Managing Roots

Within the beautiful landscape trends in urban areas lies one significant problem: root systems are destroying our cities’ infrastructures and utilities! Tree roots grow under sidewalks and asphalt causing millions of dollars each year in pavement repair and damage control.

There is no question that trees bring countless benefits to the urban lifestyle. Shade on the hot summer streets is just the beginning. Trees help to reduce energy usage, filter stormwater, remove air pollutants, and restrict carbon in our environment. If the root systems within those trees are impeded by concrete or asphalt, they suffer from irreparable stress, thus damaging the health of the trees and the concrete itself.

Creating green and blue space within the urban landscape is far more encompassing than planting trees and watering them regularly. The key to preventing long-term root system and infrastructure problems is using the proper planting techniques.  When applying meticulous care in this step of the process, trees flourish, and urban areas receive all their enduring benefits.

Due to the magnitude of root system problems, GreenBlue Urban has applied painstaking research to help developers take all the guesswork out of the planting process. Applying scientific solutions to manage root systems can save cities endless headaches and repairs. And you now have access to this research free of charge! Simply download it here: https://greenblue.com/na/resource-centre/managing-the-root-of-the-problem/

 

The ultimate purpose of creating green and blue space in an urban setting is to perpetuate the earth and bring into our environments the health and beauty that a natural setting affords. Allow those trees to leave the indelible mark on our cities that we all deserve. Download your free copy of GreenBlue Urban’s research and start planting wisely today!

The Dirtiest Drop: Rethinking Rain in Our Cities

For decades, the way we designed drainage in our towns and cities followed a simple principle: get water away from

Importance of preparing cities for ‘El Nino’ climate events

A ‘Super El Niño’ is set to make 2027 one of the hottest years on record, with temperatures potentially exceeding

Why Water, Soil and Landscape Must Shape Future Development

What stood out at UKREiiF 2026, across a range of sessions and conversations, was how often different speakers and disciplines

Raingardens That Perform

Raingardens are designed to manage rainfall where it lands. Instead of sending water straight into underground pipes, they slow, store

How to Build an Urban Tree

Urban tree populations in cities around the world are under pressure. Despite the clear benefits trees bring, including cooling streets,

Root Girdling and Why Context Matters

When the phrase root girdling appears in a specification meeting or planning discussion, it tends to stop the conversation cold.

Planting Is Easy. Keeping Trees Alive Is the Work.

One of the biggest challenges facing the urban greening industry today is how we respond effectively to the accelerating climate

Creating Moments to Pause with Spring Blossoms

Planting a tree is often framed as an act of optimism, a gesture toward a greener, more hopeful future. But

The Three Keys to Successful SuDS Implementation

Sustainable Drainage Systems (SuDS) are most effective when they are treated as a core part of urban design rather than

The Critical Role of Interlocking Soil Cells in Urban Tree Infrastructure

Designing urban landscapes that successfully support both healthy tree growth and the structural needs of pavements, pathways, and vehicle areas