1. science
2. ecology
3. pollution

4
Green BuilDing Reference Manual
AERATION, DEEP WATERING &
TREE GUYING SYSTEMS
A publication of GreenBlue Infrastructure Solutions
This booklet forms part of the Green Building Reference Manual
for promotion of sustainable urban spaces
Designed to assist landscape architects, civil engineers and consulting arborists, each booklet
addresses a key aspect of achieving healthy tree growth in urban contexts. Scientific and technical
issues are outlined then linked with available solutions and implementation.
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Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
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4.1
Aeration and Deep
Watering
Systems
Key issues
Sufficient oxygen, water and nutrients are essential for healthy root
growth and therefore healthy trees. If soil gets too wet, the voids between
soil particles become filled with water and the root hairs cannot absorb
oxygen. Over time the roots ‘drown’ which eventually may also kill the tree.
Compacted soil can be as disastrous as excessive water for trees, restricting both
oxygen and water.
In the natural state, the most abundant supply of water, nutrients and oxygen
are usually found in the surface layer of soil. In general as depth increases, soil
compaction increases and the availability of water, minerals and oxygen all
decrease. Water may be available at greater depths if rainfall is high, ground water
is available or water is moving horizontally through sandy soils from water sources.
The water from efficient tree irrigation is required not only for all the biochemical
processes involved in photosynthesis, respiration and transport, but also for
mechanical support to leaf and stem tissue. Insufficient (or inefficient) tree watering
will result in loss of leaf turgor and a consequent reduction in new shoot extension.
Eventually this will lead to die-back and, if not remedied, the loss of the tree.
Oxygen may also be available at depth if the soil is not compacted and the action
of earthworms has created tunnels through which oxygen can flow. Tree roots will
grow near the surface unless adequate water and air is available below ground.
Fig 4.1.1
Fig 4.1.1 - Surface watering of trees can
promote shallow root growth and water
wastage due to evaporation and runoff.
A perforated piping system delivers water
and oxygen directly to the primary rooting
zone.
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Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
Aeration and Deep
Watering Methods
One method for providing both the
necessary water and air to the tree roots
involves the use of a perforated flexible
piping system. At the time a tree is being
planted, the pipe may be looped around
the rootball within the immediate rooting
zone of the new tree, and also in the outer
rooting zone, looped throughout the root
cell matrix. The pipe is then connected
to an inlet located at the tree pit surface.
This method may be adapted for use
beside roadside verges and open space
tree planting or in heavily trafficked areas.
Fig 4.1.2
Fig 4.1.2 - Perforated piping system delivers water and nutrients evenly to the
tree root ball, without loss due to runoff or evaporation.
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WSUD (Water
Sensitive Urban
Design) or SUDS
(Sustainable
Urban Design
Solutions). There
are many ways
of harvesting
stormwater for
healthy trees in
cities.
Local climate and energy
use—“Trees infl uence
thermal comfort, energy
use, and air quality by
providing shade,
transpiring moisture, and
reducing wind speeds. The
establishment of 100
million mature trees
around residences in the
United States is said to
save about $2 billion
annually in reduced energy
costs.”
Sustaining America’s
Urban Forest
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Ultimately, tree size is relative to available
soil volume, oxygen and nutrients in
the soil and moisture holding capacity,
transpiration rates, watering regimes,
besides genetic and other environmental
factors.
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
Soil quality—“Trees and other
plants help remediate soils at
landfi lls and other contaminated
sites by absorbing, transforming,
and containing a number of
contaminants.”
(Westphal and Isebrands 2001).
Sustaining America’s Urban
Forest
The inlet enables a water hose to be attached when water is needed. The rest of
the time the pipe, being looped in a circuit, allows air to flow passively through the
system and around the roots of the tree. Changes in air pressure above ground
are also accommodated. This arrangement enables long deep watering over the
entire root system and the opportunity for the soil to dry between watering, which is
better for trees than frequent light watering. Fig 4.2.2
Fig 4.2.2 - Arborvent inlets are used for aeration and supplementary watering and nutrient supply.
