IRRIGATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS

This application claims priority from Australian provisional patent application No. 200790471 1 filed on 30 August 2007, the contents of which are to be taken as incorporated herein by this reference.

Field

The present invention relates to methods of irrigating plants in hardscape locations with hardscape water runoff and irrigation systems to perform the same.

Background

Many cities around the world feature trees and other plants which line streets, car parks and footpaths. Such trees and plants provide both aesthetic and functional purposes.

As urban areas become increasingly dense, trees are required to grow in small openings on footpaths and roadways. Hardscape surfaces surrounding the trees typically have little or no permeability to water and this limits water reaching the tree roots. The trees and plants can be watered using dedicated irrigation systems, but there are high costs associated with the installation and maintenance of such systems. In the absence of a dedicated irrigation system, water availability can be limited to rain which falls directly onto an opening in the hardscape around the base of the tree, or water running across the opening. In many situations this is insufficient to facilitate and maintain the growth of the tree.

Further problems with irrigation of plants in hardscape areas result from compaction of the soil. Compaction of the soil underlying the hardscape is necessary to maintain the structural integrity of the hardscape. However, the compacted soil can further restrict the accessibility of water to the trees.

The water table in and around areas with large areas of hardscape can also become deleted due to the low potential for absorption of water into the soil limiting the availability of subterranean water supplies to trees.

Much of the available water in the form of rain which could naturally irrigate trees in hardscape locations runs across the hardscape and into the storm water system. Indeed, storm water

systems are designed to facilitate the directed flow of water from roads, footpaths and buildings to prevent water build-up and flooding. Typically roads and footpaths are angled to direct the flow of water to gutters which themselves are angled to further direct the water flow to storm water drains. From there, the water may be directed out to sea or to water treatment facilities.

Much rainfall, which could be used to naturally water trees in hardscape locations, is therefore wasted. This is of particular importance in areas with minimal rainfall, wherein utilisation of natural water supplies can represent significant cost savings as well as benefiting the growth of plants such as streetscape trees.

Reducing the level of hardscape water runoff can also lead to reduced maintenance and processing costs associated with storm water treatment.

There is a need for cost-effective methods to utilise hardscape water runoff to supply water to trees and other plants in hardscape locations.

The discussion of the background to the invention herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in any country as at the priority date of the application.

Summary

The present inventor has discovered that creating an aperture in the hardscape is an effective way to irrigate trees and other plants in hardscape locations by increasing the flow of hardscape water runoff into the soil underlying the hardscape. In this manner the water availability to the roots of trees and other plants located in hardscape locations can be increased to promote their growth.

The present invention is particularly suitable for the irrigation of "trees". However, other plants including shrubs, grasses, vines and flowers can also be irrigated using the methods and systems described herein. Accordingly, any reference to "trees" throughout this specification should be taken to include other plants, such as shrubs, grasses, vines, flowers, etc.

The present invention provides a method for irrigating one or more trees in hardscape locations, the method including creating an aperture through the hardscape and covering the aperture with

a cap, wherein the aperture and cap allow water runoff to flow into the soil underlying the hardscape in the vicinity of roots of the one or more trees.

The present invention also provides a method for installing an irrigation system for trees in a hardscape location, the method including creating an aperture in the hardscape and covering the aperture with a cap, wherein the aperture and cap allow hardscape water run-off to flow into the soil underlying the hardscape in the vicinity of roots of the one or more trees

The present invention also provides a method of maintaining an irrigation system formed as described herein, the method including visually inspecting the aperture and cap and, if necessary, removing debris from the aperture or cap.

The present invention also provides an irrigation system for trees in a hardscape location, the system including an aperture in a hardscape and a cap, wherein the aperture and cap are configured to allow water runoff to flow from the hardscape into the soil underlying the hardscape.

The present invention also provides a gutter cap including a support body and a grate section, the gutter cap configured to fit over an aperture in a gutter so as to allow water runoff to flow from the gutter into the soil underlying the hardscape.

The present invention also provides a cap when used for hardscape water runoff irrigation systems for trees in hardscape locations.

The aperture may be created in a base or a kerb of a hardscape gutter.

A bore may be created in the soil underlying the aperture to direct water toward the roots of the tree.

Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described in relation to various embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it must be appreciated that the following description is not to limit the generality of the above description.

In the drawings:

- A -

Figure 1 shows a schematic illustration of an embodiment of the irrigation system for plants in hardscape locations in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a hardscape water runoff irrigation system that is similar to the one shown in Figure 1 .

Figures 3(a) to 3(c) are top views of different cap configurations.

