LANDSCAPE & GROUNDS MAINTENANCE
It advocates use of new plastic mesh contain soil support systems that can contain and deflect root growth, reducing the risk of roots reaching nearby sewers. It also suggests welded polyethylene water pipes could be installed near trees.
The impact of trees on built structures, such as sewer systems is being factored in to new digital apps, such as MyTree, designed to give a clearer measure of the value of trees.
These apps can be used to calculate the impact of individual trees or groups of them, for such measures as rain water capture, pollution absorption, even the cooling effect on adjacent building, reducing the need for air conditioning. The jury is out on the accuracy of such devices. But the principal is being researched with increasing interest.
In Greater Manchester, a long-term study is investigating how the presence of street trees might reduce flooding and improve water quality as part of a more sophisticated approach to SuDS.
Such research will lead to new ways for nature and human technology to be combined for beneficial outcomes – ways that will be measurable and can be incorporated in more sustainable facilities management strategies.
Future risks – drought and climate change There is a growing need to factor in climate change to tree and drainage management.
In California, USA, efforts to conserve water during droughts have had unforeseen consequences. Ground movement caused by soil shrinkage has increased pipe damage, increasing the risk of tree root infiltration.
As consumers have responded to calls to save water, lower water flows have led to more pipe blockages.
In the UK, more volatile weather and increased tree root infiltration could combine to cause increased localised flooding. Changing weather patterns are already encouraging the planting of more exotic tree species, more used to warmer weather.
In countries like Australia, some of these varieties are already discouraged due to higher risk of root infiltration. Species include fig trees, rubber plants, camphor laurel, and large gum trees. All are considered to pose an extreme or very high risk of sewer pipe infiltration.
Overcoming tree-related drainage problems The best way to guard against tree root ingress is to put in place a rigorous planned and preventative drainage maintenance programme.
This will identify pipes that are most at risk and catch tree root ingress at an early stage when the problem can be nipped quickly in the bud, at the lowest cost.
One key element includes reviewing tree planting plans to avoid species that have particular root systems, such as willow, plane, popular, and maple.
Carrying out regular CCTV drainage surveys to check for defects and signs of root ingress along with mapping drainage systems to support effective SuDS planning and tree planting are other important aspects of the maintenance programme.
It is also imperative to keep pipes clean through water jetting in order to prevent a build-up of nutrients and water pooling that can encourage root growth.
Finally, removing tree roots with the most appropriate, cost-effective no-dig method should be high on the agenda. This may involve high pressure water jetting, electro-mechanical cutting, or robotic cutting.
Pipes that are most at risk of tree root infiltration can also be protected by the installation of a glass reinforced plastic liner, creating a strong barrier to roots.
It is essential to seek the right expert advice about the potential impact of trees on underground assets. There is considerable misunderstanding on the topic. A practical response based on facts will protect assets and reduce costs into the future.
UKDN’s whitepaper can be found here.
www.ukdnwaterflow.co.uk
https://ukdnwaterflow.co.uk/drain-maintenance-getting-to-the-root-of-the-issue/
www.tomorrowsfm.com
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