Four startup businesses were awarded financial assistance from the State of Iowa, including an Akron-based company that makes protective covers for newly planted trees. Inventor Bill Brown says his product, called a TreePan, is made of recycled plastic.
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About half of all newly planted trees don’t live longer than two years. Brown believes his invention will give new trees a better chance of survival as it directs more water to the plant’s root system. Brown says TreePans are unique for several reasons.
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Brown envisions nurseries, orchids, and municipalities will be interested in his product. He expects each TreePan will retail for $84.
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The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board awarded TreePans with a $100,000 loan to help launch the product.