GB2258797A

GB2258797A - Sapling protectors.

Info

Publication number: GB2258797A
Application number: GB9211302A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pamela Anne Trill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-06-12
Filing date: 1992-05-28
Publication date: 1993-02-24
Anticipated expiration: 2012-05-28
Also published as: GB9211302D0; GB2258797B

Abstract

A sapling protector comprises a frusto-pyramidal structure which fits over a sapling and is formed of a biodegradable material, such as recycled paper pulp. Rows of elliptical apertures 14 are formed in the side walls 11, 12 of the pyramid which is fixed in position by stakes 16 which pass through loops at the corners of the base of the pyramid. <IMAGE>

Description

SAPLING PROTECTORS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to sapling protectors and to the protection of saplings during their early stages of growth.

Sapling protectors or tree shelters are well-known accessories used in forestry and tree culture. Various forms are known, ranging from the traditional wrought iron and wood 'coronet' designs to the translucent plastic tubes secured by a single stake which are now in use in many woodland and moorland areas.

The function of the sapling protectors or tree shelters is to protect the saplings from wind damage and predation, and to provide an enhanced growing environment. However, when used in areas of extreme weather conditions, the plastic tube type of tree shelter has been shown to have a poor record of success.

They are also only partially biodegradable so that a substantial amount of litter is produced. As a result of the upright design of the plastic tubes, large animals tend to use them as scratching posts and, in the process, can easily knock over both the plastic tubes and the trees. In addition, because the presence of the tubes attracts small insects, small birds are also attracted and they can get trapped at the bases of the tubes and killed.

It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved form of sapling protector. It is to be appreciated that the term 'sapling protector' as used herein is to be interpreted as being synonymous with the term 'tree shelter'.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved method of protecting a sapling during its early growth stages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sapling protector comprising a walled structure formed of a biodegradable material, which walled structure has an open base so that it can be fitted over a sapling and is of tapered form such that the cross-sectional area increases in a downward direction, and the wall or walls of the structure being apertured so that air, light and water can reach a protected sapling.

The preferred form of the walled structure -is a threesided pyramid. The pyramid may be a complete pyramid but it is preferred that the apex of the pyramid should not be present so as to provide a centre point for the entry of light into the interior of the structure and to encourage upward growth. The term 'pyramid' as used herein is thus to be interpreted as including a frusto-pyramidal structure.

Although, as mentioned above, a three-sided pyramid is the preferred form for the sapling protector, other geometrical configurations are possible. In particular, the sapling protector may be of frusto-conical form, i.e. the walled structure has a single frusto-conical wall as opposed to a plurality of relatively inclined walls.

The apertures formed in the wall or walls of the structure are preferably of elliptical configuration. The ellipses formed in the part of the structure adjacent the top thereof may be larger than those formed lower down in the structure. This arrangement will provide improved light adjacent the top of the structure and will also facilitate the biological decomposition of the upper part of the structure, i.e. in use, the sapling protector will tend to decompose from the top downwardly.

The apertures may extend for the full height of the protector. It is preferred however that the apertures should be formed only in about the upper two thirds of the structure.

This provides increased strength and wind protection adjacent the base of the structure.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of protecting a sapling which comprises placing a sapling protector in position over the sapling, said sapling protector comprising a walled structure formed of a biodegradable material and having an open base, said structure being of tapered form such that its crosssectional area increases downwardly towards said open base, and the wall or walls of the structure being apertured so that air, light and water can reach a protected sapling, and staking the protector in position over the sapling.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side view of a sapling protector, Figure 2 is a plan view of the sapling protector, and Figures 3, 4 and 5 are views showing the protector in use, at different stages in the life of a sapling.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The sapling protector 10 shown in the drawings is in the form of a three-sided frusto-pyramid. It has three sides 11, 12 and 13 of identical size and shape and each formed with horizontal rows of elliptical apertures 14. The major axes of the ellipses extend vertically and, as shown in the drawings, the sizes of the elliptical apertures 14 in the uppermost row are greater than those in the next row, and so on. The horizontal rows of apertures 14 do not extend for the full height of the protector 10 but are confined to about the upper two thirds of the height of the protector 10.

