Managing the Root of the Problem | Part 3: Utilizing Root Management Systems
With clients often requiring complete life costing and other duty-of-care obligations, it is no longer acceptable to simply plant a tree in an urban setting with the hopes that its roots stay out of trouble. In this final article of the Managing the Root of the Problem series, we discuss current best practice techniques in urban tree […]
Managing the Root of the Problem | Part 2: Poor Root Management in Practice
In Part 2 of “Managing the Root of the Problem” series, we look at why specific examples of poor root management and show just how serious dysfunctional root systems can be. This post is primarily visual because sometimes words alone just can’t explain it. Poor root management has caused this tree’s root system to colonize immediately […]
Managing the Root of the Problem | Part 1: The Dilemma of Unmanaged Roots
Every year, millions of urban trees die prematurely or are removed due to infrastructure damage and/or public safety concerns caused by poorly managed roots. This problem is largely a result of improper planting techniques, and although specific causes vary, there are some particular issues that account for the majority of issues – one of which is dysfunctional […]
9 Reasons Our Cities Need Mature Urban Trees
Trees improve the livability of urban areas for many reasons. However for several years now, tree canopy in our cities and towns has been diminishing. Large mature trees which reach the end of their lives are frequently replaced with smaller species, or not at all. Then, replanted trees often struggle to establish and reach maturity due to […]
Underground Stormwater Storage with Structural Support Cells
Turning what most urban planners view as a threat into an opportunity is not easy. Extreme rainfall can have potentially catastrophic consequences – but they can also bring huge benefits if channeled properly. GreenBlue has invested many years into the research of urban tree development, and have designed proven systems to utilize stormwater and turn […]
The Process of Successful Tree Design
Urban tree populations in cities around the world are on the decline. For over 23 years, GreenBlue has performed research into why urban trees fail and what can be implemented to change this degeneration. Arming urban landscape professionals of all trades with proven urban tree planting methods and best practice techniques is the best way […]
Tree Roots in Soil Cells
At GreenBlue, we always advocate that below ground is what counts! Well in this visual research report, we prove how growing urban trees in soil cells is the most successful way to plant trees in paved surrounds. In 2011 our special ‘Tilia’ tree was planted in a hardscape paved area as part of a detailed research […]
How Much Soil Do Urban Trees Need?
Trees need appropriate amounts of loose, moist, well aerated, and uncompacted soil in order to mature in the urban environment. These conditions enable the tree’s roots to obtain nutrients, oxygen, and water – all essential for healthy tree growth. After defining in detail the soil requirements needed for healthy root growth in last week’s post, we […]
Successful Tree Pit Design
This slideshare arms landscape architects and urban designers with proven tree pit design methods to ensure the successful establishment of our urban tree canopy cover. The Process of Successful Tree Pit Design from GreenBlue Urban
Soil Under Pavement: Comparison of Methods
What is the best way to promote tree root growth in the soil under a sidewalk? It’s a question that landscape architects, urban planners, arborists, and related professionals from cities large and small have no doubt considered. A study being conducted by Bartlett Tree Experts, a third party tree research laboratory that performs various tree related […]