Abstract: A support for branches and vines consisting of a base which has a hole, a stem which has many holes at different levels and facing in various directions, many rods which may have many holes, many branch support assemblies each of which consist of a string which has at least two hooks, and a holder which may have many holes; the stem penetrating through the hole of the base; the rods being able to penetrate the stem through its holes; one of the hook of a branch support assembly being able to hook on a hole of a rod; another hook of the branch support assembly being able to hook on the holes of the holder of the branch support assembly.

Abstract: A unitary device for securing the root ball of newly planted trees and/or shrubs into proper position, for stabilizing the trees and/or shrubs to prevent shifting or toppling while the tree and/or shrub root systems are first developing. The device includes a horizontal cross member, and a couple of prongs perpendicularly depending from the horizontal cross member, all formed from a single piece of rod or tubing material. At the time of planting, after the root ball of the tree is set into an appropriate hole and the tree is in proper position, the free ends of the prongs of the device are driven into the ground such that the outer prong is retained in the firm portion of the soil, and the inner prong engages the root ball. The outer prong is of a sufficient length to be held securely in the soil, and the inner prong is both arranged in position and sized in length to engage the root ball securely.

Abstract: A tree support device is provided having a substantially W-shaped configuration. The device includes a cross member having first, second, and third elongated legs extending therefrom in substantially parallel alignment. The support device is made from an elastomeric material, such as gum rubber, and is openly exposed to degradation by ultraviolet light. In alternative embodiments, a substantially U-shaped support device or linear support device is made from the same elastomeric materials.

Abstract: A tree brace applies corrective forces to a part of a tree, such as the trunk, to straighten undesired bends or other deformities. A turnbuckle device applies force at a desired point of application, and is held by flexible lines that extend to locations above and below the application point. The turnbuckle is adjusted as the tree responds to the forces exerted thereon. The tree brace does not require a pole or stake for support, and can be placed on a tree wherever a bend or other deformity needs to be straightened.

Abstract: A Christmas tree stand construction (10) including a housing member (20) in the shape of a miniature house and having a roof (21) provided with an enlarged chimney (22) having a central opening (23) and a plurality of peripheral apertures (24) dimensioned to receive fastening elements (41) for captively engaging the trunk (101) of a Christmas tree (100) in an upright fashion within the chimney (22); wherein, the central opening (23) in the chimney (22) is adapted to be in open fluid communication with an enlarged fluid reservoir (40) in the case of a live cut Christmas tree (100) or adapted to receive a cup-shaped receptacle element (42) that supports the bottom of the trunk (101) of an artificial tree.

Abstract: A tree support holds the tree in the desired orientation until its root system can hold the tree in that orientation without the need for additional support. The tree support includes a collar and three or more legs. Positioning screws carried by the collar advance radially inward toward the trunk of the tree to engage the trunk and thereby hold the collar in place. The outer ends of the positioning screws are capped with ornamental medallions. The medallions can carry any design or, for example, initials or information about the tree. One embodiment of leg for the tree stand, is a telescoping, rigid leg that pushes against movement of the tree away from normal orientation. The other embodiment of the leg uses tension on wires connected to anchor screws inserted into the ground to hold the tree upright.

Abstract: A plant support assembly for rigidly supporting a plant in an upright position in various types of soil conditions. The inventive device includes a base, a tubular member attached to the base and extending upwardly, a shaft positionable within the base, and a locking strap for securing a plant to the shaft or tubular member. The shaft is preferably constructed of a material that is easily severed for allowing support for various heights of plants. The base is shaped for fitting within the lower portion of a conventional pot for plants. In an alternative embodiment, the tubular member includes an upper spiked end for inserting through the roots of the plant and thereafter receiving the adjusted shaft.