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
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A range of irrigation systems are available to meet different requirements allowing
water and air through but preventing ingress of litter and debris; brushcutter
resilient; vandal resistant; architectural appeal; heavy duty for permanent
installations. Fig 4.2.3
Fig 4.2.3 - Aeration Pipe is inserted in Strata Cell® Matrix.
The RootRain aeration and irrigation product is an integrated component of the
GreenBlue urban tree system, providing essential water and oxygen exchange
within the tree’s root zone. Available in a number of styles, the range consists of;
Rootrain Urban, Civic, Precinct and ArborVent.
Resistance
of soil to root
penetration, or soil
compaction, will
affect tree root
growth.
“Conflicts between tree root
growth and hardscape cost
Californians economically,
environmentally,
aesthetically, and socially.
Not only are millions of
dollars spent to remedy the
problem, but sometimes the
remedies result in the loss
of other benefits that
healthy, large-statured
shade trees could be
providing. Clearly, this is a
lose-lose situation that
calls for increased
collaboration in the
management of the gray
and green infrastructure,
as well as research and
development of costeffective strategies to retain
benefits from a healthy
street tree population while
reducing costs associated
with root-sidewalk
conflicts.”
Journal of Arboriculture
26(6): November 2000
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Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
RootRain Urban
•
•
•
•
•
Benefits
RootRain Urban is a large capacity irrigation system with a fixed non-removable
grid inlet. The grid allows water and air through but prevents ingress of litter and debris.
Large capacity 60mm
watering circuit
The RootRain Urban is particularly suited to roadside verge and open space tree
planting. The inlets are strimmer resistant and can be set below mowing machine
height. They have very little vandal appeal and no theft value, making them ideal for
housing estates and public areas.
Easy and quick installation
Cost effective on the largest
or smallest schemes
Extremely vandal resistant
Discreet and unobtrusive
appearance
Product
Diameter D
No. of Inlets
Product Code
Rootrain Urban
895mm
1
RRURB1
Rootrain Urban
1790mm
2
RRURB2
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
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RootRain Civic
Benefits
The RootRain Civic is a very well proven large capacity irrigation system which has
a vandal resistant inlet with a powder-coated aluminium cap on a retainer chain.
Popular with landscape architects and contractors, the Civic has been widely used
on projects demanding a high level of specification.
•
•
•
•
Large capacity 60mm
watering circuit
Vented aluminium cap on
retainer chain
Prevents debris entering
irrigation system
Quick and easy to install
Product
Diameter D
No. of Inlets
Product Code
Rootrain Civic
895mm
1
RRCIV1
Rootrain Civic
1790mm
2
RRCIV2
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Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
RootRain Precinct & ArborVent
Benefits
•
•
•
•
•
Heavy cast LM6 grade
aluminium/bronze inlet
withstands high loads
Cast aluminium/bronze vent lid
permanently attached to inlet by
stainless steel fitting
The RootRain Precinct and ArborVent kits are for central urban locations requiring a
permanent irrigation/aeration solution and heavy duty cast-alloy inlet. The Precinct
inlet has a round-shaped top, and the ArborVent inlet has a square-shaped top.
The RootRain Precinct and ArborVent series have been specially designed to
interlock with our range of integrated tree grilles. This provides a tamper resistant
system that will also prevent the inlet sinking as a result of any soil settlement
around the tree.
Lid lifts and swings to one side
for fast irrigation
New grilled inlet which
twist-locks into Greenleaf’s
range of cast iron tree grilles
Can be used in conjunction with
Arboresin porous bound gravel
Product
Diameter D
No. of Inlets
Product Code
Rootrain Precinct
895mm
1
RRCIV1
Rootrain Precinct
1790mm
2
RRCIV2
Rootrain Precinct
3580mm
4
RRPREC4
Rootrain Arborvent
895mm
1
RRARBV1
Rootrain Arborvent
1790mm
2
RRARBV2
Rootrain Arborvent
3580mm
4
RRARBV4
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
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Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
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4.2
TREE
SUPPORT
Key issues
Until they become established, trees may require support
to hold them upright particularly trees that are very tall
in relation to their root ball. Indeed urban trees may be
subjected to extremely high winds, one aspect of the
‘canyon effect’. Urban canyons are created by streets
cutting through dense blocks of structure, especially
skyscrapers, causing the channelling and acceleration
of wind speeds. Winds can be strong enough to knock a
person over, blow objects around, and even pull glass from
windows during stormy weather. Trees planted in such
locations need assistance until their roots become well
established.
