Harmonising Urban Development and Green Infrastructure with Permeable Pavement
Integrating nature into new urban development designs is crucial for fostering sustainable and healthy communities; it enhances well-being, promotes biodiversity, mitigates environmental impact, and creates more aesthetically pleasing and resilient spaces. But there is a clash between the built environment and nature when it comes to pavements and roads.
People require pavement, roads, and structures, while trees need fertile soil and nutrients to flourish. This conflict often results in either the built environment harming trees or trees damaging the built infrastructure, with cracks and damage to pavements. It’s a problem that cities worldwide face as they grapple with the dilemma of accommodating both the urban jungle and the natural one.
In this article, we take a look at permeable paving as a solution to this conflict, supporting planning policies aimed at enhancing urban green infrastructure while benefiting the environment and preserving the health of trees.
The Importance of Urban Trees
Urban planning policies now emphasize the integration of trees into the built environment to enhance “green infrastructure”. The advantages of urban trees include:
Pollution Reduction: Trees act as natural air filters, removing pollutants like ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and particulates, ultimately improving air quality and public health
Carbon Sequestration: Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen, mitigating greenhouse gas emissions
Noise Reduction: Trees and vegetation significantly reduce noise in urban areas
Hydrology: Trees help prevent erosion, enhance water quality by filtering pollutants, and reduce groundwater run-off, thus minimising the risk of flooding
Wildlife Habitat: Urban trees support biodiversity, offering bird nesting sites and fostering insect life. They also serve as wildlife corridors between isolated areas
Permeable paving as a solution to the conflict between urban trees and hard landscaping
Organizations have published various standards and guidelines to address the problem of tree roots and urban development. They stipulate clearance space around trees when installing structures or hard landscaping. However, Arboricultural Practice Note 1 Driveways Close to Trees (APN1) in 1996 presented a groundbreaking approach. It suggested installing driveways within the root protection zone, provided they met specific conditions, including:
Roots must not be severed
Soil should not be compacted
Free movement of oxygen and carbon dioxide into and out of the soil should be maintained
Water infiltration into the soil should not be impeded
This guidance aligns perfectly with the advantages of permeable paving. By simulating natural drainage cycles and allowing surface water to infiltrate the paved surface, permeable subbase materials facilitate the aeration, moisture, and nutrient supply essential for tree root health.
The use of subbase replacement systems such as Cellular Confinement or Crate Systems can provide the necessary structural capacity for pavements without the need for excessive soil compaction. This approach supports Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (SUDs) by allowing water infiltration without restricting tree root growth. Doing so mitigates the risk of root heave and pavement damage.
Success Stories
The adoption of permeable paving has demonstrated its success in creating and sustaining green infrastructure on various projects. For instance, Jas2 construction company was proud to be part of the Bridget Joyce Square project, where the use of permeable paving exemplified the harmonious integration of urban development and green infrastructure.
Embracing permeable paving services resolves the conflict between urban development and nature. By recognizing the relationship between urban trees and well-planned infrastructure, we can create more sustainable and eco-friendly towns and cities. This benefits both people and the environment. Permeable paving is vital to achieving this balance in our ever-evolving urban landscape.
Further details about permeable paving in urban landscapes
Within Jas2 construction, we have a wealth of experience when it comes to permeable pavement and effective sub-base design; our Design and Engineering Team works with our customers to deliver projects that fulfill a range of conflicting requirements.
Get in touch with the Team on email Jas2construction57@yahoo.com.