Figure 4 is a part cross-sectional view of a cap located in an aperture in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5(a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the aperture and cap in the gutter that is shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5(b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to Figure 5a with the addition of filtering material.

Figure 5(c) is an enlarged cross-sectional view similar to Figure 5b with a bore in the underlying soil, wherein the bore is lined with a pipe.

Figures 6(a) to 6(d) are cross-sectional views showing various configurations of aperture and bore in a hardscape water runoff irrigation system.

Figure 7(a) is a perspective view of a housing member according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7(b) is a cross-sectional view of the housing member from Figure 7(a) used in an irrigation system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 7(c) is a perspective view of another embodiment of a housing member according to the invention.

Figure 7(d) is a cross-sectional view of the housing member from Figure 7(c) used in an irrigation system according to an embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description

It is to be understood that various additions, alterations and/or modifications may be made to the parts described without departing from the ambit of the present invention.

As used herein, the term "hardscape" is taken to mean any substantially non-water permeable man-made structure where the soil profile is no longer exposed. Hardscape includes but is not limited to paved areas such as roadways, footpaths and car parks.

"Paved" is taken to mean a surface covered with paving materials. Paving materials include asphalt, bitumen, concrete, pavers and bricks, etc.

"Hardscape water runoff" is used to describe water which flows across hardscape. This includes not only natural rainfall, but also includes other sources of water including excessive water from irrigation.

A "gutter" is taken to mean a depression in the hardscape used to divert water away from the hardscape.

The figures illustrate a tree 100 that is growing in a hardscape location through an opening 102 in the hardscape 106, such as a paved or concrete area. The hardscape location includes a gutter 1 12. The gutter consists of a base 1 18 and a kerb 1 19. A top surface of the base 1 18 slopes downward towards the kerb 1 19 to direct the flow of water to the kerb 1 19 of the gutter 1 12. The hardscape location may be a suburban street having gutters 1 12 running along the sides of the roadway, and trees 100 growing through an opening 102 in the footpath. The gutter 1 12 will generally collect water that has run off from hardscape surfaces, such as roads and footpaths, as well as non-hardscape surfaces such as lawns or grassed areas.

The figures show an irrigation system 103 including an aperture 108 in the hardscape 106, and a cap 1 10. The aperture 108 is created through the hardscape 106 and it is covered with a cap 1 10. The aperture 108 and cap 1 10 allow water run-off to flow into the soil 1 14 underlying the hardscape 106 in the vicinity of roots 140 of the one or more trees 100. It will be appreciated that the aperture 108 is different to, and usually separated from, the opening 102 through which the tree 100 is growing.

The aperture 108 may be created at any location in the hardscape structure that permits water to flow into the soil in the vicinity of roots of the tree 100. However, in the illustrated embodiments the aperture 108 is created in the gutter 1 12. Creating the aperture 108 in the gutter 1 12 maximises water flow into the aperture 108, because ground water from large areas of the hardscape 106 and adjacent areas is typically directed into the gutter 1 12. Therefore, the aperture 108 in a gutter 1 12 is exposed to greater volumes of water than an aperture in another location in the hardscape. Thus, during a rain event or some other period in which water falls on the hardscape 106, water runs off across the surface of the hardscape 106 and into the gutter 1 12. The flow of water across the hardscape 106 is directed by the slope of the hardscape 106 into the gutter 1 12. As the water flows along the gutter 1 12, it passes over the aperture 108 and through the cap 1 10 in to the underlying soil 1 14. This arrangement, whereby the runoff is directed into the soil adjacent a tree, is different to a storm water drain arrangement in which a drain is connected to a network of storm water pipes that directs the water away from the hardscape location.

The aperture 108 in the hardscape 106 or gutter 1 12 may be created in existing hardscapes or gutters or it may be created when the hardscape or gutter is being formed. The aperture 108 may be created in existing hardscape 106 or gutter 1 12 by drilling and/or concrete cutting. Drilling may be advantageous as the aperture 108 may be easily created to different diameters by using different drill bits.

Alternatively, the aperture may be created by using appropriate formwork when creating a concrete hardscape 106 or gutter 1 12, or by leaving out one or more pavers or bricks during the laying of a paved hardscape 106 or gutter 1 12.

The aperture 108 may be any suitable shape. Circular apertures 108 are advantageous in that a circular cap 1 10 designed to fit the aperture 108 cannot fall through the aperture 108 when rotated around different axes. Moreover, circular apertures 108 are easily created by drilling and accessory components such as circular caps 1 10 and pipes 130 are typically more readily available and cheaper.

