Before a tree can establish itself at its final location, it must be able to survive a prolonged, critical phase of growth. The classic tripod is not usually an appropriate means of support due to the varying circumstances at the location, extreme climatic conditions and planning requirements.
The GEFA TREELOCK® is the ideal method for secure and invisible anchorage. It provides the tree with the necessary stability during the growth phase, and protects its roots – without the visually unattractive tripod.
We're here to support you.
Specialist Jonas Herzog
The trained retail salesman is responsible for order processing and is the contact person for projects in the field of urban greenery and securing young trees.
Different conditions on site, extreme climatic conditions and planning requirements require flexible and individual solutions for tree fastening. The GEFA ball anchoring TREELOCK® has been specially developed for such situations.
Buckled up safely
The further development of the GEFA ball anchoring has made waves in the professional world. In the past, numerous customers were able to convince themselves of the advantages of the underground "tree lock" GEFA TREELOCK® - the extremely low installation height, the removable ratchet lever and the quick installation
An innovative ratchet system is used to connect ground anchors to one another and to fix them to the ball. The highlight: The lashing lever can be separated from the ratchet base.
Wide belt straps, which are attached to the ground with flat steel anchors, secure the stand of the tree with TREELOCK® anchoring. In addition, a coconut disc protects the balls of the balls.
One person can install the anchor in a few minutes. For TREELOCK® you do not need any additional aids such as wooden crosses or the like. All you need is a hammer and a hammer. Instead of the hammer, you can also use RAMLOCK®, the special ram for the GEFA drive-in rod.
The Centre for Horticulture and Technology in Quedlinburg has carried out a five-year test headed by Dr. Schneidewind on the underground anchorage systems most commonly found on the market. In addition to the GEFA TREELOCK® system, five other systems were tested for suitability, gentleness to the tree and function fulfilment. The permanently-changing wind conditions in Quedlinburg represented a real challenge for all the anchorage systems. The TREELOCK® was able to convince on all points, such as in the issue of trunk tilt, as being superior to all other systems.
TREELOCK® installation made easy
The installation of the GEFA TREELOCK® ball anchor only differs from the old version when it comes to lashing the new ratchet system.
First dig the planting hole as usual, place the tree. Then drive anchors with integrated loops into the recommended soil depth using a drive-in rod and lock in place by pulling. Place the bale protection disc on the bale, guide the ratchet strap through the anchor loops and thread it into the ratchet.
Pull on the locking handle of the lever supplied - the eyes move apart. Guide the eyelets onto the lower part of the ratchet and let the lever engage by releasing the locking handle.
Then ratchet tight as usual. Then pull the locking handle - the eyes move apart - release the lever - done!
SDS HEX connection
Impact aid for driving in the GEFA TREELOCK® ground anchors in connection with a motor ram with SDS HEX connection.
• Back-friendly installation
• Less effort
• Time saving
Advantages TREELOCK®
• Extremely low installation height for even more flexibility
• Wide webbing, fixed into the ground using flat steel anchors, ensures that the tree stands securely.
• Innovative ratchet system and ground anchor fix the bale into the ground
• An ingenious idea: the ratchet lever used to lash down the webbing can be removed – which reduces the installation height and also provides protection against theft
• An additional coir disc protects the ball
• A sledgehammer and an impactor rod suffice as tools - no additional aids such as wooden crosses or similar are required
• Universal ratchet lever
• Theft protection
• even lower installation height
• less abiogenic material in the soil
• short installation time
• gentle on the bale
• Dismantling not necessary
• no installation of additional components
• Alignment unproblematic
• individual versions
• Can also be used for trees with a height of over 90 cm
* larger impact depths increase the tensile strength of the anchors. Use only in natural soil.
1. Dig the planting hole.
2. Put the anchor vertically onto ground. The end of the anchor should face away from the ball.
3. Drive the anchor down to the recommended ground depth.
4. Pull the impactor rod through the loop.
5. Bring the anchor into transverse position by pulling upwards; the loop ends should project out of the ground up to the middle of the ball.
