{"id":131692,"date":"2024-05-08T16:29:34","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T15:29:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greenblue.com\/?p=131692"},"modified":"2024-05-09T08:43:50","modified_gmt":"2024-05-09T07:43:50","slug":"comparing-tree-planting-media-a-comprehensive-overview","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greenblue.com\/gb\/comparing-tree-planting-media-a-comprehensive-overview\/","title":{"rendered":"Comparing Tree Planting Media: A Comprehensive Overview"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tree planting is a crucial aspect of urban development, offering numerous environmental, aesthetic, and health benefits. However, the success of tree-planting initiatives heavily depends on the choice of planting media. In this blog, we will delve into various tree planting systems, including soil cells, Stockholm tree pits, tree sand, and raft systems, comparing their features, advantages, and environmental considerations.<\/p>\n

Soil Cells:<\/strong>
\nSoil cells are load-bearing soil support systems<\/a><\/strong> designed to prevent soil compaction while providing ample rooting space for trees. RootSpace<\/strong><\/span><\/a>, a market leader manufactured solely in the UK, offers 97% root-accessible volume, making it ideal for large-volume tree pits. Additionally, it can be used in paved and vehicular trafficked areas with minimal surface coverage. Soil cells, such as RootSpace, can also serve as stormwater treatment systems, storing rainwater, filtering pollutants and nourishing trees. The patented airflow lid ensures proper soil aeration, promoting tree health. RootSpace’s use of UK-sourced recycled materials and its BBA & EPD certification highlights its high strength and environmental sustainability. Furthermore, in 2021 GreenBlue introduced RootSpace Ocean<\/strong><\/a>, using post-fishing waste (nets, ropes and rigid plastic), undergoing a process of extrusion, washing, drying and separation before being cut into pellets ready for production.<\/p>\n

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RootSpace manufacturing. Made in the UK from 100% recycled and recyclable material.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stockholm Tree Pits:<\/strong>
\nThe Stockholm tree pit methodology, developed in Sweden, utilises aggregate stone as a structural component to support paved surfaces, with soil-filled gaps for root growth. However, the usable soil fraction is limited to approximately 20% of the total volume, necessitating larger tree pits compared to soil cell systems. Installation can be time-consuming, requiring on-site mixing and additional considerations such as biochar supplementation. Environmental concerns arise from the extraction of suitable stone and freight movement, impacting the product’s carbon footprint.<\/p>\n

Compactable Tree Sand:<\/strong>
\nOriginally popular but now declining in use, compactable tree sand consists of a sand-based mix with traces of composted green waste. Installed in layers and compacted, it must strike a delicate balance to avoid impeding root growth or causing pavement deformation. Challenges such as low nutrient levels and loss of tree health and vigour have contributed to its decreased popularity.<\/p>\n

Raft Systems:<\/strong>
\nRaft systems involve a 150mm deep layer of sand serving as a base structure for pavement, distributing load while ensuring adequate planting media for tree roots. Care must be taken during installation to prevent compaction and maintain a conducive environment for root growth. Similar to compactable tree sand, raft systems face challenges related to nutrient levels and root health.<\/p>\n