The provision of some kind of support avoids the risk of the root
ball moving in the ground, which prevents the establishment of new
roots. Various alternatives are used including staking and rootball
anchorage, or guying.
Fig 4.2.1 - Healthy Shade Trees enhance residential estates (left).
Fig 4.2.2 - Trees in road build outs Germany.
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4.3
Providing TREE
SUPPORT
Staking
Staking is the most common method however care must be taken to
avoid damage to roots, trunks and lower branches. Ties should only be
used at a height of between 1/3 and a ½ of the height of the sapling in
conjunction with stakes. Ties should be broad and soft and many varieties
are available including biodegradable hessian webbing. Any material that
could cut into the bark of the tree must be avoided. Place ties high enough
to stabilise the tree but low enough to allow some trunk movement. Fig 4.3.1
If plastic or rubber tree ties are used, these must be checked regularly during the
maintenance period and removed as soon as the tree has established its own
anchorage.
Rootball anchorage
Root ball anchorage, or guying, is an aesthetically pleasing option, particularly for
trees that are upright and strong, have large root balls or are planted on sites with
uncompacted, loose fill. This method prevents the root ball from moving until new
roots grow into the surrounding soil to provide support for the tree and avoids
the need for above ground staking which in some cases can be undesirable or
hazardous.
The root ball is held in position by ties attached to stakes or anchors driven into
the base of the tree pit. Individual or groups of trees can be anchored in this largely
invisible manner.
Guying is often used to provide stability for the establishing root system of
transplanted trees with a large trunk diameter (greater than 4 inches). Three guys
are attached to the tree and anchored in the ground. Anchors may be wooden
or metal stakes, land anchors, or “deadman” (a wooden beam or concrete block
placed 2–3 ft below the soil surface).
Staking and guying will not damage trees if done correctly. However, it is most
important to remove such systems promptly, probably after one season. The risk is
that a tree will not develop a sturdy, flexible trunk with a proper tapering shape from
base to top if supported for too long. Rootball anchorage is a longer lasting method
which does no damage to the tree and might actually improve its root growth.
Trees often
perform poorly
when planted
in areas with
impermeable
surfaces, suffering
stress from lack of
water and air. This
can be overcome
by provision
of aeration
circuits with
pavement inlets,
or permeable
pavements.
Air quality—“Trees
improve air quality by
lowering air temperatures,
altering emissions from
building energy use and
other sources, and
removing air pollutants
through their leaves.
Urban trees in the
conterminous United States
remove some 784,000 tons
of air pollution annually,
with a value of $3.8
billion.”
(Nowak et al. 2006).
Sustaining America’s
Urban Forest
16 www.greenblue.com | GreenBlue Infrastructure Solutions
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
Arborguy
Benefits
•
•
•
•
•
A guying system to fully
complement Greenleaf tree
packages
Designed for trees in the urban
and rural environments
An effective and out of sight
method in preference to tree
staking
Securing large rootballed trees
The method of securing trees has many advantages over staking and
is suitable for large root-balled trees. The Rootball is held in position by
driving three anchors in the base of the tree pit and fastening the Arborguy
rachet strap as shown.
If required, the system can be re-tensioned at a later date.
Strapping will not cut the
rootball - no mats or timber
required
Anchors are available in both
plastic and metal options
Strap to be threaded through rings, over rootball, into rachet tensioner and tensioned as necessary
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
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Arborguy deadman
guying system
The Arborguy ‘deadman’ system is ideal
where there is a risk of undergound
utilities in the immediate vacinity of the
tree pit.
