Discussing the Basics of Root Management
Whilst tree roots can grow deep into the ground, most tree species that we plant in the UK streets are relatively shallow rooting (most of the roots within the top one metre) – depending on the geology. It is these rooting patterns that tend to cause long term problems with surrounding hard surfaces, but tree […]
Who is responsible for Maintaining our Public Trees?
During times of economic crisis, budgets for local authority landscape maintenance have always been under threat. Viewed as a “nice to have” rather than a critical necessity, many local councils facing funding cuts year on year have had to reduce maintenance to testing to minimise future liability claims – but little or no money for […]
Are you Celebrating Clean Air Day?
Back in June 2019, communities came together to ensure Clean Air Day was a huge success. Over 600 events were organised by schools, universities, volunteer groups, businesses, families and friends; thousands of people stood up and spoke out to educate and build awareness on the damaging effects air pollution is having on our health. With […]
Introducing Hydraulic Modelling Guidance for GreenBlue Stormwater Solutions
GreenBlue Urban are pleased to announce the release of our new Hydraulic Modelling Guidance – MicroDrainage Guide in association with McCloy Consulting. We would like to thank the authors of this document and extend our gratitude to Michael Rea; Paul Singleton and to the Project Manager, Anthony McCloy. This document has been created to provide […]
The Barbican: Green Space in the Heart of London
Sited in the heart of the current City of London, the Barbican development represents a fascinating study on creating an urban town within a city. Construction commenced in 1965 to replace an area known as Cripplegate, which was almost totally destroyed during the Blitz, and it was decided to rebuild the 35 acre site as […]
Celebrating Southwark’s Urban Forest Assets
A recent inventory of the trees in the London Borough of Southwark as managed by the tree officers has revealed an estimated economic value of the urban forest at an outstanding £165 million. Tree officers are often recognised as ‘custodians of the urban forest’, managing the public tree estate for the common good. The study, […]
Will we see tree-lined streets on all new developments?
Since MP Mr Chris Clarkson brought a Private Members Bill to the House of Commons on 15th July that wishes to enforce the planting of tree-lined streets on all new developments, the Government has indicated that it intends to make this law. The Housing Secretary, MP Robert Jenrick has made it clear that although planning […]
The Case of Structural Soil vs Soil Cells
Successful urban trees need more than space above ground. Below the surface, they need access to sufficient volumes of nutrient-rich, moist, well-aerated and uncompacted soil if they are going to establish, mature and deliver their intended benefits over the long term. The difficulty is that streets and public spaces have very different requirements. Pavements, roads […]
Which Soil Cell do I use?
With an influx of Tree Planting mediums in recent years, we take a look at the history, benefits and where they are best used. The methodologies used in urban tree planting have been refined over the past twenty-five years, but the principles remain – room to grow above and below ground, uncompacted soil, air and […]
Driving Toward a Greener Future with ArborCharge
One question that is on many minds is “what will our towns and cities look like in the future”? Well, nobody knows, but one thing is sure – it’s going to be different from what we have been used to. There seems to be little doubt that pedestrians and cyclists will have higher priority than […]