The dimensions of the aperture 108 are not particularly limited, although apertures that are too small will not capture enough water run off, whilst the larger the aperture the more visual impact it will have on the streetscape and the associated cap 1 10 is also likely to be more expensive. More specifically, for apertures 108 of circular shape, the diameter of the aperture may be about 100 to 500mm. In typical suburban streets, circular apertures having a diameter of about

150mm may be suitable. For apertures 108 that are not circular, average aperture widths equivalent to the aforementioned circular aperture diameters can be used.

The aperture 108 is covered with a cap 1 10. The cap 1 10 includes a support body 1 1 1 and a grate section 1 13 and is configured to fit over the aperture 108 in the gutter 1 12 so as to allow water runoff to flow from the gutter into the soil 1 14 underlying the hardscape 106. For many applications the cap 1 10 needs to be weight bearing. It is also advantageous that the cap 1 10 is resistant to environmental exposure such as to water and sun exposure. The cap 1 10 can reduce the build-up of debris in the aperture 108, provide safety by covering the aperture 108 and reduce erosion of the soil 1 14 underlying the aperture 108 or hardscape 106, while still permitting water to flow from the hardscape 106 through to the underlying soil 1 14.

In most cases, it will be desirable to fix the cap 1 10 over the aperture 108 to prevent accidental removal of the cap and reduce the incidence of theft and/or vandalism. To this end, the cap 1 10 and/or the aperture/108 and/or the gutter 1 12 may include fixing means (not illustrated) for fixing the cap 1 10 over or in the aperture 108. The fixing means may include one or more fasteners, such as bolts, suitable for use in masonry. Alternatively, the fixing means may be a suitable adhesive.

In some embodiments, the cap 1 10 is a disc-like structure that can be placed over the aperture. In some other embodiments, such as the one shown in Figure 4, the cap 1 10 further includes a sleeve member 120 extending from an underside of the cap 1 10. The sleeve member 120 is open at each end and is of a similar shape to the aperture 108, such that it can be inserted into the aperture 108. The sleeve member 120 may be made from a metal or plastics material. An example of a suitable sleeve member 120 is a section of PVC pipe. The cap 1 10 may be fixed to the sleeve member 120 by use of adhesives, interference fit, bolts or screws. Alternatively, the sleeve member 120 may be integrally formed with the cap 1 10.

The sleeve member 120 is able to fit into the aperture 108 and may be used to hold the cap 1 10 in place. For example, the sleeve member 120 and the aperture 108 may be of substantially the same diameter so that the sleeve member 120 forms an interference fit within the aperture 108.

Alternatively, or in addition, the outside surface of the sleeve member 120 may include one or more barbs (not illustrated) to hold the sleeve member 120 in place in the aperture 108.

Cements or glues could also be used to adhere the sleeve member 120 in the aperture 108.

Various embodiments of caps 1 10 are shown in Figure 3. In some embodiments the cap 1 10 includes a grate 124. The grate 124 may be formed from any one of a range of suitable materials and gaps 126 in the grate 124 may be of any suitable configuration that allows water to flow therethrough. In different embodiments the grate 124 may be formed by a framework of parallel bars, a lattice of bars, or a series of pores. The width of gaps 126 in the grate 124 may be less than about 8 mm. Factors to be taken into account in determining the size and configuration of the gaps 126 include maximising water permeability while minimising large debris from passing through the cap 1 10. Moreover gaps 126 which are large can have associated risks such as catching heels of high heel shoes.

In one embodiment shown in Figure 5(a), a top surface 1 15 of the cap 1 10 is substantially flush with a top surface 1 16 of the base 1 18 of gutter 1 12 when the cap 1 10 is positioned over the aperture 108. An advantage of this embodiment is that it minimises the build up of debris on or around the cap 1 10, which could retard water flow through the cap 1 10. Moreover, this embodiment can minimise potential injury associated with uneven hardscape surfaces.

In some other embodiments, such as the one that is shown in Figure 4, the diameter of the top surface 1 15 of the cap 1 10 is greater than the diameter of the sleeve member 120 and the aperture 108, thereby creating a flange 122. The flange 122 may sit slightly raised above the aperture 108. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 4, the top surface 1 16 of the base 1 18 of the gutter 1 12 surrounding the aperture 108 may be further cut to create a recessed area 1 17 of greater diameter than that of the aperture 108. This can allow a flush finish between the top surface 1 15 of the cap 1 10 and the top surface 1 16 of the base 1 18 of the gutter 1 12 surface. This embodiment can prevent the cap 1 10 from falling or being forced down into the aperture 108. If the cap 1 10 did fall or was pushed down into the aperture, the build up of debris over the cap 1 10 may be increased as may the potential for injury to pedestrians.