As shown in the diagram, three
deadman anchors (heavy timers) are
placed in the base of the tree pit in a
triangle shape to secure the wires to.
Arborguy kit
Arborguy composite anchor
For each of the three cables, loop
the D ring end of each cable through
the wire loop on the opposite end to
create a slip knot noose. This noose is
then positioned over the end of each
of the three deadman anchors and
tensioned up in the centre. Once this
has been done in the centre of each
of the deamen (three times), the nylon
webbing passes through the small
loop on the end of each cable and is
ratcheted up tight over the top of the
rootball.
Arborguy anchor system, plus complete installation tool kits available
Product
Code
Arborguy strapped medium anchor system with drive in, heavy duty composite anchors.
Includes webbing strap and rachet tensioner. Suitable for trees up to 20cm girth.
SASMP
Arborguy strapped large anchor system with drive in heavy-duty composite anchors.
Includes webbing strap and ratchet tensioner. Suitable for trees up to 40cm girth.
SASLP
Arborguy strapped anchor deadman guying system, supplied with 3 slip knot guys,
webbing strap and ratchet tensioner. For trees up to 40cm in girth.
SASDMA
Tool kit for installation of SASM systems – including extra length drive rod, drive rod rammer,
setting tool and drive rod pull out tool.
SASKITXMA
Tool kit for installation of SASL systems – including extra length drive rod, drive rod rammer,
setting tool and drive rod pull out tool.
SASKITLA
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Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
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The
GREENBLUE
STORY
GreenBlue was established to provide engineered green building solutions based on sound research
into urban sustainability. Our solutions have proved to be current best practice in their field, endorsed
by professional organizations around the globe.
The GreenBlue Name
Our name reflects our passion – to help make our cities more
sustainable. From our dedication to research and development and
hands-on experience in the field has come a firm belief that there
are ways of successfully integrating ‘green utilities’ – trees, soil and
water – into urban design to make our cities greener and more
liveable.
The GreenBlue Vision
Our company vision embraces a world where sustainable green
space is within reach of every person, every day – and natural
resources are utilized (not wasted) for the benefit of mankind.
Trees in Cities
One of the key focus areas of GreenBlue is green utilities. Trees
as green utilities play a major role in maintaining sustainable
ecosystems in our cities and should take precedence in urban
planning and design if we, and our generations to come, are to
reap the benefits.
Aiming to significantly improve urban planting success and
increase urban forest canopy, GreenBlue researched the reasons
for premature mortality in urban trees and poor tree growth in
urban environments. We identified the key issues, devised
solutions and designed practical products and systems.
Successfully!
Green Walls
Included in the GreenBlue range of green building products is the
European brand of green wall trellis systems – Brandmeier Green
Walls. This innovative range opens up a whole new dimension to
your urban landscape designs.
Greening of facades, pergolas and garden spaces is an
ecologically sound method of taking your project beyond the
ordinary. Greening of compacted urban landscapes and
brownfield sites has an ever increasing importance.
Global Partners - Combined Experience
Collaboration with global research and distribution partners over the last two decades has
placed GreenBlue systems at the cutting edge of sustainable tree pit solutions for cities.
GreenBlue works closely with renowned European organizations such as Greenleaf (United
Kingdom, Germany, Ireland, and Spain) and Scandinavian company Milford (Denmark) and is
quickly becoming the North American and Australasian market leader in specialist green
technology systems.
Local authorities, arboriculturists, landscape architects, civil engineers and other related
professionals increasingly collaborate with GreenBlue in implementing current best practice in
green technology. As the industry market leader in specialist green building products, we are
able to offer the results of 18 years of frontline experience in the field, exhaustive
research, product development and field trials. Our support service, unrivalled in the tree
planting world, can help you to achieve your vision.
Research and Development
Testing of pavement above and
adjacent to structural soil cell treepits.
400 passes on pavement and 200
passes on sidewalk failed to induce
any measurable pavement collapse.
Ongoing research and development is a key to the growth of GreenBlue, with knowledge
gained in laboratories and field collaboration construction sites being shared with industry
partners. As a company, GreenBlue pursues the current boundaries of design relentlessly to
bring to the market proven engineered green building systems that provide optimum
solutions for urban planners.
