GB2609403A

GB2609403A - Artificial tree

Info

Publication number: GB2609403A
Application number: GB2110830.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hobbs Kevin
Original assignee: Flora Fanatica
Current assignee: Flora Fanatica
Priority date: 2021-07-28
Filing date: 2021-07-28
Publication date: 2023-02-08
Also published as: GB202110830D0

Abstract

A piece of street furniture in the form of an artificial tree, comprising a base portion 20 for receiving growing media and the roots of climbing plants; a post 10 extending from or through the base portion, and an apertured enclosure (116, figure 2B) extending around the post, where a region between the post and the enclosure forms a climbing space for the creeping plants, and the apertures in the enclosure allow the vines to grow from the inside to the outside 14. Preferably the base is located below ground level and comprises a plurality of chambers (124, figure 2D) for soil or other growth media and roots. The apparatus might comprise solar panel 30 and/or electrical connection in order to provide lighting 40, charging of electric vehicles 13. The base (figure 4) may form ballast 406 with apertures 410 through which roots can extend; rainwater may be collected at the top (510 figure 5) and directed down the post into a reservoir 407. By providing a trellis for climbing plants the artificial tree can provide greenery so as to mitigate pollution, heat issues and improve wellbeing without the challenges of growing trees, dealing with roots, etc.

Description

Artificial Tree

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an artificial tree. Background In urban locations trees have traditionally been used to absorb pollution. However, real trees require regular maintenance and often grown so large that their root systems disrupt pavements, walls and amenities, eventually requiring expensive and disruptive replacement.

Embodiments of the present invention seek to provide a manufactured artificial tree that supports live plants delivering at least some, and preferably most, of the environmental benefits of a natural tree, with fewer disadvantages, while offering additional technological features not associated with trees.

Summary of the Invention

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an artificial tree, comprising a base portion for receiving growing media and roots of climbing plants; a post, extending into, through, or from, or mounted over the base portion; and an apertured enclosure, extending around the post, wherein a region between the post and the apertured enclosure defines a climbing space for the climbing plants, and wherein apertures in the enclosure permit the climbing plants to grow through the apertured enclosure from the inside to the outside thereof.

The present technique uses climbing plants to provide pollution mitigation as well as many other environmental and social benefits which include flood mitigation, urban heat island mitigation, reducing sound pollution, increasing biodiversity, reducing vandalism and increasing mental and physical wellbeing locally, whilst being simpler to maintain than trees, since the plant will be contained in an apertured enclosure such as a mesh. As a result, pruning will simply require trimming, with normal commercial tools, of the surplus foliage growing outside the mesh.

The base may be fully, substantially or partly disposed below ground level. Preferably, the base portion of the artificial tree is at least partially embedded in the ground, with the plant roots thus growing downwardly and/or outwardly below the ground level. In other words, the base portion is able to effectively control where the roots grow. As a result, the roots do not disrupt any pavement, amenities and other structures at street level or above.

An artificial tree as described herein brings cost savings as well as substantially reduced liabilities in the form of health and safety from tree limb fall, trip hazards from surface tree roots, excessive, slippery leaves from deciduous trees and any fruit they may produce. Costs are reduced because no tree surgery required and no repairs to pavements and amenities are necessary, along with minimal incidence of drain blockage from fallen leaves.

In one simple implementation, the base portion comprises a ballast part (for example a concrete block) into which or to which the post is mounted, the ballast part being disposed in use below ground level, and growing medium for the climbing plants, the growing medium being disposed in use on top of the ballast part and having the climbing plants planted therein. In this embodiment, the concrete block can be buried deeply enough that there is sufficient depth of growing medium above the concrete block and below ground level. It will be understood that other materials could be used instead of a concrete block, such as a metal structure, or even certain types of wood.

In another implementation, the base comprises a plurality of chambers disposed around a central portion of the base, each chamber for receiving growing media and roots of climbing plants, wherein the post extends into or through, or is mounted over the central portion of the base. In certain implementations the post and the base are a single, unitary structure, for example with the central portion of the base being a continuation of the post.

The apertured enclosure may be substantially cylindrical, although other cross sectional shapes, such as a square, pentagon, hexagon or octagon are clearly viable. The cross sectional diameter of the apertured enclosure may be constant, or may taper (for example growing narrower with increasing height), or may even undulate.