Abstract: A fluid injection apparatus and associated method for supplying a pressurized fluid to a permeable portion of a tree. A fluid injection apparatus comprising a receptacle engageable with the tree forms a chamber around the permeable portion of the tree. A reservoir supplies fluid to a pump which selectively transfers the fluid from the reservoir to the chamber, pressurizing the fluid in the chamber. A tree stand comprising a tree clamp and supporting legs can comprise the fluid injection apparatus. The apparatus enables the method of supplying a pressurized fluid to the permeable portion of a tree comprising: providing a fluid-retaining chamber around a permeable portion of the tree; providing a reservoir containing a supply of the fluid; and selectively pumping the fluid from the reservoir to pressurize the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a plant support that can be used on either a T-shaped post or a U-shaped post. The support includes a ring for supporting the plant and a latching section which engages the post. The height of the support on the post can be easily altered if the user so desires. The support ring may further include a removable arc section to allow the support ring to be easily removed from around the plant.

Abstract: A combination support and irrigator for a planting having an upwardly extending trunk is disclosed. The device includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end and defining an interior chamber. The lower end is adapted to be positioned on a ground support surface while an opening at the upper end of the housing is dimensioned to circumscribe the trunk of the planting and limit the deflection of the trunk. A plurality of stakes extend downwardly from a lower end of the housing and are adapted for insertion into the ground support surface. At least one of the stakes includes a fluid passage extending between a distal end of the stake and the interior chamber of the housing so that a liquid contained within the housing flows from the housing chamber, through the stake and into the ground support surface.

Abstract: A tree brace applies corrective forces to a part of a tree, such as the trunk, to straighten undesired bends or other deformities. A turnbuckle device applies force at a desired point of application, and is held by flexible lines that extend to locations above and below the application point. The turnbuckle is adjusted as the tree responds to the forces exerted thereon. The tree brace does not require a pole or stake for support, and can be placed on a tree wherever a bend or other deformity needs to be straightened.

Abstract: A support device for supporting a substantially vertical pole comprises a two-part collar (1) defining a central passage (6) therethrough. The parts of the collar may be releasibly secured together, thereby allowing a collar to be fitted around a pole. The support device further comprises a plurality of legs (8, 9) adapted to support the collar above the lowermost ends of the legs and with the central passage thereof substantially vertical.

Abstract: The young tree support comprises a flexible polymer tube having its end staked by a first stake close to the tree. The flexible polymer tube is wound up the tree to a point between one-third and one-half the distance up the trunk of the tree. From that point, the second end of the tube is pulled to the windward. The second end of the tube has a spring by which the second end is connected to a second stake driven into the ground so that the second end is resiliently connected to the second stake. This provides adequate support for a young tree to permit flexure of the trunk during early growth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tree staking system designed to support or provide supplementary bracing to a tree so as to maintain it in a substantially upright or other predetermined position when the tree is planted or replanted. More specifically, the subject tree staking assembly comprises at least one, but preferably two, or a plurality of support members. A tree strap assembly is used to removably, but securely, position the support members in spaced relation to one another about the circumference of a trunk of the tree being supported without actually encircling or girdling the tree. Consequently, the tree is not blemished or scarred. Advantageously, the assembly affords a system by which a tree can be supported in a predetermined, upright position by a single worker without the need for specialized parts or tools.

Abstract: Structure is disclosed for supporting immature plants and small trees to assure straight and healthy stem and trunk growth until the stem and/or trunk reaches a growth phase where it is self-supporting. Several embodiments of two part stakes are discussed including detachable upper and lower portion stakes and telescoping upper and lower portion stakes. Plant feeding features in the stakes are described and structure for providing cooperating stake pairs with novel interconnecting straps and stem/trunk engaging apparatus is disclosed. Stabilizing structure for the stakes is also disclosed, so that stem trunk support is strong enough to accomplish the intended purpose.

Abstract: A device for securing the root ball of newly planted trees and/or shrubs into proper position, for stabilizing the trees and/or shrubs to prevent shifting or toppling while the tree and/or shrub root systems are first developing. The device includes a horizontal cross member, and a series of prongs perpendicularly depending from the horizontal cross member. Two outer prongs are attached to the ends of the cross-member, and at least one, but preferable two or more shorter inner prongs are attached near the middle of the cross member in one configuration. At the time of planting, after the root ball of the tree is set into an appropriate hole, and the tree is in proper position, the prongs of the device are driven into the ground such that the outer prongs are retained in the firm portion of the soil, and the inner prongs engage the root ball.