6. Lay the ball protection disc onto the ball.
7. Push the ratchet strap through the anchor loops
8. Pull the handle on the lever.
9. Guide the eyelets over the lower part of the ratchet and engage.
GEFA TREELOCK® Object anchoring
With increasing soil sealing, the greening of buildings is becoming more and more important. Underground car parks, roofs and built-up areas are transformed into designed gardens, sometimes even as reflections of entire landscapes.
For roofs and buckets without anchors
Secure anchoring is necessary so that larger trees can also be used here. For such cases, or in the vicinity of pipelines or in unfavorable soil conditions, TREELOCK® is available as special ball anchors for building greenery.
The task of the anchor point is taken over by appropriately dimensioned steel mats. The load from the root ball and substrate serves as a counterattack. Alternatively, z. B. lawn grids, curb stones or eyelets attached to concrete elements can be used.
Substrate and construction height
Since the ball anchoring for object greening is also a young tree attachment, you should carefully check the substrate and construction height for static reasons. For anchoring
we recommend a commercially available Q335 reinforcement mesh that you can get in any building material store.
With the use of the GEFA ball anchoring for building greenery, even large trees can be planted and anchored where this is otherwise not possible:
• in buckets, e.g. B. for mobile green
• on roofs or underground garages
• in backfilled soils / substrates
• in the vicinity of pipes and ducts
Reinforced steel mat anchoring • Loop belts through the reinforcement mat. • Due to the dead weight of the tree, the reinforcement mat acts as a counterweight. • Calculation of the reinforcement mat: min times the bale diameter.
Counterweight anchoring • Straps with heavy counterweights, such as. E.g .: secure lawn grids, curb stones or concrete elements.
Hook anchoring • Attach the strap to the hooks or eyes of a stable substructure or to buckets.
Vertical forest wins International Highrise Award
Two rectangular towers project just under 80 or 112 metres into the sky – cladded in a green robe. Approximately 800 trees decorate the exterior facade of the highrise blocks, as well as 5,000 bushes and approximately 11,000 ground cover plants. This “green coat” is what gave the project its name: “The vertical forest” – which was realised with the aid of the TREELOCK® OBJECT.
A path-breaking pilot project
This urban future vision was designed by the Boeri Studio architect’s office and the building owner, Manfredi Catella. They were awarded for their work with the International Highrise Award. The two towers on the Porta Nuova have carried out “pioneering work in the planting of highrise buildings” and can be considered as a “prototype for the cities of tomorrow”. These words were spoken by a representative of the German Architecture Museum (DAM), which together with the City of Frankfurt and the Deka-Bank is the sponsor of the International Highrise Award.
A little garden for every resident
Each of the 113 apartments has access to at least one terrace, which looks like a small garden or even a small section of forest. The plants are intended as natural climate control for the apartments and offer the inhabitants exceptional living quality. The woody plants are up to 9 metres high, whereby the varieties have been carefully selected so that they can grow well in their respective positions. Their maintenance and irrigation are all part of the concept, and have been included in the price calculations accordingly.
GEFA TREELOCK® OBJECT provides secure anchorage for woody plants
The executing companies praised the fact the GEFA anchorages were uncomplicated to handle. The different situations on-site could be mastered quickly, without damage and flexibly. The fact that individual equipment was available for different fastening points was emphasised, as well as the individual length adjustment. These features reduced installation times on-site, which proved a significant factor as a total of 800 trees had to be anchored.
* For information on this project, please visit the architect's website Stefano Boeri: www.stefanoboeriarchitetti.net
The long-term test "Comparison of six different underground anchoring systems" by Dr. Schneidewind from the Center for Horticulture and Technology in Quedlinburg has shown that newly planted trees can be anchored with a tripod
need a period of at least three years to anchor themselves sufficiently in the ground on their own. There are fewer trees that are secured with underground anchoring.
The reason for this is the stimulation caused by movements at the roots, which is more intense with this anchoring variant. If we assume a "worst case" and assume a period of at least three years, a biodegradable underground anchoring should demonstrably last a period of at least three years in the ground without losing its function, thus allowing the tree to grow straight to ensure.