Materials for the manufacture of the cap 1 10 include metal, metal alloys and plastics. Ideally the material will have some resistance to damage caused by exposure to water and sunlight and the material will be sufficiently strong to prevent breakage from normal pressures applied to the gutter 1 12 and/or hardscape 106, such as those from pedestrians and vehicles.

Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of various embodiments of the invention. An aperture

108 is created in the gutter 1 12 such that it penetrates the gutter 1 12 to the underlying soil 1 14. The aperture 108 is covered with a cap 1 10. In one embodiment of the invention shown in

Figure 5(c), a bore 128 is created to extend into the underlying soil 1 14 and one or more pipes 130 are inserted to line the bore 128.

In some embodiments, a filtering material 134 is inserted into the aperture 108 and/or the bore 128. The filtering material 134 may be any material which is able to filter debris and/or pollutant chemicals. Gravel is an example of a suitable filtering material 134. The filtering material 134 may reduce the risk of the aperture 108 and/or bore 128 clogging with debris, reduce pollutants from entering the soil 1 14 underlying the hardscape 106, and/or reduce the erosion of the soil 1 14 underlying the aperture 108 and/or surrounding the bore 128.

Figure 6 provides cross-sectional views of various embodiments of the invention in which the position of the aperture 108 in the gutter 1 12 and the angle of the aperture 108 and bore 128 is varied. In the embodiment that is shown in Figure 6(a) a substantially vertical aperture 108 is created in the base 1 18 of the gutter 1 12. In the embodiment that is shown in Figure 6(b) the aperture 108 is created in the base of the gutter 1 18 and is angled toward the roots 140 of the tree 100. Whilst the aperture 108 can be created at any position in the base 1 18, it may be preferable to position the aperture 108 in the base 1 18 as close as possible to the kerb 1 19 as the water volume will be greatest at this point due to the typical inward angling of the base 1 18 toward the kerb 1 19. In the embodiment that is shown in Figure 6(c), the aperture 108 is created in the kerb 1 19 of the gutter 1 12. In this embodiment the angle of the aperture 108 may range from slightly below horizontal to close to vertical. In the embodiment that is shown in Figure 6(d) the aperture 108 is created in the junction between the base 1 18 and kerb 1 19 of the gutter 1 12. In this embodiment water flow to the aperture 108 is maximised as the aperture is positioned at the lowest point of the gutter 1 12.

In different circumstances, it will be appreciated that different configurations of hardscape water runoff irrigation systems may be more suited. In situations where the tree 100 is set close to the gutter 1 12, it may be sufficient to create an aperture 108 in the gutter 1 12 without further directing the flow of the water. However if the tree 100 is located a number of metres from the gutter 1 12 or has roots 140 which are deep, it may be appropriate to further direct the flow of water from the aperture 108 and towards the tree roots 140. The bore 128 can therefore be used to direct water towards the tree roots 140 and away from a road, footpath or car park. This may reduce the incidence of tree roots 140 growing towards the road or footpath, hence minimising the possibility of damage to the hardscape structure 106.

As illustrated in Figures 6(a) to 6(d), the bore 128 may be created in the soil 1 14 to the same angle and width of the aperture 108. Alternatively, the bore 128 may be created at a different angle to the aperture 108 and/or to a greater or lesser width than the aperture 108.

The length of the bore 128 may extend greater than 20 metres. In some embodiments, the length of the bore 128 is less than 5 metres. The flexibility of bore 128 length allows the irrigation system 103 to be used in many different situations. For example the bore 128 may be created to direct hardscape water runoff from the aperture 108 and towards the roots 140 of a tree 100, wherein the tree 100 is located 1 metre from the gutter 1 12 or 20 metres from the gutter 1 12.

In some embodiments, the bore 128 is lined with one or more pipes 130. The pipe 130 can be used to reinforce the bore 128 so as to prevent caving in of the bore 128 and prevent erosion of the soil 1 14 surrounding the bore 128. In one embodiment, the pipe 130 is open-ended allowing water to flow through the pipe 130 from the aperture 108 in the gutter 1 12 through to the soil 1 14 at the other end of the pipe 130. Filtering material 134 may be included in the pipe 130, either fixed, or in loose form. The filtering material 134 can function to prevent soil 1 14 from entering and clogging the pipe 130.

The pipe 130 may have more than one outlet positioned in the pipe 130 to allow the release of water at different points along the length of the pipe so as to deliver water to different regions of soil 1 14. Alternatively, the pipe itself may be formed from a water permeable material.