Abstract: A support member and method for supporting the base of a tree. The support member tightens around the base of the tree to support the tree and includes a support member body that can suspend the state where the base of the tree is tightened in a time-dependent manner after a lapse of years corresponding to growth of the tree. The method includes the step of placing the support member around the base of the tree wherein the support member has a support member body that is capable of self-terminating support at the base of the tree in the time-dependent manner to correspond to growth of the tree.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for an improved device for supporting a tree with a cable. The device comprises a wrapping for encircling the tree. A strap tethers the wrapping to the tree. A fastener is secured to the wrapping for affixing to the cable to support the tree by the cable.

Abstract: A stake system has a set of couplings and fiberglass rods and can be expanded to include bendable wire and light holders which fit onto the rods. The connector has a tubular body open at opposite ends and a transverse inner wall or collar between the opposite ends which with the inner wall of the body defines an open upper cavity and an open lower cavity. Each cavity is sized to receive one end of a rod. A pair of arms extend outwardly from opposite edges of one end of the tubular housing. Each arm has a slotted opening of sufficient diameter to permit a cord of a decorative light string to be inserted into and pass through the opening. Elbows and rod holders are provided to have one end which fits into the coupling upper cavity and an opposite end that has a cavity or mouth sized to receive of a rod. This stake system allows a person of average mechanical ability to create lighted lawn ornaments in an almost infinite variety of shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A device for securing the root ball of newly planted trees and/or shrubs into proper position, for stabilizing the trees and/or shrubs to prevent shifting or toppling while the tree and/or shrub root systems are first developing. The device includes a horizontal cross member, and a couple of prongs perpendicularly depending from the horizontal cross member. An outer prong is attached to one end of the cross member, and a shorter inner prong is attached to the other end of the cross member in one configuration. At the time of planting, after the root ball of the tree is set into an appropriate hole, and the tree is in proper position, the prongs of the device are driven into the ground such that the outer prong is retained in the firm portion of the soil, and the inner prong engages the root ball. The outer prong is of a sufficient length to be held securely in the soil, and the shorter prong is arranged both in position and sized in length to engage the root ball securely.

Abstract: A tree trunk restraint collar for supporting young or transplanted trees or restraining established trees to a desired position. The preferred round collar is flexible and split at one place so that it may be twisted apart to be installed around the trunk. Thus placed, it is allowed to reform to its natural, circular shape. Some form of cord or wire is then looped through collar eyelets and around the outside middle of the collar, to secure the collar within its closed and circular condition at the one end of the cord and to secure the collar to support posts at the other end. The ring fits loosely around the trunk to allow growth and flow of natural fluids within the trunk. At the same time the ring guides and restrains the tree when forces such as wind, gravity, or the attraction of sunlight are exerted upon it. The device is economical to make and install and is effective in its function.

Abstract: An anchor comprising a curved picket is provided. The picket has a first end and a second end and an attachment element, for receiving a trainer, positioned proximate to the first end of the picket. The second end of the curved picket is penetrable into a surface of a soil or other penetrable substance, in a manner that anchors the picket. The picket penetrates the root system of the plant. The root system provides additional anchoring support for the picket and the attached trainer. A trainer is attached near the first end of the picket and a plant is trained to grow along the trainer. The anchor is a simple and inexpensive device that firmly anchors a trainer near the ground while preventing the trainer from directly contacting the ground. The anchor is more resistant to winds and erosion when compared to conventional anchors. The tension on the trainer is adjustable after the anchor is set into the soil.

Abstract: A collapsible, reusable plastic planter box for trees, plants and shrubs. The planter box comprises four interlocking side panels, stabilizer receptacles on the outside surface of the side panels, and a removable bottom panel.

Abstract: A staking assembly designed to support a tree in a substantially upright position and being specifically structured to allow operative installation or mounting of the assembly about a tree trunk by a single worker wherein the assembly comprises a plurality of support members movably positionable at spaced apart locations from one another about the circumference of a tree trunk along a length of an attachment assembly, and further including a plurality of brace members at least equal in number to the number of support members wherein each brace member includes a distal end engaging the ground substantially adjacent the tree trunk and a proximal end disposed in abutting, force exerting engagement with an outer surface of one of the plurality of support members so as to exert a supportive, bracing force on the tree trunk.

