive surfaces. Thus any snail, slug or similar gastropod mollusk attempting to cross the barrier will receive an electrical shock that will inhibit it from crossing the barrier.

Abstract: A protector for surrounding the base of a trunk of a tree (18) includes a base (2), a barrier wall (4) and, a slit (10) which extends, on a centerline, through the major portion of base (2). The central portion of base (2) is defined by a plurality of cresent shaped flaps (2), each attached to the next by a hinge (14), on each side of the centerline (10). The central base structure allows for case of installation and provides for tree growth while allowing capture and permeation of liquids held in the reservoir defined by the barrier wall (4) to the root zone. An outwardly directed flange (6) on base (2) serves as a mower track which can be anchored by pins (20) through punch out holes (24) defined on flange (6).

Abstract: A landscaping edging material is described preferably made from a polymeric plastic material and formed having a planar face surface which is attached or integrally formed with a corrugated central web portion. The edging is placed on the ground surface or partially below the ground surface to delocate boundaries of lawn or garden areas or provide an effective landscape retainer to contain dirt, bark, chips, stones or the like in a confined area. The edging is retained in position by using a plurality of stakes which are inserted normally by hand into the ground through the elongated channels formed between the planar face surface and the central web portion. The stakes preferably have reverse loops that are then placed into an adjacent channel to add security and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the edging. A "hair pin" connector stake is employed to connect two sections of edging or the two ends of a section forming a circular pattern.

Abstract: A wire mat turf and soil protector that covers newly repaired soil areas to prevent animals, and particularly dogs, from digging holes, and also supports the soil and turf during grass regrowth.

Abstract: A part circle metal frame having a mat secured thereto which is centrally foldable about a skid bar for catching shrub trimmings in an unfolded position beneath a shrub, for removing the shrub trimmings from beneath the shrub on the skid bar and for transporting the shrub trimmings to a refuge container with the frame and mat folded to form a pouch having a rigid frame.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device to prevent soil spillage from a flower pot that is knocked over. Adhesive backings removably fix to the flower pot comb-shaped, mounting brackets that define a plurality of spaces for adjustably positioning vertically a circular member that has a flat, screened portion with depending springs arcuately angled which terminate with a peripheral flange ring.

Abstract: A plant protector in the form of a disk-like cover is adapted to be friction fitted within a flower pot. The cover is provided with an interior hole to allow a plant to pass through it. At least one cut is provided in the cover from the hole to the outer edge so that it may be placed about a plant growing in the pot.

Abstract: A device formed as an integral plastic piece having an inner tubular portion to surround the stalk of the tomato plant and an outer support portion which defines a circumferential trough surrounding the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion is placed around the stalk of the tomato plant, with the lower edge of the tubular portion being implanted into the ground. The upper growth portion (i.e., vines) of the tomato plant and the tomatoes are conveniently retained in the trough.

Abstract: A device for suppressing ground plant growth surrounding a monument comprises a plurality of plastic shield pieces interconnected with each other and anchored by spikes into the ground around the monument base. The lower surface of each shield piece is formed with a pair of longitudinal retaining tracks. The shield pieces are coupled together by plate members retained within the longitudinal tracks across interfaces between shield pieces. The spikes extend downwardly from the plate members to anchor into the ground. The device is usable for suppressing plant growth in any predetermined ground region.

Abstract: Two or more fiberglass preformed sections interfit to form a cover about the base of a tree. The sections are provided with a series of underlying rings spaced apart concentrically radially outward from a central opening through which the tree extends. The rings provide reinforcement to each section and function as guides for subsequent cutting of larger holes as the tree grows. When concrete or the like is to be poured about the tree, a framework is used as a concrete form to insure the cover sections fit together properly.

Abstract: This tree protector includes a hollow vertical shaft and an annular base disposed about the shaft, both components being formed from connectible half sections. Hollow, hold-down spikes are provided for watering the tree. The base is provided with an annular trough and an inclined outer periphery, and the hold-down spikes are located within the trough to receive and dispense the watering medium into the adjacent ground.