In some embodiments, a pipe 130 is attached to the cap 1 10 to provide a water-tight seal, thereby minimising leakage. The pipe 130 may be attached to the cap 1 10 by any suitable means, such as via an interference fit or by using a threaded connection. In some other embodiments, a seal (not shown) may be formed between the gutter 1 12 and the pipe 130 using silicone sealants or cements.

In some embodiments, the pipe 130 includes moisture absorbent material for retaining moisture in the vicinity of the bore 128. The moisture absorbent material may be retained in the pipe using gauze or net material that is held within the pipe.

For embodiments of the invention in which the aperture 108 is created in a region including the join between the base 1 18 and the kerb 1 19 of the gutter 1 12, different configurations of the cap

1 10 will be required. In some embodiments, the cap 1 10 is created by two intersecting planes,

wherein the angle between the intersecting planes is substantially the same as the angle between the base 1 18 and the kerb 1 19 of the gutter 1 12, so as to allow the cap 1 10 to cover the aperture 108. The angle between the intersecting planes may be between 45 and 180 degrees. In this case, the cap 1 10 may be created by bending the cap 1 10 into the desired configuration or by joining two pieces of cap material to create the desired configuration. In some other embodiments, the cap 1 10 may only encompass the horizontal plane, wherein the cap 1 10 covers only the portion of the aperture 108 in the base 1 18 of the gutter 1 12.

In an embodiment of the invention that is shown in Figure 7, a housing member 136 is provided in the aperture 108 and/or the bore 128. The housing member 136 can be used to house filtering material 134. The filtering material 134 may be used to remove debris from the water passing through the aperture 108 and/or bore 128. In another embodiment the filtering material 134 may be used to remove pollutants from the water. The housing member 136 may be removable, which can aid in the replacement of filtering material 134 or removal of debris.

Figures 7(a) and 7(b) show one embodiment of the housing member 136. In this embodiment, the housing member 136 includes a skirt 137 and a base 138. Materials for the manufacture of the skirt 137 include plastic, metal and metal alloys. The skirt 137 may be permeable or non- permeable. For example, a skirt 137 which is non-permeable may be constructed from PVC pipe. In another embodiment, a skirt 137 which is permeable may be constructed using a mesh material.

The base 138 may be constructed from materials including plastic, metal, metal alloys and fabrics. The base 138 may be created from said materials so as to form configurations which permit water permeability while retaining filtering material 134. Such configurations may include a grate or mesh. In another embodiment the base 138 may include a permeable geotextile.

The base 138 may be attached to the skirt 137 by mechanical and chemical forms of adhesion. Mechanical means of adhesion include use of screws, rivets, threaded joins and interference fits. Chemical methods include use of glues or cements.

The housing member 136 may be attached to the cap 1 10 by mechanical or chemical means as previously described herein. Alternatively, the housing member 136 may be separate from the cap 1 10 and may lie at the base of the aperture 108 or bore 128 on the underlying soil 1 14 as shown in Figures 7(b) and 7(d). As shown in Figure 5(c), the housing member 136 could be supported by a support member 142. The support member 142 supports the housing member

136 in the aperture 108 or bore 128 without compromising the water permeability of the housing member 136. Examples of support members 142 include bars, inserts of smaller diameter than the housing member 136, or protrusions in the aperture 108 or bore 128 sufficient to support the housing member 136.

The housing member 136 may also include a handle 139 to facilitate its removal from the aperture 108 or bore 128. In the embodiment that is shown in Figure 5(b), the handle 139 is in the form of a wire loop attached to the skirt 136 of the housing member 136.

In another embodiment that is illustrated in Figures 7(c) and 7(d), the housing member 136 includes a base 138 and a handle 139 but it does not have a skirt. The handle 139 is substantially perpendicular to the base 138. The base 138 is of a diameter slightly less than that of the aperture 108 and/or bore 128. The housing member 136 is inserted into the aperture 108 and/or bore 128, and filtering material 134 is added to a height no greater than the top of the handle 139. The length of the handle 139 is sufficient to allow a person to reach the handle 139 in the aperture 108 and/or bore 128, with or without the assistance of tools. As the diameter of the base cap 138 is only slightly smaller than the diameter of the aperture 108 and/or bore 128, the filtering material 134 will be removed with the housing member 136'.

In some embodiments, the aperture 108 is used to direct substances towards the roots 140 of the tree 100. Such substances include, but are not limited to, nutrients or fertilisers. These may be in liquid form or solid form.

The irrigation system may be maintained by visually inspecting the aperture 108 and cap 1 10 and, if necessary, removing debris therefrom. The filtering material may also be cleaned or replaced at this stage. The inspection may be performed periodically.

In conclusion, it must be appreciated that there may be other various and modifications to the configurations described herein which are also within the scope of the present invention.