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: 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 tree stand system for supporting the trunk of a previously cut a tree in an upright position, and for removal therefrom. The tree stand system has a ground-engaging base, a jaw assembly for supporting the tree trunk, a rod passing through guide supports and attached to the jaw assembly and at least two spring-biased locks on said rod. The spring-biased locks are adapted for movement of the rod and jaw assembly to retain a tree, to retain the rod in a selected position and further to permit release of the rod to effect removal of the tree trunk from the tree stand system. The tree stand system is particularly useful for display of Christmas trees outdoors.

Abstract: A stand-off device for yieldingly supporting a tree to a tree support stake has an elongated body and an elastomeric cord which extends through the body and which has a tie end extending from the body's distal end so that can be tied to the trunk of a tree either directly, or by means of an intermediate tree tie. By attaching the stand-off device to a tree support stake, a tree can be held upright at the end of the device win a windless condition, yet being allowed to sway in the wind so that the growth and health of the tree will be stimulated.

Abstract: A support collar for a growing tree or plant including two arcuate plastic halves integrally hinged on a first longitudinal side and snap lock elements on the second longitudinal sides. The collar halves have an inwardly projecting support shelf for holding a foam liner in place. The liner is cylindrical in shape with a longitudinal opening to allow placement around a tree trunk. Loops for fastening grip ropes to the collar halves are provided.

Abstract: A tree stake stabilizer for maintaining rigid and parallel a pair of commercial tree stakes includes a pair of stake-grasping tubular collars interconnected by an adjustable length bar that is arcuate to form a horizontal offset to clear a growing tree.

Abstract: A tree staking system, parts therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the stake comprising a piece of material having an upper end adapted to be operatively associated with an end of a support rope that is to be interconnected to the tree that is planted in the ground, the piece of material having a lower end adapted to be driven into the ground in spaced relation to the tree by hammering or the like on the upper end thereof, the stake having a pair of opposed sides and a centerline extending between the upper end and the lower end thereof, the stake having a substantially straight hole therein and leading from the upper end at an angle to the centerline, the hole having an upper end that interrupts the upper end adjacent one of the opposed sides thereof whereby the hole is adapted to receive a substantially straight shank portion of an anchor pin through the upper end thereof until an attaching end of the pin for the end of the rope abuts the upper end of the stake adjacent the upper end of the

Abstract: Device to hold a newly planted tree. Elongated flexible band is wrapped around the first of a pair of stakes and extends to and is wrapped around the tree trunk and then extends to and is wrapped around the second of the pair of stakes. Rings at each of the stakes and at the trunk permit the wound-around condition and a hook and loop self-gripping fastener secures the band of the second stake.

Abstract: A holding device for holding a Christmas tree and the like in an upright position which includes a ring-like member disposed in a horizontal plane. The ring-like member has fingers which extend inwardly thereof in the horizontal plane. The fingers are spaced around an edge of the ring-like member, and each of the fingers has a width which is less than the length between adjacent fingers along the edge of the ring-like members.

Abstract: A fixed length tree spreading device comprising a shaft provided with engagement members at each of its ends, wherein the shaft comprises an elongate member of thin sheet strip having an L-cross section in which each limb of the L-cross section is approximately the same length and wherein the included angle is from about 90.degree. to about 110.degree., and wherein the engagement members comprises two tabs, one on each limb of the (tree) L-cross section each at substantially 90.degree. to each limb of the L-cross section together with a short protruding spike member there between substantially in line with the angle of the shaft.

Abstract: A tree shelter 10 comprises a twin-walled tubular extrusion of UV-degradable polypropylene formed with an out-turned lip or flange 28 at its upper end and a longitudinal V-section channel receiving a stake 26 which is securable therein by two ratchet-locking cable ties 32.

