LANDSCAPING SERVICES
INCORPORATING TREES
INTO URBAN DESIGNS
From filtering urban pollutants that aid the offset of carbon emissions , to improving individuals ’ mental and physical wellbeing , the installation of living trees as part of urban environments continues to be extremely popular .
Here Chris George , Business Development Manager at Howe Green , explores the key considerations that landscaping professionals should address at the initial design stages to ensure the highest standards of safety , functionality and aesthetics .
When planting trees or saplings into urban environments , ensuring adequate root management , achieving regular access to water and maintaining the soil condition must be considered at the very beginning of a project .
One of the most cost effective and efficient methods of incorporating living trees into landscaped areas is the installation of external tree pits and tree grilles .
Benefits of tree pits Featuring impressive structural integrity , stainless steel external covers ensure the tree roots are securely contained within the tree root ball . This removes the opportunity for roots to spread up and across the landscape , eliminating any potential damage to the paved flooring and subsequent trip hazards .
The addition of lifting keys can also provide safe and secure access to the tree root ball for regular maintenance , in addition to concealed entry to any required electrics , valves and pumps , without impacting the overall aesthetic of the scheme .
They also provide long term resistance to rust and corrosion to deliver increased longevity and resilience , whilst also successfully alleviating the potentially negative effects an urban environment can have on a living organism .
From a design perspective , tree pits and tree grilles can also remove the
requirement for slither cuts of stone , which often leads to recurrent and costly breakages .
In practice The entrances to Heathrow Terminal 5 Departures and Arrivals Halls are framed by a series of trees installed in a linear formation across the hard landscaped exterior .
The brief required a series of tree pits and tree grilles that featured uplighters , whilst also offering easy maintenance , without the need to close the area to passengers to minimise any potential disruption .
To fulfil these requirements , up to 30 of Howe Green ’ s 7500 Series Tree Pits and Tree Grilles in stainless steel were specified to provide the highest standards in functionality and aesthetics .
For further information on Howe Green ’ s complete range of tree pit covers and tree grilles , visit www . howegreen . com or call 01920 463230
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