Adapting Arborflow tree pit SUDS for constrained environments.
GreenBlue Urban have long recognised the importance of trees in our urban areas; in fact, for over 25 years, they have set themselves a mission to become the leading provider of solutions which enable trees to attain species potential size and longevity wherever they are planted. After much research and development, the ArborFlow SuDS tree pits have been launched, proving successful in combining the necessary availability of uncompacted soil volume for the tree roots below hard paving and having the potential to provide large amounts of storm water storage.
Using the highly modular RootSpace soil cell system (manufactured from 100% recycled material), below ground constraints can be simply worked around, adapting the shape and size of the system to suit the tree species choice, water storage requirements and the location, and with the addition of GreenBlue Urban root management solutions, future paving disruption or utility damage can be prevented.
When installed and working, the storm water passing through the tree pit has numerous advantages for the tree. Primarily it provides irrigation, but also brings nutrients and oxygen with the water, which the tree takes up and uses. The microbiological activity within the GreenBlue Urban RootSoil Hydro works to break down water borne pollutants and stop them entering the drainage network.
The pilot sites chosen present challenging conditions which will test the adaptability and performance of the ArborFlow system; it is intended that all pilot sites will be installations in retro-fit urban locations and public spaces according to the cross-border design principles developed by all the project partners. Until ground surveys have been completed it is not possible to be sure if all the project partners can incorporate the ArborFlow solution into their SuDS schemes. These SUDS will be incorporated into public spaces according to the cross border design principles developed by all project partners.’
The ArborFlow site shown above are from Brunel Roundabout, Bletchley, Milton Keynes.
GreenBlueUrban
GreenBlue’s sustainable urban drainage system – ArborFlow – has been developed as an effective and environmentally robust means of managing surface water run-off.
Ideal for use in urban areas where space is at a premium, ArborFlow markedly reduces the velocity and flow rate of surface water run-off in urban areas. Designed for a given catchment area it can contribute towards meeting the discharge rates allowed and set by regulatory authorities.
Features
Crucially, the ArborFlow stormwater management tree pit system filters out harmful pollutants, collects, processes and breaks down pollutants and contaminants carried in surface water. Kerb Inlets allow surface water to pass through the tree pit. ArborFlow’s design allows the water to be discharged into surrounding subsoil, to be absorbed by the trees’ root systems, or to find its way into the specially designed flow-control chamber positioned on the outfall of the tree pit. The soil used within the RootSpace rooting profile has been specially designed to withstand frequent short-term water logging without any change in its physical structure or chemical properties. As water is biochemically vital for the growth of a tree, GreenBlue ArborFlow gives water every opportunity to penetrate a tree’s deeper root zone – essential for its growth and full-maturity potential. To combine storm water management within urban tree planting design achieves just this.
Benefits
- Ideal for use in an urban environment where space is at a premium
- Prevents flooding as it absorbs and contains water in the tree pit system
- Reduces the flow rate of water run-off so that the system meets authorities’ allowable discharge rates
- Filters out harmful pollutants and contaminants
- Manufactured from 100% recycled/Recyclable plastic in the UK, reducing carbon footprint
- Surface water is discharged into surrounding subsoil, absorbed by roots, or flows into the tree pit’s control chamber
- Drainage channels trap silt and other organic matter, such as leaves
- Manages water run-off at source, or as close as possible to the point where water falls
- Increases chances of newly-planted trees reaching their full potential
- Design and implementation meet new planning guidelines and regulations