How ArborPave+ is saving trees in urban environments.
Trees within dense urban environments like cities and areas of high pedestrian traffic serve very important roles both aesthetically and practically. Trees in these environments can bring an otherwise lifeless, concrete landscape of dull greys to life which improves the appeal of nearby locations. Additionally, these trees provide well-documented improvements in temperature reduction, especially when it comes to combatting the Urban Heat Island effect that plagues cities and urban environments. Streetside trees greatly assist with cooling the surface underneath the canopy by 10C – 25C depending on location and the amount of canopy space provided by the trees. As you can see, urban trees bring a lot of benefits to the table when it comes to streetside planting. So…what exactly is the issue then?
The Problem.
Limited access to water & nutrients.
Trees in urban spaces surrounded by pavement, concrete or other non-permeable surfaces often struggle to find and supply themselves with sufficient sources of nutrients and water due to the high amounts of non-permeable surfacing that covers most of their roots, thus significantly reducing the ability for the soil to replenish their nutrients from rainfall. This is the same thing as expecting a tree to get water while holding an umbrella over it. This inability to locate substantial sources of water and nutrients frequently stunts the growth of streetside trees and leaves them incredibly vulnerable to attack from both pests and diseases. This often leaves many trees in dense urban settings with a sickly appearance and requires them to receive more maintenance then others to check for disease and pests because of it. There is a solution to this ever-present problem however.
The Solution.
Permeable tree surround surfaces.
Permeable tree surrounds such as ArborPave+ provide the most optimal solution to solving this re-occurring problem with urban tree planting. By surrounding trees with permeable paving, you provide trees (and the soil underneath) greater access to both water and nutrients without reducing the amount of walkable space available to pedestrians. This leads to stronger growth and better resilience against pest infestations and diseases, which coincidently leads to a healthier looking tree that further improves property values further.
So what else can ArborPave+ do better then traditional non-permeable paving options like concrete? The flexible nature of the material pairs exceptionally well with trees in urban environments as the material is capable of bending and expanding, to a reasonable degree, without cracking. This is incredibly useful around the large roots that often grow around the base of the tree as it reaches maturity and makes the task of repairing any potential damage a lot easier. Furthermore, permeable surfaces like ArborPave+ are incredibly easy to clean and maintain and any damages caused to the surface of the product can be easily repaired by simply applying fresh product over the existing broken/damaged parts.
Key Features:
- Permeable surface introduces a larger influx of water and nutrients into the soil layer below, strengthening the tree.
- Easily maintainable surface. Easily cleaned with pressure washers.
- Damaged surface can be repaired by patching the damaged area without having to rip up the entire surface unlike concrete.
- The flexible nature of ArborPave+ allows the material to expand and contract without cracking, which makes it ideal for surfaces prone to rapid shifts in temperature.
If you would like similar improvements for your own property, please feel free to contact us here. Alternatively, feel free to peruse our other works by checking out our gallery here or look at some of our other articles that dictate how our products can improve the value, safety and aesthetic appeal of your home!
