Urban trees often struggle to reach maturity in streetscape projects, why is this?

Urban trees struggle because they don't have the necessary growing conditions. Let's consider for a minute how trees are planted in urban projects. When trees are planted along a roadway, the design typically calls for leaving a four-by-four or six-by-six foot opening in the sidewalk for a tree to be planted. In this opening, the soil is very compacted so that the sidewalk doesn't settle. The soil is often heavy clay and is mixed with stone, and there is a very limited amount of soil volume for the root system to grow in. These typical planting conditions are not conducive to root growth, which leads to tree fatality.

How do you provide growing conditions for trees so that they can reach maturity in urban environments?

First and foremost is good healthy, uncompacted soil. For trees to thrive, they must have sufficient soil volume for the root system to grow. We often say, "if we look after the soil, the soil will look after the tree." By incorporating a soil cell system, we provide a space below the pavement for soil so that the tree's root system has room to grow. Think of this as an underground planter. Other considerations are providing soil aeration and irrigation to the root system. This is accomplished by providing inlets that allow the soil to breathe and allow moisture to reach the root system. Our ArborSystem® is designed to provide all the components trees require to thrive and reach maturity in urban environments.

 
Are there any trends that you are seeing with Landscape Architects incorporating soil cell systems in urban redevelopments?

Absolutely, as more and more cities are seeing the advantage of increased urban tree canopy and implementing urban tree planting standards, it is becoming standard practice to incorporate soil cell systems so the trees can reach maturity.

What is your process of working with Landscape Architects?

When incorporating ArborSystem® into urban projects, we start by meeting with the Landscape Architects to get an understanding and vision for the project. This includes reviewing the site layout, tree species selection, pavement design and materials, underground utilities, and municipality requirements for soil volume and planting areas. From there we provide the Landscape Architect with a proposed layout and section details for review. When the design review is complete, we provide the Landscape Architect with project-specific CAD details, specifications, and budgetary pricing. By providing the Landscape Architect with project-specific plans and specifications, they can be assured that they are specifying a complete system that will work seamlessly in their design.

Can you tell me about the different project types your ArborSystem® can be installed in?

We have seen the benefits of our ArborSystem® in streetscapes, plazas, outdoor dining areas, outdoor classrooms, and parks.

What makes ArborSystem® unique from the competition?

The biggest advantages are the strength, soil volume, and interconnected design of our RootSpace® Soil Cell System. When specifying RootSpace®, you are getting the greatest usable volume of soil in the smallest excavation along with the greatest strength. This all equates to the lowest overall installed cost for soil cells systems.

How have the designs of your soil cells changed over the years?

When GreenBlue Urban developed the world's first modular soil cell system, RootCell®, in 2001, it was a very small module, measuring 10 inches wide by 10 inches high by 4 inches deep. As an understanding of soil volume was realized, we increased the size of modules to allow for greater soil volume. Our flagship product, RootSpace®, is available in 20 inches wide by 20 inches high by 16 or 20 inches deep. These modules can be stacked to provide greater soil depth.