A non-apertured enclosure may be provided below the apertured enclosure, the nonapertured enclosure extending around the post, from proximate ground level, to a first height. Alternatively, the apertured enclosure may start at or proximate ground level, with no non-apertured enclosure being provided.

The non-apertured enclosure may have approximately the same cross sectional area and shape as the apertured enclosure, or may be tapered or have a different cross-sectional shape than the apertured enclosure.

The apertured enclosure preferably extends upwardly from the first height, or from proximate the first height.

While the artificial tree may simply provide an environmental function, preferably a light fitting is mounted to the post. In this way, it is possible to combine the benefits of trees with street and other public place lighting. Beneficially, separate installations for trees and lamp posts are then not required. The concept is also designed to offer the ability to add electric charging points for use particularly, but not exclusively, in urban locations. The charging points can be for small (portable) electronic devices such as computers, tablets or smart phones, but could also be for electric vehicles. It will be appreciated that other functional additions may be provided, either instead of or additional to those indicated above, such as signage, telephone signal boosters and wind turbines.

In all these cases, the artificial tree combines plant physiology, with lighting technology and/or other technical features, in order to mitigate pollution into a single multi-purpose street furniture unit. In particular, many streets in cities have lighting columns (lamp posts) to provide lighting, and trees (to absorb pollution) and the presently proposed artificial tree enables these to be combined into a single efficient unit. Local councils and other municipal bodies in the UK will need to put charging points onto streets by 2035. It is unlikely that from a health and safety point of view that householders will be able to charge [Vs using cables connecting to power sockets in their house using trailing cables across the pavements. The artificial tree described herein enables the combination of these three items into a single unit.

The apertured enclosure may extend up to a second height, and the light fitting may be mounted to the post at or above the second height.

In order to support the lighting function, an electric power cable, for connection to a power supply, may extend from the vicinity of the light fitting to an exit point from the artificial tree, proximate or beneath ground level. Preferably, the post is hollow, having a through bore, and the electric power cable passes though the bore of the post. Alternatively, the electric power cable may pass between the exterior of the post and the interior of the mesh, for example attached to the post (by clips). A channel or groove may be provided in the post for receiving the electric power cable. Alternatively, trunking may be provided (for example fixed to the post) to receive the electric power cable.

A central portion of the base may comprise a bore or chamber, into which a lower portion of the post is received to mount the post to the base.

Each co-axial chamber may be provided with a membrane for retaining the growing medium but permitting roots of the plants to grow through the membrane into the ground beneath the base. A single membrane sheet may be provided to cover the end of all co-axial chambers, thereby providing a membrane for each chamber. Alternatively, separate membrane sheets, or membrane sleeves or pouches, may be provided for each co-axial chamber. In some implementations these may be provided with growing medium and plants in them before introduction into the coaxial chambers, and simply dropped into the coaxial chambers. It will be understood that this would provide a straightforward way to replace the growing plants when required (that is, remove the existing growing medium and plants, and insert the replacement growing medium and plants).

The artificial tree may comprise a solar panel mounted at or proximate a top of the post, and a battery electrically connected to the solar panel, which is charged by the solar panel when light is incident on the solar panel.

The artificial tree may comprise a rainfall capture and delivery system for capturing rainfall incident on the artificial tree and delivering it to the roots of the climbing plants. The rainfall capture and delivery system may for example comprise a funnel disposed at or towards the top of the artificial tree for capturing rainfall and an irrigation reservoir, disposed at or proximate the base, for receiving and for collecting the captured rainwater and delivering it to one or more of the chambers in the base of the chambers in the base. Alternatively (or additionally), the ground surface (for example the pavement) in the vicinity of the artificial tree may be shaped (slightly concave) to divert rainfall at ground level down towards the artificial tree and down into the base.

The reservoir may be disposed beneath the portion of the base retaining the growing media and roots. The rainfall capture and delivery system may direct captured rainwater down a bore of the post. A perforated aeration screen may be provided, separating the reservoir from the portion of the base retaining the growing media and roots.

The artificial tree may comprise a formation for inhibiting plant growth above a predetermined vertical position of the post.

The chambers of the base may be vertically disposed tubes. The vertically disposed tubes may comprise apertures in the (outwardly facing) side walls thereof, to permit growth of roots horizontally through into soil surrounding the base. Where a concrete structure surrounds the base, the concrete structure itself may be provided with openings through which roots can grow to reach the soil surrounding the concrete structure. The openings in the concrete structure might for example line up with the openings in the concrete.

