Platypyus

[Dave.G.]

I have got ten 4m tall multistem birch (rootballed) coming next week and I was planning to use the platipus ground anchor to secure them. But at £50+ each I might have to think again. Has anybody used them? are they worth the outlay or is there a cheaper/better way?

[andrew t]

We use wire and ratchet stuff I will find out were my boss gets it from we anchor with cut sleepers and use mats to protect rootball.

[Al Cormack]

Try http://www.jtoms.co.uk

[Paul Jenks]

We've used posts banged into the hole beyond the extent of the rootball and ratchet straps. Seems to work quite well.

[Paul Barton]

We've used these before: Ground anchors and ground anchoring systems from Anchor Systems Europe

 

I think they are just over £30 a set but you will need the long metal bar as well to knock the anchors in to the ground.

[woodplans]

We use them when required, as suggested by others a cheaper alternative is to use a £ 10 4m long ratchet strap and a couple of pegs driven in deep at the base of the hole.

 

All depends on ground conditions and tree type. I would say that you should be OK with m/s betula, they don't have as much leverage as a 4m tall standard tree.

[Ruskins Trees]

You could build a raft of wood (3-4 bits) put it below the rootball, rest the rootball on it and put your guys round the wood and over the rootball. Remember to protect the rootball otherwise you could cheese wire it.