The protector 10 is formed of recycled paper pulp and is thus totally biodegradable. The paper pulp may, if desired, include plant nutrients and trace elements. It is provided at its corners with loops 15 which receive stakes 16 whereby the protector can be fixed in position over a sapling 17, as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5.

The pyramidal protector 10 may be produced as a single moulding of the configuration illustrated. Alternatively, it may be formed of three flat sheets hingedly connected together and then folded to the configuration shown in which they are secured together by means of a suitable adhesive. Although the three-sided pyramidal form shown in the drawings is the preferred configuration, other geometrical configurations are possible, as explained above.

The height of the protector 10 will be slightly greater than that of the sapling 17 over which it is to be fitted and a range of sizes of protectors may thus be provided. The protector 10 will be placed in position as shown in Figure 3 and fixed in that position by means of the stakes 16 which pass through the loops 15. The open top 18 of the pyramid will provide a centre light encouraging upward growth of the sapling 17 and the rows of apertures 14 will provide further light, will allow free circulation of air around the upper portion of the sapling 17 and will allow the rain to enter the interior of the structure.

In time, as the sapling grows, the pulp from which the pyramidal wall is formed will decompose and, because of the greater size of the apertures 14 in the higher rows, the rate of decomposition will be greatest near the top of the protector 10 . The progressive decay of the protector 10 will be appreciated from a consideration of Figures 3 to 5.

The solid form of the lower parts of the sides 11, 12 and 13 of the protector 10 provides increased strength adjacent the base of the protector. It also provides additional wind protection for the roots and lowermost parts of the sapling 17.

The protector 10 can be used in conjunction with a triangular weed mat (not shown) which fits around the stem of the sapling and rests on the ground within the confines of the base of the protector 10. The weed mat is formed with a slit and is made of a flexible, weed-impervious material so that it can readily be fitted in position and will prevent the young sapling from being "choked" by fast-growing weeds.

Claims

Claims:

1. A sapling protector comprising a walled structure formed of a biodegradable material, which walled structure has an open base so that it can be fitted over a sapling and is of tapered form such that the cross-sectional area increases in a downward direction, and the wall or walls of the structure being apertured so that air, light and water can reach a protected sapling.

2. A sapling protector as claimed in Claim 1, in which the walled structure is a pyramid.

3. A sapling protector as claimed in Claim 2, in which the pyramid is a three-sided pyramid.

4. A sapling protector as claimed in Claim 1, in which the walled structure is of frusto-pyramidal configuration.

5. A sapling protector as claimed in Claim 1, in which the walled structure is of frusto-conical configuration.

6. A sapling protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the apertures are of elliptical configuration.

7. A sapling protector as claimed in Claim 6, in which the apertures are arranged in horizontal rows.

8. A sapling protector as claimed in Claim 7, in which the ellipses formed in the upper rows are larger than those in the lower rows.

9. A sapling protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in which the apertures are formed only in about the upper two thirds of the height of the structure.

10. A sapling protector as claimed in Claim 2, in which loops are provided at the corners of the base of the pyramid to receive stakes for fixing the protector in position over a sapling.

11. A sapling protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, which is formed of recycled paper pulp.

12. A sapling protector substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

13. The combination of a sapling protector as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and a weed mat which fits within the base of the sapling protector.

14. A method of protecting a sapling which includes the use of a sapling protector as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 12.

15. A method of protecting a sapling which comprises placing a sapling protector in position over the sapling, said sapling protector comprising a walled structure formed of a biodegradable material and having an open base, said structure being of tapered form such that its cross-sectional area increases downwardly towards said open base, and the wall or walls of the structure being apertured so that air, light and water can reach a protected sapling, and staking the protector in position over the sapling.

16. A method as claimed in Claim 15, and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.