Embodiments of the present technique comprise a specially designed below ground structure which allows electric cable to enter the artificial tree through a circular central tube, whilst the plants are inserted through a number of coaxial circular tubes disposed around the central tube. A reservoir and irrigation system sustain the climbing plants in healthy growth. The above-ground structure can be a street lighting column (with or without charging point(s)) or some other shorter frame structure. The design allows the plants to grow from the ground through the below ground-level tubes and around the lighting structure. A funnel structure at or towards the top of the artificial tree enables rainfall capture to supplement irrigation water that can, where necessary, be pumped into the built-in reservoir manually. Climbing plants are used to form tree-like growth having been selected to grow in the local environment and provide a desired appearance. One of the strengths of the artificial tree described herein is that it enables a wide range of above-ground foliage and lighting requirements to be met, according to need.

Historically, the requirements to provide pollution mitigation, and other benefits, in urban areas have been met by trees, which are relatively expensive to install and maintain, incurring more public liability, for example injury due to a tree limb fall. In parallel, the requirement for street or other amenity lighting has been met by separate street/amenity lights. The artificial tree proposed herein enables these two requirements to be met in a single fixture (having a single ground level footprint), with the further benefit of charging points, either for electric vehicles (hybrid or fully electric) or portable electronic devices such as smartphones.

The proposed artificial tree has a variety of benefits compared with existing solutions. Firstly, selected climbing plants do not cause disruption to above-ground fixtures (for example pavements, walls and any other street furniture). Suitable examples of such climbing plants include Hedera hebernica Evergreen, Trachelospermum jasminoides Evergreen, and Parthenocissus tricuspidata Deciduous. Secondly, by combining plants and lights, less space in the pavement is required to accommodate the same pollution mitigation and illumination. Thirdly, maintenance is simpler and requires less (or no) specialist equipment compared with trees.

Generally, within this document, the term "column" is used to refer to the aboveground portion of the artificial tree, including at least the central post and the mesh structure which surrounds it. It may also be considered to include any other above ground structures such as rainfall collecting parts, solar panels and light fixtures. Alternatively, these may be considered to be separate elements attached to (either the post or mesh) of the column. The term "base" is used to refer to the below-ground portion of the artificial tree.

From the above, and as exemplified below, it will be understood that a manufactured, tree like structure is proposed that supports living, growing, climbing plants that provide foliage and active growth with many of the benefits of a tree in a manageable, cost effective way.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings where like parts are provided with corresponding reference numerals and in which: Figure 1 schematically illustrates an external view of an artificial tree; Figures 2A to 20 schematically illustrate one embodiment of an artificial tree; and Figures 3A to 3C schematically illustrate a post and electrical parts of an artificial tree according to embodiments; Figure 4 schematically illustrates a base (below ground structure) of an artificial tree according to one embodiment; Figure 5 schematically illustrates a rainfall harvesting and illumination structure according to one embodiment; Figure 6 schematically illustrates an artificial tree according to another embodiment.

Detailed Description

Referring to Figure 1, an external view of the above-ground parts of an artificial tree 1 is provided. The artificial tree 1 can be seen to comprise a column 10 extending upwardly from a foot 20 (which covers an underlying base, not visible in Figure 1, hidden below ground level) at ground level. A lower portion of the column 10, for example the first 42 inches from the base 20, has a continuous (non-perforated) surround/cover 12 which may be of stainless steel, and which protects the artificial tree 1 (and the plant life within) from the corrosive effect of dog urine, as well as from low level impacts. One or more electrical charging points 13, for example for an electric vehicle or for portable electronic devices such as smartphones, is mounted into the cover 12. In Figure 1 a single charging point 13 is shown, but it will be appreciated that any number of charging points may be provided. In other embodiments, no charging points may be provided. A battery (not shown in Figure 1) may be located within the lower portion of the column 10, above ground level and preferably proximate the charging points 13. Preferably the battery is located within the non-perforated cover 12, to achieve the degree of protection referred to above. An upper portion of the column 10 shows foliage 14. The foliage 14 grows through an underlying perforated cover, not visible in Figure 1. The foliage 14 takes the form of a generally cylindrical column of vegetation, providing pollution mitigation and the other benefits discussed above. Generally, the foliage 14 comes from climbing plants, the roots of which are disposed beneath ground level.