Abstract: A method for positioning and supporting a tree having a tree stem and a rootball is disclosed wherein a hole is formed in a ground surface. Anchors are positioned within the hole. Block fragments are positioned around the tree stem. A securing member is disposed around the block fragments and the tree stem for securing the block fragments to the tree stem. The rootball is positioned within the hole. A tension member is connected to the securing member and the anchors. A tightening member is connected to the tension member for adjusting the tension of the tension member for retaining and tree within the hole. Thereafter, the rootball positioned within the hole is buried.

Abstract: A tree support strap is described which is made of a climatologically degradeable material so that it will deteriorate and fall away from the tree after an initial period of support lasting a predetermined period of time. The support strap attaches to conventional stays or guy wires but does not require these wires to actually contact the trunk of the tree.

Abstract: The invention concerns a trunk holding ring 1. A trunk holding ring 1 of such a kind serves for the support of young trees, which extend through the region 3. The trunk holding ring 1 is made fast by means of adjustable stake holders 21 to tree stakes, not shown.For the support of the tree, support spokes 2 are provided, the ends of which are adjustable relative to the axis 3a of the ring. Owing to this capacity for adjustment, an adaptation of the support of the young tree to the tree's growth can take place in very simple manner.

Abstract: A tree stand, as for Christmas trees and the like, having in its preferred form a circular base with three legs extending upward in tripod form to an apex where a clamping mechanism is located. A ball is securely held between a clamp base located atop one leg, termed the socket leg, and a clamp top; the clamp top being located at the upper end of a clamp arm, an elongated member which pivots on the socket leg and whose lower end is spring biased away from the socket leg, thus forcing the clamp top upon the ball. The clamp, and thus the ball, is temporarily released by foot pressure on the lower end of the clamp arm, allowing alignment of the tree. The ball, with an attached tapered mating groove housing, is removably connected to a tree bracket having a tapered plate attached thereto. The tree bracket itself is laterally curved with protruding spikes formed on its inner surface, and is strapped to the side of the trunk to hold the tree securely. The tree stand may be reduced in size for storage.

Abstract: Apparatus for a planter, and particularly one suitable for use in planting trees, shrubs or other woody perennials, is described. Specifically, this apparatus comprises a supporting member, having two ends and being longer than a maximum distance across the top of the planting hole, which lies on the ground and straddles the top of the planting hole; a holding device for securing the plant to the supporting member at a position intermediate these two ends, and earth anchors for securing the supporting member to the ground on at least one side of the planting hole to prevent the planter from rotating over the hole. Furthermore, the supporting member may comprise a center section and a number of coaxially aligned telescoping sections, each of which can be placed in one of a number of different positions in order to easily increase or decrease the length of the planter. This allows the planter to be used with a wide variety of differently sized planting holes.

Abstract: A tree branch spreader is used for structural training and orienting the position of growing branches to shape the tree for its intended purpose, such as maximizing the fruit yield for orchardists. The branch spreader is preferably trapezoidal in shape and comprises an elongated spacer portion and opposite ends, each of which further comprising a plurality of intercommunicating notches within which the branches are protectively and removably secured during growth. In the preferred embodiment, smaller primary notches at each end of the spreader are longitudinally positioned at an interiormost location along the spreader, opening into and communicating with a larger secondary notch which in turn opens to communicate with a largest tertiary notch at the exteriormost location of the opposite ends of the spreader. The primary notches each comprise a transversely positioned resting surface and oppositely spaced apart sidewalls displaced perpendiculary therefrom.

Abstract: A stand for holding a tree or pole provided with a plurality of loop springs adapted automatically to accommodate tree trunks or poles of various diameters. The stand includes a plurality of stepped ribs below the springs, to secure a tree trunk or pole of a plurality of diameters, the springs and ribs together acting to hold a tree or pole in a secure, vertical position. Secondary, optional securement means are also provided by way of pivoting cams, in the event that the tree being supported is unusually heavy or large. The stand is effectively self-adjusting, to accommodate tree trunks and poles of a wide diameter range. The stand further incorporates a unitary water reservoir of commodious capacity.