Training and Accreditation
Long term success of engineered green building systems is directly impacted by the
quality of installation. Not only is the health of trees and shrubs but also pavement
integrity and storm water function in danger of compromise, with potentially dire
consequences, if installers are not competent in best practice installation.
For this reason, GreenBlue has developed a unique accredited e-learning program.
Installers may complete this comprehensive training course online to gain Arborsystem
accreditation. This accreditation status is part of the prerequisite package for product
warranty recognition and is further evidence of the dedication of GreenBlue to the Green
Building Industry.
Trees with aggressive root systems
have been planted in GreenBlue root
management and soil cell systems,
and excavated for research.
Technical Support
GreenBlue strives to provide world class support for designers and installers of the various
green building systems available. Complete suites of drawing files in 2D CAD format and PDF
are available to designers, free of charge.
Detailed product and installation specifications are available for inclusion in project designs,
many of which are fully editable. GreenBlue consultants are also able to obtain independent
engineering advice on behalf of clients, utilizing qualified engineers with key experience in the
use of GreenBlue green building systems.
GreenBlue invests in physical,
laboratory testing - for verified
structural data, and development of
cutting edge green building systems.
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
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green
Accreditation—
EARN LEED POINTS BY
USING GREENBLUE
STRATACELL® MODULES
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) is an
internationally recognized green building certification system,
providing third-party verification that a building or community
has been designed and built using strategies intended to
improve performance. Metrics used include the following:
energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction,
improved indoor/outdoor environmental quality, and
stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts.
Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), LEED is
intended to provide building owners and operators a concise
framework for identifying and implementing practical and
measurable green building design, construction, operations and
maintenance solutions.
Widely accepted in North America and Canada, LEED uses a
points-based system to guide design and measure performance.
The higher the number of points awarded to a building or
community, the higher its assessed sustainability. Not only is this
expected to increase asset value and reduce operating costs, in
many cities, LEED ratings qualify for tax rebates, zoning allowances
and other incentives.
Using GreenBlue StrataCell® Modules can help clients earn
additional points in the categories of: creating sustainable sites,
water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, material and resources,
indoor environmental quality, neighbourhood pattern and design
and green infrastructure and buildings.
If your building project is a candidate for LEED credits, review our
LEED Rating System Checklist. Your project is a viable candidate
for certification if it meets all prerequisites and can achieve the
minimum number of points necessary to earn the credits.
22 www.greenblue.com | GreenBlue Infrastructure Solutions
ArborSystem
The definitive urban tree pit package
The GreenBlue ArborSystem brings together the key elements of
successful tree pit design and simplifies the design and installation
process for specifiers and installers. By utilizing our ArborSystem
CAD library (within the resource section of the GreenBlue website),
landscape professionals can combine root management, structural
soil components, aeration, and irrigation - in a single package –
and then choose an appropriate above ground surface grille and
vertical guard to match their project.
Since its inception and development over recent years, the
ArborSystem integrated tree pit product package has proved
itself in many demanding locations. For many landscape
specifiers, ArborSystem has become the system of choice for
integrating trees into the urban environment.
By utilizing ArborSystem, landscape designers can:
•
Ensure product compatibility
•
Drastically reduce time spent on
specifying, quoting and ordering
•
Adapt a system to suit differing
location and budget constraints
•
Demonstrate to clients a professional
long term approach to tree planning
and management issues
•
Benefit from our onsite support
service for peace of mind.
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
Booklet 4: Aeration, Deep Watering & Tree Guying Systems
www.citygreen.com | CityGreen® 23
greenblue.com
Global Offices
Also Represented in
Head Office - North America
GreenBlue Infrastructure Solutions
71 Bysham Park Drive
Woodstock, ON N4T 1P1
Sales & Service: 1 866 282 2743
greenblue.com
United Kingdom
Australia
Germany
Ireland
France
Spain
Poland
New Zealand
Scandinavia
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