At the top of the column, a solar panel 30 is provided. This generates electrical power to charge the battery. Beneath the solar panel 30, a light fitting 40 is provided, in this case disposed on an arm which extends away from the column 10. This may be partly illuminated using electrical energy stored in the battery, but in general will be powered by mains electricity received via an electrical conduit which extends from the light fitting 40 down the column 10, below ground level to be connected to mains cabling. In this way, the artificial tree 1 is able to function as a tree (in terms of pollution mitigation and aesthetics), and a lamp post (by providing illumination from the light fitting 40), and a charging point. This is achieved with a single footprint, rather than separate footprints for trees, lamp posts and charging points, and permits easier maintenance and safety improvements relative to trees, as discussed above.

Above the foliage 14 there is provided a growth inhibiting formation, or "turnover" unit 15 which forces plants that grow up to it to turnover and face downwardly so that they will not interfere with and obstruct the light fitting 40. The growth inhibiting formation 15 therefore limits or inhibits the vertical extent of plant growth. The growth inhibiting formation 15 takes the form of a hollow frustroconical structure disposed around a post (to be described subsequently) forming the central support for the column 10. The frustroconical structure has an open (wide) end facing downwardly towards the foliage 14, and a closed (narrow) end facing upwardly. Foliage 14 is able to grow up into the open end of the frustroconical structure, but is inhibited from growing further by the closed end.

Referring to Figures 2A to 2D, one embodiment 100 of the artificial tree is shown. Figure 2A shows the base and a post 105 of the artificial tree 100 without a mesh outer. Figure 2B shows the artificial tree 100, with a mesh outer fully assembled and mounted onto the post 105, and the base concreted into the ground. Figure 2C shows a mesh panel separately. Multiple mesh panels may be used to construct the mesh structure which entirely surrounds the post 105 (circumferentially at least, although not necessarily over its full vertical extent). For example, one, two or three mesh panels as shown in Figure 2C may be required to extend fully around the circumference of the post 105, while several panels may be required to be installed one above the other to provide the full vertical extent of the mesh structure. Figure 2D shows the base of the artificial tree 100 in plan view. For simplicity, in Figure 2B the mesh is shown extending nearly to the ground level, without a non-perforated cover being present. This is an option, but generally a non-perforated cover is preferably installed, for the reasons given above, as shown in Figure 1.

Figures 2A to 20 focus on the structure of the base and main columnar body 110 of the artificial tree, and the (potentially optional) lighting element, growth inhibiting formation, solar panel unit and rainfall capture structure discussed elsewhere are not shown, but will be understood to be as per those shown in the other Figures. In this embodiment, a base unit 120 fits into the ground and contains a central circular tube 122 for receiving a hollow central post 105 which forms a central rigid support for the column 110. The post 105 and the tube 122 (with the bottom of the post 105 within it) carry electrical power to light(s) disposed on the post 105 (or more generally the column 110) and, in some examples, charging point(s) for portable electronic devices and/or electric vehicle charging points. It will be understood that the central hollow post 105 is received in the circular tube 122, and that cabling extends through the hollow centre of the post 105. However, as discussed elsewhere, the cabling could instead be provided elsewhere within the column 110.

As shown in Figure 2D, this central tube 122 is connected (for example welded or riveted along its length) to six coaxial tubes 124 into which plants/growth media and root systems are inserted during installation. It will be appreciated that the central tube 122 and coaxial tubes 124 may instead be co-formed/manufactured as a single part. In some implementations the coaxial tubes 124 may also be provided with a reservoir to receive water from an irrigation system. The plant roots may be installed in or onto a membrane which keeps growing media in place during installation, but which the plants will grow through as they become established. The plants will thus ultimately take root below the level of the base unit (and into the ground below) and/or to the side of the base unit. In addition, the coaxial tubes 124 provide greater stability (due to the wider base) when the artificial tree is installed into the ground.

