GREEN & BLUE INFRASTRUCTURE
Green-tech involvement : Callum Bain-Mackay , lead designer from Grant Horticulture approached Green-tech for the best way to get the optimal rooting volume for the tree pits , within the tight space constraints of the property .
The original thought was to use Green-tech ’ s sandwich-construction TreeRaft ®, but the lack of space made this impractical . The new TreeParker ® Urban Tree Pit System was therefore suggested as this would involve less digging out laterally of the existing ground .
The initial landscape plan was for separate tree pits for each tree , but after review , Green-tech suggested one long trench . This offered two advantages over individual tree pits . Firstly , trees are quite happy to share space , so if we can provide them with one larger pit to share , the roots can borrow space from the other trees , in effect gaining more rooting volume . Secondly , by only excavating one trench , you can save time and labour costs over four individual pits .
The TreeParker ® system comprises rigid , modular units made from reinforced , recycled polypropylene . These units do a vital job in enabling the ground above a tree pit to be trafficked , supporting the paving above ( up to 56t / m2 ), whilst at the same time protecting the soil below from compaction . This means that rather than having to use a fastdraining and low organic structural
tree soil , we can use our specially blended , Green-tree Geocell topsoil , which is friable and organic - ideal for successful tree establishment .
The TreeParker ® units , although highly rigid , still provide 95 % of their volume for rooting space . The heavy-duty , reinforced legs are available in various heights from the factory ; 400 , 600 , 800mm , and 1 , 1.2 , 1.5m . This gives a previously unheard-of flexibility with depth options . It also enables the units , to easily straddle , or work around service pipes and lines .
Although TreeParker ® has been used extensively in high-profile projects throughout Europe Grant Horticulture is the first company in the UK to install the system which was launched by UK distributor Green-tech earlier this year .
As this was the first install Green-tech was on hand to advise Callum , Grant Horticulture ’ s Senior Designer , and his team on the installation process , and even offered hands-on help !
The team was very impressed with the speed and ease with which the units went in . Even when several unexpected service pipes were discovered running through the trench this didn ’ t pose a problem . The individual support legs of the units straddled the pipes , providing an easy workaround . The adjustability of the units is further enhanced by being able to be linked directly , with 50 or 75mm spacers , or even stand alone .
Green-tech supplied 40 tonnes of Geocell topsoil and Green-tree subsoil along with Mona Relief irrigation pipes and tree anchors systems .
Callum Bain-Mackay comments , “ We have worked with Green-tech for several years , mainly for supplies , not anything quite as big as this . They were happy to spend time explaining the system , bringing units over for us to see first-hand , providing technical drawings , and generally being supportive , with nothing being too much trouble . TreeParker ® is definitely something we will use for future tree pits .”
Green-tech ’ s Specification Advisor Alasdair Innes adds , “ TreeParker ® is an exciting development for the urban landscape market , and it was fantastic to have the first UK mainland job happen right on our doorstep here in Harrogate . It was a pleasure to work with a local landscape company such as Grant Horticulture , and a great bonus to be able to be involved with the installation . We ’ re looking forward to seeing the trees flourishing in the final refurbished property .”
For more details of any products or a copy of the latest catalogue ( digital or hard copy ), call the Greentech team on 01423 332 100 or email sales @ green-tech . co . uk
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