Climbatize Ltd
Learn More about Tree Root Systems
Trees are an important feature in both urban and rural landscapes, not only are they aesthetically pleasing but they also provide screening and shade as well improving air quality. As more of our open space is developed, the areas around trees become smaller, as the trees and their root systems become larger everyday.
Retaining trees in urban and rural developments and existing dwellings can bring problems such as roots systems encroaching on footings and services such as gas, electric and water causing significant damage. Strong tree roots on some species can uplift, driveways or patios and cause extensive damage such cracks in structural walls.
Not only can the trees cause problems but the developments or landscape changes themselves can cause havoc with a trees health leading to crown die back or eventually death of a tree. Issues such as ground compaction from heavy machinery traffic running over roots systems or storage of supplies within root areas (RA) can lead to the soil becoming unhealthy with nutrient deficiencies or compacted ground not allowing for water movement or gaseous exchange which is much needed for the root system and plant health
Climbatize Ltd however have created a number of systems to deal with root problems without the need for tree removal, prolonging the life of the tree allowing you to enjoy your tree rather than see them as a problem.
How do tree roots cause problems?
Tree roots absorb nutrients and water from soil as well as serving as a support system for the trunk and canopy. These roots spread as far as possible, mostly horizontally in the upper 60CM of topsoil and can spread up to 3X the height of the canopy. As these roots spread out with the growth of the tree, they look for nutrient packed moist soil. If the tree roots detect an area of poor soil, they can grow at an alarming rate to seek better rooting soil. If an object gets in the way of the trees roots, as they seek nutrients and water they can grow around objects, through gaps, underneath or even over the top in order to find what the tree requires. This is where problems can occur in relation to buildings, services or landscaping.
How do developments and landscapes cause problems to trees?
Although trees are one the largest natural living organisms on earth their roots system can be one of the most delicate. The severing of roots can severely damage trees, leading to crown die back and instability of the trees structure. Its is to be noted that, if the tree is protected by the council either under a TPO (tree preservation order) or within a conservation area, the wilful damage or destruction to any part of tree (including roots) is an offence and failure to comply can lead to hefty fines.
The storage of construction materials around RA (root area) and spillage of cement, sand or liquids etc can damage tree root soil ph and oxygen levels. Soil compaction from heavy construction traffic or even human traffic is the most common factor involved in compaction and this can lead to little to no oxygen or water within the soil, again this is a bad rooting environment that can lead to crown die back or death of a tree.
Why should we keep trees, instead of removing?
Trees add amenity value to the landscape and where possible removal should be a last resort. The effects of climate change are now well known, trees help to combat climate change by absorbing CO2 and releasing oxygen. Did you know that in one year an acre of mature trees absorb the same amount of CO2 produced by driving a car 26,000 miles! Not only do they clean the air they lower temperatures due to the vast shade they create and also absorb noise pollution. Because of this, trees should be retained as much as possible particularly in the urban environment. Can you imagine a whole town or city without trees? If development continues within all of our open spaces this could be something we are looking at in the future. The services we have to offer mean that trees can thrive and stay healthy around buildings. Damage is limited to a minimum, to both the trees and surrounding developments. This means that the trees can live longer and keep helping to clean the air that we breathe.
What tree root services do we offer?
RPAS (Root Protection Area Systems)
When construction or landscaping is be carried out around trees, an RPA (root protection area) should be set out by a qualified Arborist to protect the trees rooting area from ground compaction and soil disturbance. After all prevention is better than cure. Our qualified Arborists can determine exact root RPA’s and then construct suitable measures for each site, such as fencing and ground track matts.
GRBS (Geosynthetic Root Blocker System)
If trees roots are suspected to grow or are already growing towards a building or landscaping, a root blocker system made of a geosynthetic material GRBS can be installed to ensure that roots do not pass the membrane and/or create further damage. This can be installed with minimum ground disturbance using a no dig or dig solution depending upon the roots current location. The ground is then reinstated with minimal disturbance.
RTMS (Radial Trenching Mulching System)
When its suspected that the soil around a tree is not nutrient rich or has been compacted and a trees health is in decline, a system called radial trenching and mulching RTMS is used. Trenches are excavated around the entire circumference of the RA (root area) using a no dig solution (high powered specialised air tools), which do not harm the root system, these trenches concentrate on the upper soil levels where root activity takes place, these trenches are then backfilled with a suitable nutrient dense mulch to encourage new and further root growth and to ensure much needed nutrients, water and gaseous exchange can take place.
RPS (Root Protection Systems)
A Geosythetic cellular confinement system is used on top of existing soil levels as a no dig solution, to create a root protection system. These confinement systems spread the weight across the soil alleviating soil compaction, a clean angular stone is infilled in the system to allow for water and gaseous exchange of the soil. These systems can be used to create temporary or permanent work areas, access roads, car parks or landscaped areas around a trees RPA. The root protection system can then be left unpaved or can be paved on top of the geo grids. The system complies with BS5837:2012, APN 12 and tree preservation order (TPO) guidelines.
Root Investigation
Are you concerned that a tree is growing close to a building, road or driveway? Thinking of buying or selling property but concerned about tree roots growing in or around footings? Climbatize Ltd can investigate the root system using a no dig, no harm solution to trace roots. Once investigated and
assessed, a number of different systems could be used to combat any root problems or the tree can be left undisturbed to keep growing.
Air Spading
An Air spade is a specialist tool that is powered by a high pressure air jet, the air spade is used to excavate soil without harming tree roots. Our experienced operatives can use air spades as a no dig solution for the following:
- Locating services/utilities (pipes and cables)
- Trenching though tree roots
- Root tracing and locating
- Assessing root damage
- Soil decompaction and aeration