The next stage up from the base 120 is a hollow, generally columnar, body 110. The columnar body 110 comprises a part of the hollow post 105 present above ground level (as visible in Figure 2A), and an apertured enclosure 116 which surrounds and is mounted to the post 105 (as visible in Figure 2B). Within the body 110, and preferably within the hollow post 105, electric power cable(s) extend from the central tube 122 of the base 120 to a lighting unit (not shown in Figures 2A to 2D, but as shown in other Figures) above or at the top of the columnar body 110. Similarly, a conduit (feed) between a rainfall capture funnel (also disposed above or at the top of the columnar body) to one or more irrigation reservoirs within or proximate one or more of the tubes 124 of the base is provided within the body 110, and preferably within the hollow post 105 The conduit may simply be the hollow interior of the post 105.

The apertured enclosure 116 takes the form of a stainless-steel vertical mesh which contains the plant foliage (except for the portion of plant foliage which grows through the perforations in the mesh) and which is attached to the central tube 105 from the base unit. As can be seen from Figure 2A a plurality of rods 107 are mounted onto or through the central tube 105 (perpendicular to the tube 105), and extend outwardly. The apertured enclosure 116 is attached to the rods, via any conventional means such as nuts and screw threading (the end portions of the rods 107 bearing screw threading which extends the through the mesh, for receiving a nut which sandwiches the mesh between the rod 107 and the nut), clips or the like. The apertured enclosure 116 may take the form of a plurality of panels, each as shown in Figure 2C. The panels may either be provided flat, and flexed into shape in situ at the time of attachment to the rods, or may be provided with a curved shape. By virtue of this construction, a climbing space between the exterior of the post 105 and the interior of the apertured enclosure 116 is provided with a number of rods 107 extending across it, in multiple directions. These rods may provide further anchor points for climbing plants to climb within the climbing space more effectively. In Figure 2B the vertical mesh extends from close to ground level, with little or no nonapertured enclosure being provided at a low level, in contrast to Figure 1. As discussed elsewhere, preferably a non-apertured enclosure is provided near the base, and the apertured enclosure (and the foliage) starts further up the column.

A wide range of plants can be used to provide the optimum pollution mitigation and visual appearance. The visual appearance in terms of shape size and colour can be specified in order to meet site specific needs. The environment within which the artificial tree is to be installed may dictate the type of plants which are suitable -for example dependent on local temperature, rainfall and humidity. The plants utilised with the artificial tree may be selected for various properties such as their pollution collection characteristics, survivability in various conditions, and how they can be used with a lighting column. It will be appreciated that the artificial tree does contain natural plants, but not trees. Instead, it builds the natural plants into an artificial framework to form a tree-like structure.

Referring to Figures 3A to 3C, certain electrical parts of the artificial tree are shown, as well as the non-perforated cover 12. In particular, Figure 3A shows a battery unit 310 as well as a charging unit (charge controller) 320 for connection to the charging point 13 shown in Figure 1. More specifically, Figure 3A shows example positioning of these components within the body of the artificial tree. Figure 3B shows the battery unit 310, with electrical terminals 312, permitting connection of the battery to a solar power source (to charge the battery), and to the charging unit 320. Figure 3C shows the charging unit 320, having terminals 322 for electrical connection to the solar power source, the battery unit 310 and the charging point 13 of Figure 1. The charging point may be powered either directly by the solar power source, or by the battery unit 310 (which in turn is charged by the solar power source).

Figure 4 shows a side view of the base 120 in greater detail. The base 120 can be seen to be mounted below ground level, and in particular to be disposed and concealed beneath paving slabs, tarmac or other surface 402. The post 105 extends vertically from the base 120 and through the surface 402. The foot 20, non-perforated cover 12 and mesh 116 are not shown in Figure 4, but during assembly will be mounted around and/or to the post 105 to form the column 10. As a result the base structure shown in Figure 4 will be substantially or entirely hidden in use. The central tube 122 and coaxial tubes 124 described above in relation to Figures 2A to 2D are visible in Figure 4. The post 105 can be seen to extend through the central tube 122. The base 120 is surrounded by concrete 406, which may be poured into a hole in the ground within which the base 120 is placed, or alternatively be provided as a pre-prepared concrete structure shaped to surround the base 120. This secures the base 120, and thus the post 105 mounted within (or to be mounted within), into a stable vertically upright position.