Test provides evidence of durability and decomposition
As part of internal further development, the GEFA commissioned the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) to examine the selected materials for their durability. The investigation was carried out in accordance with DIN EN 12225 (test method for determining the microbiological resistance by means of an earth burial test).
The duration of the laboratory test simulates a period of approx. 4 years transferred into reality.
BIO belts replace textile systems
Thanks to a specially modified formulation of the material, we have succeeded in developing a belt that has been proven to have the required durability in the ground and whose material complies with DIN EN 13432 for biodegradability.
The webbing consists of biopolymers based on renewable raw materials that have been specially modified for special use in the ground. The belt straps have been proven to rot and the iron components slowly dissolve as a result of corrosion. We have refrained from using any dyes to color the belts in favor of biodegradability. The GEFA organic belt is therefore delivered in pure white.
Belt material is biodegradable
Due to the composition of the webbing material, which has been specially modified to meet our requirements, we can offer you organic webbing that securely fixes the tree for the required three years. In addition, the webbing material fulfills the
The prerequisite for the “Keimlings-Siegel” of European Bioplastics e.V. This is an EU-wide certificate, which is awarded by the commissioned certification organizations DIN Certco and Vinçotte according to standardized procedures
will. This compostability mark is only allowed to be used by organic products that are proven to be biodegradable according to the European standard DIN EN 13432 or DIN EN 14995. It was a long way to find the optimal composition, which has now led us to GEFA TREELOCK® BIO. With this variant of our TREELOCK® systems, GEFA now offers further innovative products for sustainable, ecological landscaping.
GEFA TREELOCK® 35 BIO OBJECT
The biodegradable underfloor anchoring for raised plant pits. The object variant is always used when no ground anchors can be used. These are mostly situations in which a loose plant substrate has been freshly filled or the existing plant base is roughly stony.
Of course, this system is also suitable for green roofs, but with the clear indication that the belt is made of organic material gradually decomposes and after this time the tree has to hold itself on its own.
TREELOCK® 60 BIO
Biodegradable stability up to 60cm tree circumference
GEFA Treelock BIO 60 completes the range of GEFA underground anchoring systems
With the Treelock Bio 60, GEFA Produkte Fabritz GmbH now introduces an underground anchoring system with biodegradable straps for securing trees up to 60 cm in trunk circumference. The strap bands are made of biopolymers based on renewable resources that have been specifically modified for use in the soil.
This addition completes the Treelock BIO product range of the Krefeld-based company, which now includes the Bio 25, Bio 35 versions, as well as a special version for object greening. For those who want to secure larger trees underground, they can rely on the classic Treelock product range, which offers different variations for almost any tree size.
Both product lines feature wide strap bands, additional root ball protection with a coconut disc, as well as a low construction height and reduced material usage for the tie-down strap, thanks to a detachable ratchet lever as a "tool".
TREELOCK® BIO DIN standards
Due to its proven compostability, the webbing base material complies with DIN EN 13432.
The TREELOCK® BIO fulfills further standards:
• DIN EN 12225: "Proof of microbiological resistance through an attempt to dig in the ground"
• DIN 18916: "Vegetation technology in landscaping - Plants and planting work"
• Compliant with the rules: "FLL - Recommendations for Tree Planting Part 1"
• Compliant with the rules: "FLL - ZTV Large Tree Planting"
Root Ball Anchoring
The method of securing a tree underground has been established for decades and is widely recognized. Here, newly planted trees are stabilized by anchoring the root ball in the ground. GEFA Fabritz offers with TREELOCK® three different variants in this area — all using textile straps — as a classic version, a BIO option, and an anchorless solution.
Different local conditions, extreme climatic influences, and planning requirements demand flexible and tailored solutions for root ball anchoring. The GEFA TREELOCK® root ball anchoring system is specifically designed for such circumstances.
TREELOCK® utilizes wide, root-ball-friendly straps for all versions and variations. These straps are placed around the root ball and secured into the ground with ground anchors (or, in loose substrates, containers, or rooftops, with loops attached to appropriate counter materials).
