Greener cities are a dream of every city dweller. Walking in streets lined up with trees is a joy that most people look forward to when visiting their town or going on vacation. Green spaces help clean the air and provide shade and privacy for people living and working within the city. The greenery also makes the environment more pleasant for people, animals, and plants, which, in turn, improves the air quality inside buildings.
However, the livelihood of trees is threatened by several factors. Some common ones include foot traffic, pest infestation, and vehicular traffic. The good news is that tree grating can offer a simple tree protection solution in these cities. In this article, you’ll learn how these devices do this job.
Protect Roots
Trees need roots to survive. The roots serve as a connection between the tree and the soil. They absorb water and nutrients that feed the leaves and branches. Without them, the trees won’t grow deep enough into the ground or spread far enough to survive.
Unfortunately, roots can be vulnerable when planted too close to buildings or roads. They can be stepped on by people walking on pavements or driveways, and the soil around them compacted down. This makes it difficult for the roots to absorb nutrients, and after some time, the tree may become stunted or die due to a lack of nutrients.
Tree grates are an excellent solution to this problem. They are designed to protect roots from damage by cars, human traffic, or heavy machinery. You can also install them on any type of soil, including clay, sand, and loam, as well as other materials such as concrete or dirt.
You shouldn’t place the grates too close to the trunk during installation as this may damage the root system. Instead, it would be best if you put them at least two inches away from the trunk. This will allow for better airflow and prevent any rotting or molding of the tree’s roots. It will also provide adequate space for drainage and give the tree a chance to establish itself.
Facilitate Traffic Flow
Some people living in urban cities complain that trees cause obstruction. Although trees lacking proper maintenance can inhibit the flow of people in busy towns and cities, it is not the case with tree grates. These devices control the growth of trees and prevent their roots from damaging sidewalks or buildings. If installed at intersections, they’ll keep streets clear for pedestrians and allow them access under street lights.
Additionally, they can provide privacy for trees in public areas such as parks. These areas are known to have a lot of foot traffic from people who want to enjoy a quiet and peaceful stroll. However, when they become crowded, they can pose a threat to the health of the trees. Grates will keep the plants intact and prevent people from stepping and damaging young trees.
Promote Tree Growth
Trees need some conditions to grow. They include water, sunlight, and soil that is rich in nutrients. It’s easy to offer these conditions in a garden or forest compared to a city. This is because most cities are paved with concrete and not rich soil. They are also filled with pollution from vehicles which can harm the trees’ health if they aren’t protected.
Grates can promote the growth of trees despite these conditions. This is because they have spaces that allow water to seep into the soil easily. They also act as umbrellas over trees and protect them from hard weather conditions like wind and rain. In addition, most grates, like jonite tree grates, are made of materials resistant to most elements. This means they’re very unlikely to get damaged when exposed to a harsh climate.
Versatile
Grates are made from various materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. They also come in different shapes, sizes, materials, and colors that can easily match the surrounding environment. Some grates are designed to accommodate specific species of trees, while others are made to fit an entire block or neighborhood.
You can also purchase them in different lengths, widths, and thicknesses as well as in different types of metals, including iron, aluminum, stainless steel, and PVC. They’re also extremely lightweight, which means that they rarely affect the growth of trees.
Some tree grates are also made in the form of a box that can accommodate trees of different sizes. The box is usually made of wood or metal and has a hole on the top to allow water from the soil to penetrate through. It’s usually filled with soil and some medium for the trees to grow on, such as gravel, sand, and pebbles. Some tree grates are also made with dome-shaped tops that allow water from above to enter into the soil. This helps keep humidity inside the planted area high for more extended periods, which helps trees grow faster.
The Bottom Line
Most trees in urban cities are endangered. But it is possible to save them from being completely wiped out with tree grates. They also protect trees from pollution, wind weather damage, and other pests and diseases.