March 7, 2022 Urban Tree Support is innovative solution

Steel fabricator FSP has devised a unique solution to allow trees to take pride of place in urban environments. Telford based Fabweld Steel Products designed and manufactured the innovative Urban Tree Support system to enable three Cypress Oak trees to be a focal point in the redevelopment of Newcastle upon Tyne’s Downing Plaza.

The design provides an air gap underneath for aeration of the roots in the soil and prevents the potential for roots to burst into finished paving. The system features slot surround grilles to allow the paving to blend with the overall surface giving a contemporary finish.

Richard Hilton, Managing Director of the Madeley based firm, said: “The redesign of the plaza incorporated quality infrastructure and urban trees were added to the scheme to bring a different dimension to the high street environment.

“The design specified high quality paving and streetscape products and it needed an innovative solution to allow the trees to feature, while providing an aesthetically pleasing look.

“The Urban Tree Support allows the selected paving to be continued within the structure of the grille and over the top of the tree pit. The load bearing capacity of the grille is not compromised and is only visual by the slots running around the edge of the tree pit area.”

Mr Hilton added: “The three Cypress Oaks are currently flourishing in their environment and we are now offering this unique design solution as part of the overall Fabweld product range.”

The Urban Tree Support is compliant with BS EN 1090 and conforms to Specification Q50.262A. Fabweld worked alongside Zenith Project Developments to develop the project.

The architect for the Planit Intelligent Environments from Altrincham. Construction was carried out by George Downing Construction.