The system is connected and closed using a specially designed tension strap. The highlight: the lever for tightening can be separated from the ratchet base, allowing for a lower build height, added theft protection, and reduced material use. Additionally, a coconut fiber disc provides root ball protection, improved water distribution during the first years of growth, and reduced unwanted weed growth.
One person can install the anchoring system in just a few minutes. TREELOCK® does not require additional aids like wooden crosses. Basic tools such as a hammer and a driving rod are sufficient. Additional accessories like a rod puller and rammer can further simplify the work.
TREELOCK® Anchorage
OUTSTANDING RESULTS IN FIELD TEST
The Center for Horticulture and Technology in Quedlinburg, under the leadership of Dr. Schneidewind, conducted a five-year trial with the most common underground anchoring systems available on the market. In addition to the GEFA TREELOCK® system, five other systems were tested for suitability, tree protection, and functional performance. The constantly changing wind conditions in Quedlinburg provided a true stress test for all anchoring systems.
TREELOCK® excelled in all aspects, such as trunk inclination, outperforming all other systems.
TREELOCK® Anchorage
INSTALLATION WITH GROUND ANCHORS
1
1
Place the Tree
First, Dig the Planting Hole and Place the Tree. Position the anchors vertically on the ground and drive them into the recommended depth. The upper angled end of the anchor should point away from the root ball.
2
2
Tilt Ground Anchors
Next, tilt the ground anchors by pulling with the help of the driving rod so that they position themselves crosswise. The loop ends should protrude from the ground up to the middle of the root ball.
3
3
Anchor Loops
Place the root ball protection disc on the root ball and thread the ratchet strap through the anchor loops. Feed the strap as far as possible through the ratchet.
4
4
Release Lever
Pull the handle on the lever and guide the separated loops over the ratchet base, letting them lock into place. Then ratchet tightly until the strap is firmly secured. Finally, release the lever – done!
Conversion Table for Trees, Shrub Trees, Avenue, and Solitary Trees
TREELOCK® Root Ball Anchoring
INSTALLATION MADE EASY
1
1
TREELOCK® 25
Pulling Force per Anchor: 277 kg (light, natural soil, driving depth 40 cm), included in the set with a mulch disc (Ø 60 cm), tension strap (2.50 m), and 3 closed anchor loops (0.70 m).
Pulling Force per Anchor: 335 kg (light, natural soil, driving depth 50 cm), included in the set with a mulch disc (Ø 80 cm), tension strap (4.50 m), and 3 closed anchor loops (1.10 m).
Adjustable, Pulling force per anchor: 948 kg (light, natural soil, driving depth 60 cm), included in the set with a mulch disc (1.00 m²), tension strap (7.20 m), and 3 adjustable anchor loops up to 1.50 m.
Pulling force per anchor: 277 kg (light, natural soil, driving depth 40 cm), included in the set with a mulch disc (Ø 60 cm), tension strap (2.50 m), and 3 closed anchor loops (0.70 m).
With the increasing sealing of soil surfaces, greening objects is becoming increasingly important. Underground garages, roofs, and built-up areas are transformed into designed gardens. To allow the use of larger trees in these settings, secure anchoring is necessary. For such cases, or when near pipelines or in poor soil conditions, TREELOCK® offers special ball anchoring systems with closed loops in defined lengths or open, adjustable versions (all without ground anchors). The anchor point is provided by appropriately sized steel meshes. The weight of the root ball and substrate acts as a counterbalance. Alternatively, components such as grass pavers, curbstones, or eyelets attached to concrete elements can be used. Special versions are partially available as bio-variants.
Features
Ensures secure stability even in poor soil conditions
Suitable for planting on underground garages, roofs, and built-up areas
Ideal for containers, e.g., for mobile greenery
Can be used near pipelines and channels
Suitable for loose soils and substrates
ANCHORING OPTIONS
1- Reinforcement mesh
2- Counterweight
3- Anchor point
Trudo Tower Eindhoven
The Trudo Tower in Eindhoven, designed by Italian architect Stefano Boeri, is a remarkable example of vertical greening. Each balcony of the 70-meter-high building hosts trees and plants, with over 5,200 shrubs and plants in total. This vegetation absorbs approximately 50 tons of CO₂ annually and produces around 13,750 kilograms of oxygen.
