Doctor Roosensplein in Brasschaat is being transformed into a green and pleasant place to linger. Scheduled is the planting of fifteen new trees, while eight existing trees will receive additional rootable space. A substantial greening effort that requires custom work. TreeBuilders is therefore installing the TreeParker tree bunker system together with contractor Hens nv.
The construction holiday is over and TreeBuilders is starting the late summer with a new project. Fifteen new trees are being planted on Dokter Roosensplein. Eight existing trees will get extra volume beneath the bicycle path. This is being done using a tree bunker system, consisting of various units. These support the traffic and provide an undisturbed rootable space beneath the paving.
Wasted space
When installing tree bunkers, you regularly run into unpleasant surprises. You often bump into sewers or water pipes that are nowhere to be drawn on the plans. Frequently, the tree bunker still has to be adapted on site. “We can still modify the TreeParker posts on the job site with a table saw and provide custom work this way. That is the great advantage of our product,” says Joris Decoster, consultant at TreeBuilders. “In addition, most tree bunker systems have a convex top. The TreeParker has a flat top. Because of this, we can fill the product to 95%, so very little space is lost. Finally, the posts are far apart, allowing tree roots to grow up to 35cm thick.”
Building kits
The TreeParker tree bunker system is installed by placing modules of 60cm x 60cm, each module has four TreeParker Posts and the height of these TP Posts can be made to any desired height. As a result, custom solutions are always within reach. “In the past, it was difficult on the job site to fix those posts in the right position. We used to make a wooden frame to hold the posts in position,” says Peter Motten, site manager at contractor Hens nv. “The new system is easier to install. It arrives at the site like building blocks that fit together perfectly.” The construction sector is becoming increasingly familiar with tree bunkers. At the start of an installation, the designer first calculates the volume required for the tree, taking into account factors such as the tree species and the groundwater level. Once the calculation is complete, the volumes are drawn into the plans. While TreeBuilders still did this previously, Deschacht's engineering department will soon take this over themselves.
Fast and correct
Peter Motten looks back with satisfaction on the collaboration with Deschacht and TreeBuilders. “Deschacht delivered the materials quickly and correctly. Apart from a few wire meshes, we didn't have to order anything ourselves.” The work on the street towards Dokter Roosensplein is gradually reaching its conclusion. Starting in September, they will begin work on the other side of the square. “We are glad to see that these trees will also be able to grow healthily for a long time to come and thus support ecosystem services in the city,” Joris from Treebuilders concludes.
Hens NV
road, civil engineering and demolition works, hydraulic engineering, logistics, sand extraction and debris recycling.