The central bore of the hollow post 105 defines a reservoir feed conduit 405 from a funnel (not shown in Figure 4, described elsewhere) down to a reservoir 407 defined beneath the coaxial tubes 124. The central tube 122 extends downwardly into the reservoir 407, in this embodiment, although this is not essential. It will thus be appreciated that the central tube 122 may be longer than the coaxial tubes 124. A perforated aeration screen 408 is provided above the reservoir 407, surrounding the central tube 122 and covering the ends of the coaxial tubes 124. This allows plant roots to access the water reserves hydroponically. Where the central tube 122 does not extend deeper than the coaxial tubes, the screen 408 may be provided over the end of all tubes.

An overflow outlet 409 prevents the water level within the reservoir 407 from getting too high, and in particular from reaching the level of the perforated aeration screen 408. The overflow outlet 409 diverts water from the reservoir 407 into the surrounding subsoil. Both the coaxial tubes 124 and the concrete 406 are provided with apertures permitting roots to exit the coaxial tubes 124, pass through the concrete and into the surrounding soil. In particular, the coaxial tubes 124 have apertures 125 facing generally outwardly (of the base), from the inside of each coaxial tube 124 to the outside through the side walls of the coaxial tube 124. The surrounding concrete 406 comprises holes, or passages 410, which extend from the exterior of the coaxial tube (and preferably from proximate the apertures 125) to an outside of the concrete 406. This allows roots to eventually reach the surrounding loose hard core or soil. The passages 410 may be preformed in the concrete/composite casting. The coaxial tubes 124 are filled with growing medium, such as fertilised soil. The growing medium within each of the coaxial tubes may contain the initial root system of a climbing plant. Over time the root system will grow through the walls of the coaxial tubes 124 (and potentially through the aeration screen 408 towards and into the reservoir), and into the soil/earth surrounding and/or beneath the base of the artificial tree.

Referring to Figure 5, an alternative top portion for the artificial tree is shown. This is an alternative to the top portion shown in Figures 1 and 2A. In Figure 5, the top portion comprises a funnel structure 510 for capturing rainfall to fill the reservoir 407. A mesh screen 540 is provided on the top of the funnel structure 510 to inhibit leaves and other debris from filling the funnel 510 and entering the conduit 405 (the top portion of which is shown in Figure 5, this being an extension of the bottom portion of the conduit 405 shown in Figure 4). An apex 530 of the column, being an uppermost point of the post 105, is pointed or spiked to deter birds landing on it.

Street lighting fixtures 520 are provided at the sides of the top portion to illuminate downwardly. Electrical cabling (not shown) from the light fixtures 520 to a power source (battery or mains power supply) may extend either down the exterior of the post 105, or through the internal bore bearing the conduit 405. In some implementations, a pipe may be provided within the internal bore of the post 105 to carry water, and electrical cabling may be provided alongside the pipe. This implementation would reduce the likelihood of water for irrigation coming into contact with exposed electrical parts.

It will be understood that the size of the funnel 510 can specified to meet the local rainfall levels. In this way, rainfall is collected and is then delivered to the reservoir at the base of the tree from which water is made available to the roots of the climbing plants.

Referring to Figure 6, another embodiment 200 of the artificial tree is shown. In this embodiment, a base 220 is disposed below ground level 202, and comprises a concrete block 222 (or similar) into which a first (bottom) end of a post 205 is set. The post 205 extends upwardly from the concrete block 222 to form a central upright of the artificial tree 200. Immediately above the concrete block 222 but still below ground level, a planting region 224 for soil is provided around the post 205. The planting region 224 may be covered in use by the non-apertured cover shown in other Figures, or the diameter of the mesh surround may be large enough to cover the planting region 224. Climbing plants (not shown) are planted in the planting region 224. Above ground level, a mesh 216 surrounds the post 205, creating a growing space for the climbing plants between the exterior of the post 205 and the interior of the mesh 216. Additionally, the growing plants are able to grow through the mesh 216, to form a foliage outer 210. The mesh 216 may be, once the foliage has grown, at least partially and preferably fully obscured. In Figure 6, a portion of the foliage outer 210 has been visually removed to show the mesh 216, but it will be appreciated that, in practice, the mesh 216 may extend from (or below) ground level and up to the top of the foliage outer 210.

The post 205 and mesh 216 define a column of the artificial tree. A solar panel 230 is disposed at the top of the post 205, for generating electricity to charge a battery (not shown) disposed within the column. The solar panel 230 also comprises a mirrored base 230a to reflect illumination generated by a lighting unit 240 disposed on the post 205 beneath the solar panel 230. It will be appreciated that the lighting unit 240 may be powered by a power source (not shown) which is in turn charged by the solar panel 230. Alternatively, the solar panel 230 may be omitted and the lighting until 240 powered by a mains electrical supply.

The artificial tree, of any of the described embodiments, can be of any height (although it is envisaged that normally this won't exceed 15 metres, which is the height of a normal street lighting column). is

Claims

Claims 1. An artificial tree, comprising a base portion for receiving growing media and roots of climbing plants; a post, extending into through, or from, or mounted over the base portion; and an apertured enclosure, extending around the post, wherein a region between the post and the apertured enclosure defines a climbing space for the climbing plants, and wherein apertures in the apertured enclosure permit the climbing plants to grow through the enclosure from the inside to the outside thereof.
2 An artificial tree according to claim 1, wherein the base portion comprises a ballast part into which or to which the column is mounted, the ballast part being disposed in use below ground level, and growing medium for the climbing plants, the growing medium being disposed in use on top of the ballast part and having the climbing plants planted therein.
3 An artificial tree according to claim 1, wherein the base comprises a plurality of chambers disposed around a central portion of the base, each chamber for receiving growing media and roots of climbing plants, wherein the post extends into or through, or is mounted over the central portion of the base
4. An artificial tree according to claim 1, wherein the base is fully, substantially or partly disposed below ground level.
5. An artificial tree according to claim 1, wherein the apertured enclosure is substantially cylindrical.
6. An artificial tree according to claim 1, comprising a non-apertured enclosure, extending around the column, from proximate ground level, to a first height.
7. An artificial tree according to claim 6, wherein the non-apertured enclosure has approximately the same cross sectional area as the apertured enclosure, or comprises a taper from a different cross sectional area to the cross sectional area of the apertured enclosure.
8. An artificial tree according to claim 6, wherein the apertured enclosure extends upwardly from the first height, or from proximate the first height.
9 An artificial tree according to claim 1, comprising a light fitting mounted to the post.
10.An artificial tree according to claim 9, wherein the apertured enclosure extends up to a second height, and the light fitting is mounted to the post at or above the second height.
11. An artificial tree according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein an electric power cable, for connection to a power supply, extends from the vicinity of the light fitting to an exit point proximate or beneath ground level.
12. An artificial tree according to claim 11, wherein the post is hollow, having a through bore, and the electric power cable passes though the bore of the post.
13. An artificial tree according to claim 3, wherein the central portion of the base comprises a bore or chamber, into which a lower portion of the post is received to mount the post to the base.
14.An artificial tree according to claim 3, wherein each chamber is provided with a membrane for retaining the growing medium but permitting roots of the plants to grow through into the ground beneath the base.
15.An artificial tree according to any preceding claim, comprising one of more electric charging points for a portable electronic device or for an electric vehicle.
16.An artificial tree according to any preceding claim, comprising a solar panel mounted at or proximate a top of the post, and a battery electrically connected to the solar panel, which is charged by the solar panel when light is incident on the solar panel.
17.An artificial tree according to any preceding claim, comprising a rainfall capture and delivery system for capturing rainfall incident on the artificial tree and delivering it to the roots of the climbing plants.
18.An artificial tree according to claim 17, wherein the rainfall capture and delivery system comprises a funnel disposed at or towards the top of the artificial tree for capturing rainfall and an irrigation reservoir, disposed at or proximate the base, for receiving and collecting the captured rainwater.
19.An artificial tree according to claim 18, wherein the reservoir is disposed beneath the portion of the base retaining the growing media and roots.
20. An artificial tree according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the rainfall capture and delivery system directs captured rainwater down a bore of the post.
21.An artificial tree according to claim 18 or claim 19, comprising a perforated aeration screen separation the reservoir from the portion of the base retaining the growing media and roots.
22.An artificial tree according to claim 1, comprising a formation for inhibiting plant growth above a predetermined vertical position of the column.
23.An artificial tree according to claim 3, wherein the chambers are vertically disposed tubes.
24.An artificial tree according to claim 22, wherein the vertically disposed tubes comprises apertures in the side walls of, to permit growth of roots through into soil surrounding the base.
25.An artificial tee according to claim 23, wherein a concrete structure surrounding the base is provided with openings through which roots can grow to reach the soil surrounding the concrete structure.