Abstract: A container for the cultivation of little wooden nursery plants, which container is composed of a material derived from hydrocarbons, as for example polyvinyl chloride (pvc), characterized in that across the opening of the same passes a crosspiece with a central hole, also having vertical and horizontal bands that are needed to hold the container in an erected position, which new container has many important functions: to help the little plant to grow, but favoring the extension of the lateral roots, while the main-root will be atrophized, finding on the closed end of the container an obstacle that blocks its growth, and therefor avoiding the cutting of the main-root; to indicate to the purchaser the approximate age the plant has reached in the nursery, from the seeding up to the selling; to protect the roots by preserving around them the clod of original earth.

Abstract: Thermal energy retaining means for use in covering soil adjacent growing plants and including a water tight elongated tubular sleeve enclosure having support means at opposed ends thereof. The support means consist of planar means or generally inverted "U" shaped configuration, and each comprising a pair of generally parallelly disposed legs spaced apart by an upper fixed cross-member. A second cross-member, slidably coupled to the legs of the inverted "U" shaped bracket is provided which extends generally parallel to the upper cross-member to form a jaw to receive the tubular sleeve material therebetween. After filling with water, the width of the tubular sleeve material is placed within the jaw of the hanger means, the hanger means then being rotated about the sleeve so as to seal the ends of the sleeve and adjust the axial length thereof.

Abstract: A flexible, opaque mulch carpet for inhibiting weed growth while promoting plant growth has a central backing layer of non-rotting, synthetic, open mesh, fabric of relatively high tensile strength sandwiched between an upper layer and a lower layer formed of ground bark particles unified by, and each encapsulated in, a resin binder, preferably PVC. The thin coating of resin binder on the particles bonds the particles together, and bonds the layers together through the mesh, but the particles are uncompressed and water can percolate through the interstices between the coated particles. Iron oxide in the mix makes fast the color of the particles.

Abstract: A vegetation clipping catcher for receiving clippings is herein disclosed. Which vegetation clipping catcher includes a support rail and a plurality of rings slideably mounted on the support rail. A rib is respectively connected to each of the slideable rings of the plurality. An apron is connected to the ribs. The apron has a central aperture formed therein. The central aperture is adapted for receipt of a stem of a shrub which is to be trimmed. A portion of the apron is formed into a flap immediately adjacent the central aperture. The flap is releasably connected to a closure portion of the apron.

Abstract: A dark perforated flexible plastic sheet bonded on top of a fertilizer-containing cellulosic fiber blanket in contact with the earth shields the blanket and the soil beneath from the drying effects of the free circulation of air while allowing entry of water. The fiber blanket is composed of cellulosic fiber mat. The fiber mat rests upon the ground thereby discouraging growth in the areas of contact. Spaces for plant growth are provided between adjacent areas of fiber blanket. Plant growth is encouraged in these spaces by the absorption of solar energy by the plastic film transmitted to the earth beneath, the moisture in the blanket by the unperforated areas of the plastic sheet and by the release of fertilizer from the adjacent fiber mat as the moisture leaves the blanket and enters the soil.A second embodiment of the invention includes the continuation of the plastic sheet over the space between adjacent area of fiber blanket.

Abstract: A cover for nursery and flower pots is constructed from a thin flexible plastic material having a plurality of holes therein through which water and nutrients may be supplied to the stock. A circumferential lip about the outside perimeter of the cover is adapted to fit over the top of a pot and secure the cover thereto. The cover is formed with a plurality of annular steps which are graduated in depth toward the open center. The cover is in one piece with a single radially extending slit or separation to permit the cover to be opened for placement on a pot containing growing stock. A flexible tab which secures to a knob on the outside circumference of the cover serves to lock the cover in place.

Abstract: A readily adjustable, moisture retainable, air transferable soil covering, integral with fertilizer and, if desired, fungicide is provided that may be used with indoor plants. The soil covering is made up of a biodegradable cellulose paper and film covering having thereon water soluble beads of fertilizer or fungicide. The covering has been perforated in a series of concentric circles together with at least one radial perforation so that the unit may be torn radially to the proper size for the pot, may have an opening in the center for the stem of the plant, and may be torn radially to allow insertion of the stem.The same type covering may also be utilized in rolls for gardens and can be perforated in regular design for regular spacing of plants.