To ensure the stability of the trees on the balconies, the TREELOCK® OBJECT underground root ball anchoring system by GEFA was utilized. This system provides secure support even under challenging conditions, such as on underground garages, roofs, or built-up areas.
For more details about this project, refer to page 18 of the General Catalog.
The innovative concept of Bosco Verticale earned Italian architect Stefano Boeri and his firm, Boeri Studio, the International Highrise Award exactly ten years ago. Following the successful completion of the two rectangular towers that form the vertical forest in Milan, the concept was further developed in the Netherlands with the Trudo Tower.
Currently, a unique and innovative tower is under construction in the heart of Utrecht, blending urban living with nature. The Wonderwoods project consists of two green towers, standing 105 and 73 meters tall, designed by Stefano Boeri Architetti and MVSA Architects. The vertical forest features 360 trees and nearly 10,000 plants, absorbing 5,400 kg of CO₂ annually and producing over 41,400 kg of oxygen.
GEFA TREELOCK® BIO is the first underground anchoring system with biodegradable straps designed to secure trees up to 60 cm. The straps are made of biopolymers derived from renewable raw materials, specifically modified for use in soil.
Durability and Decomposition
As part of ongoing development, GEFA commissioned the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) to examine the durability of the selected materials. The tests were conducted according to DIN EN 12225. With a modified formula, GEFA successfully developed a strap that meets the required durability in the soil and complies with DIN EN 13432 standards for biodegradability. The strap is made of biopolymers derived from renewable raw materials and specifically adapted for soil applications. The straps have proven to decay over time, and even the metal components slowly dissolve through corrosion.
TREELOCK® BIO
STRAP MATERIAL BIODEGRADABLE
Thanks to the specially modified composition of the strap material tailored to our requirements, we can offer a bio-strap that securely anchors the tree for the required three years. Furthermore, the strap material meets the criteria for the "Seedling Label" from European Bioplastics e.V. This is an EU-wide certificate awarded by the designated certification organizations, DIN Certco and Vinçotte, through standardized procedures.
This compostability label may only be used by bioproducts that have been proven to be biodegradable according to the European standards DIN EN 13432 or DIN EN 14995. It was a long journey to find the optimal composition, which has now led us to TREELOCK® BIO. With this version of our GEFA TREELOCK® systems, GEFA Fabritz now offers additional innovative products for sustainable ecological horticulture and landscaping.
TREELOCK®
Various DIN standards and guidelines are met.
Due to its proven compostability, the base material of the strap complies with DIN EN 13432.
The TREELOCK® BIO complies with additional standards:
DIN EN 12225: Proof of microbiological resistance through a soil burial test
DIN 18916: Vegetation techniques in landscaping – Plants and planting work
Compliant: FLL – Recommendations for tree planting, Part 1
Compliant: FLL – ZTV (Standard Requirements) for large tree transplantation
Included in the set with mulch disc Ø 60 cm, BIO tension strap 2.50 m, 3 closed BIO anchor loops 0.60 m. Set without ground anchors. For use on underground garages, roofs, and built-up areas.
Tensile strength per anchor: 277 kg (light, natural soil, insertion depth 40 cm)*1, included in the set with mulch disc Ø 60 cm, BIO tension strap 2.50 m, 3 closed BIO anchor loops 0.70 m.
Tensile strength per anchor: 335 kg (light, natural soil, insertion depth 40 cm)*1, included in the set with mulch disc Ø 60 cm, BIO tension strap 2.50 m, 3 closed BIO anchor loops 1.10 m.
Tensile strength per anchor: 335 kg (light, natural soil, insertion depth 50 cm)*, included in the set with mulch disc Ø 80 cm, BIO tension strap 4.50 m, 3 closed BIO anchor loops 1.35 m.
Our internal sales team is happy to assist you in selecting the optimal solution for securing your young trees. You can contact us via our central hotline and/or central email. Katharina Heinrich, Wowa Schulteis, and Sadi Abu Hamoud are here to advise you.
