LTT SYSTEM LLC recently secured a major technological breakthrough with the issuance of U.S. Patent No. 12721285. This patent, titled ‘Spoon device, system and method for relocating and transplanting trees’, introduces an improved mechanism for safely extracting and moving large trees. Agricultural professionals and landscapers can now relocate mature trees with precision to minimize damage to the critical root ball structure.
Advanced Root Ball Preservation Technology
The innovation focuses on a new tree spoon system designed for complex relocation projects. The system uses carefully shaped spoon devices that penetrate the soil seamlessly to cradle the root system. Invented by Vann Underhill, this method allows operators to lift and transport large trees securely without the soil fracturing that often occurs with traditional spade methods. This setup ensures a higher survival rate for transplanted trees by keeping the surrounding soil and root ecology intact.
Patent of the Month Recognition
Because of its practical contribution to agricultural technology and sustainable landscaping practices, this invention won patent of the month for the Florida state for the month of October 2026 granted by Swanson Reed. The system presents a viable solution to the persistent challenges of urban development and environmental conservation. It provides commercial and municipal projects with the mechanical means to save and relocate mature trees rather than resorting to deforestation.
R&D Tax Credit Eligibility in the USA
The practical applications of this patent present strong opportunities for companies to claim the Research and Development (R&D) tax credit in the USA. Businesses in the landscaping, agriculture, and heavy machinery sectors that develop customized iterations of this spoon device or experiment with new hydraulic systems for its operation may qualify for these incentives. Eligible activities include testing the spoon device across different soil compositions, engineering modifications to support larger or uniquely shaped root structures, and conducting controlled trials to measure tree survival rates post-relocation. By investing in the continuous improvement of tree transplanting methodologies, companies are engaging in the technical problem-solving and systematic experimentation required to offset their innovation costs through federal and state R&D tax credits.
