GB2290446A - Tree restraint - Google Patents

Abstract

A tree restraint comprises a restraining loop 1 wound in a helical form which is expandable to facilitate entry of the tree within the loop 1. The restraint may be provided with a cushioned lining by means of a soft material. Each end of the loop may include integral supporting arms 4 which, when stapled to a stake 2, provide stability in both vertical and horizontal planes. <IMAGE>

Description

TREE RESTRAINT This invention relates to a tree restraint.

The trans- planting of young trees in parklands and landscaping schemes usually requires a supporting stake. This undertaking is therefore labour intensive and costly.

The traditional method of securing a tree to a stake by a flexible, "tie" has the following disadvantages: The tie is bound firmly about the tree and then secured to the stake.

Owing to the close proximity of the stake to the tree, the root ball of container grown trees can be damaged.

This rigid fixing can also cause damage to the tree bark and inhibit the natural growth of the tree. To help reduce such damage from occurring, frequent readjustment of the tie is required which adds further to maintenance costs.

According to the present invention, there is provided a tree restraint which approaches the problem in a practical way. A circular loop of rigid material coiled in helical form encircles the tree, restraining it in position whilst allowing the tree a degree of free movement. Such movement is known to stimulate root growth.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 shows the circular helical loop which encompasses the tree; Figure 2 shows three views of the invention namely, 1) An elevation showing the tree restraint secured to a supporting post.

2) A perspective view on arrow 'A' of the above mentioned elevation.

3) A perspective view on arrow 'B' of the above mentioned elevation.

Referring to the drawing Fig 1, the tree restraint is a circular loop with integral supporting arms 4 at each end, according to the shape shown.

The single coil is wound in a helical form. This plays a part in preventing ring barking. The pitch of the helix provides a gap as shown.

To facilitate the entry of a new tree within the circular loop, the gap can be temporarily extended by pulling along the axis of the helix.

When the circular loop is installed about the tree, the gap may be reduced by hand pressure.

The circular loop is provided with a soft lining by means of a covering tube 1.

The method of securing to the supporting stake 2 is shown in figure 2.

Because of the loads imposed by high winds in alternating directions and since the restraint has extended supporting arms 4, the terminations are shaped to give stability in both the horizontal and the vertical planes when secured by staples 3 to supporting stake 2.

Once fitted, the tree restraint is maintenance free and requires no attention other than removal at the end of the tree establishment period.

Claims (5)

1. A tree restraint manufactured from a single length of rigid material. Its main feature is its central restraining loop. This is a single circular coil wound in helical form, to prevent ring barking.

The gap provided by the pitch of the helix can be temporarily extended to facilitate entry of the tree within the loop.

2. A tree restraint as claimed in 1 provided with a cushioned lining by means of a tube of soft material.

3. A tree restraint as claimed in 1 and 2 with integral supporting arms of sufficient length, such that the supporting stake is distanced from the centre of the loop.

4. A tree restraint as claimed in 1, 2 and 3 where the shape and disposition of the supporting arms enable a secure attachment to be made to the supporting stake, in both horizontal and vertical planes.

5. A tree restraint substantially as described herein with reference to figs 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings.