Adjustable-Angle Tree Support Prop

The problem

Young trees need support until their roots take hold, and older trees and shrubs often have heavy or damaged branches that need propping. The common method - a wooden stake, a pole cut to length, rope or wire - must be improvised for every tree, is hard to adjust as the tree grows, and can slip off the trunk.

The solution

The patent turns the prop into an adjustable kit:

1. A base plate (1) lies on the ground and is fixed with ground pins (13) through holes (12).
2. A mounting block (2) on the base plate carries a pivot shaft (3) and a pivoting ring (4). Both the block and the ring have a circle of holes (5). Once the prop is at the right angle, a locking pin (6) slides through matching holes and fixes the angle.
3. A connecting tube (7) on the pivoting ring leads to the support tube (8) through a telescopic sleeve - an inner tube (14) and outer tube (15) that twist to change the length.
4. At the top, a support ring (9) has a hinged clip (10) that closes around the trunk or branch and seats in a slot (11).
5. A stop pin (17) in a hole (16) on the ring holds the clip shut, so the tree cannot slip out.

Who it is for

• Garden and landscaping product brands looking for a reusable, adjustable tree support.
• Nurseries, landscapers and municipal parks departments that stake and prop many trees each season.
• Orchard and fruit-tree suppliers - propping branches heavy with fruit.

How it works

The main parts

Setting it up

1. Place the base plate (1) near the tree and drive the ground pins (13) through its holes.
2. Tilt the prop to the angle that reaches the trunk or branch; slide the locking pin (6) through the matching holes (5) to fix it.
3. Twist the inner and outer tubes (14, 15) to bring the support ring (9) to the right height.
4. Lay the trunk or branch in the ring, close the hinged clip (10) into its slot (11) and fit the stop pin (17).
5. As the tree grows, re-adjust the angle and length instead of replacing the prop.

Applications

Newly planted street and park trees

Holding young trees upright in wind until the roots establish.

Orchards and fruit trees

Propping branches that bend under the weight of fruit.

Landscaping and garden installation

Supporting transplanted shrubs and specimen trees in new gardens.

Nurseries and garden centers

Steadying large container plants and trees in display areas.

Storm recovery

Temporary support for leaning trees and split branches after wind damage.

Where it is less suitable

• Very large, mature trees - these need engineered guying or bracing by an arborist.
• Rocky or paved ground - the base plate is pinned into soil; hard ground needs another anchoring method.