Abstract: A support apparatus for supporting a cantilevered beam from a T-shaped post. A bracket having a cross-shaped aperture therein composed of a pair of spaced horizontal plates joined along one edge by vertical center plates is attached to an end of the cantilevered beam for sliding registry with the post. A bolt is threaded through a hole in the center plate to bear against the post, and an alternate method utilizes two bolts. The first embodiment disclosed uses a first collar portion attached to a free end of the beam and a second collar portion to form a cylindrical collar for a plant support. The second embodiment utilizes a flat plate on the cantilevered beam for supporting a mailbox or the like. A third embodiment has a pair of hooks attached to the cantilevered beam for hanging support of a sign.

Abstract: Two elongated tubes (11) (13) have respective diameters such that one tube (13) can nest inside the other tube (11). The two tubes (11) (13) are long enough that when the inner tube (13) is extended from its nested position, the overall length of the two tubes (11) (13) is in a range suitable for supporting or spreading tree branches. The interior surface (26) of the outer tube (11) has thereon a first plurality of raised portions which mate with a second plurality of raised portions on the exterior surface (28) of the inner tube (13) such that when the two tubes (11) (13) are in one rotational relationship, relative longitudinal movement of the two tubes (11) (13) is permitted, while when the two tubes (11) (13) are in another rotational relationship, relative longitudinal movement of the two tubes (11) (13) which would tend to shorten the prop is prevented.

Abstract: An Expandable Tree Support Collar to aid young transplanted tress or other unstable plantings to remain upright until a sufficient root structure develops. Assembled unit consists of an expandable one and one quarter turn coil to which supporting wires are attached. The device is slipped over the trunk of a tree and the supporting wires affixed to ground attachment points. The design simplifies and speeds tree supporting and eliminates the possibility of trunk constriction possible with other tree support methods.

Abstract: A tree nursery clip cooperates with a stake to hold a tree in a desired position. The clip has a pair of openings through which a stake is inserted and a pair of bendable arms. The shape of the openings and the cross section of the stake is non-circular so that a plurality of clips can be non-rotatably positioned along the stake. The tree is pulled alongside the stake, and the arms of each clip are bent around the tree to hold the tree adjacent the stake at a plurality of points along the length of the tree.

Abstract: An adjustable tie-down for newly planted trees and other similar purposes includes a ground inserted stake and a hollow braided flexible line or rope for attachment between a tree and the stake. The line has a loop formed on one end for engagement with the stake and a loop at the other end for positioning around the crotch area or juncture of a tree trunk and limb and an intermediate portion that is longitudinally adjustable in a unique manner which enables the adjustment to be accomplished after the tie-down has been assembled with respect to the stake and tree. The longitudinal adjustment is obtained by doubling the end portion of the tie-down to define the loop with a portion of the doubled line passing interiorly of and longitudinally of the hollow braided line and with portions of the doubled line being provided with spaced plastic sleeves which serve as keepers to secure the line in an adjusted relationship, but enabling easy and quick longitudinal adjustment thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tree to ground stakes is described and comprises an elongated flat flexible member having opposite ends which are adapted to be positioned adjacent each other when the flexible member is extended around a portion of the tree. The opposite ends of the flexible member have openings formed therein adapted to receive a supporting wire extending therefrom to a ground stake. At least a pair of connector members are selectively slidably mounted on the flexible member and are adapted to have one end of a supporting wire secured thereto extending from a ground stake.

Abstract: A collapsible plant support is provided having a plurality of elongated wire-rod legs which are rigidly secured together at one end. Several helically-wound wire springs of normally elongated configuration are also provided with each spring having the opposite ends adapted to be interconnected and thus form circular rings. These rings are positioned at vertically spaced elevations on the legs which are relatively divergent from their connected ends when the plant support is positioned upright on the ground. Each of the elongated legs is formed with longitudinally spaced notches into which the circularly configured wire springs are positioned and supported on the divergent legs having their free end portions inserted into the ground. Collapsing of the plant support for storage is readily accomplished by first pulling the legs from the ground thereby releasing the rings. The rings are then disconnected at their ends whereupon they again assume the relaxed, elongated configuration.