Planting trees in paved environments presents a fundamental engineering challenge. Urban trees require large volumes of uncompacted soil for healthy root development. At the same time, pavements must support loads from vehicles, pedestrians and surrounding infrastructure.
Without appropriate structural support systems:
Soil cell systems create a load-bearing structural framework beneath pavements, allowing soil to remain uncompacted and available for root development.
This approach supports both the structural requirements of the pavement and the biological needs of the tree.
Increased rootable soil volume
Improved long-term tree health and canopy growth
Reduced pavement damage caused by root pressure
Compatibility with integrated drainage strategies
When correctly designed and installed, soil cell systems allow trees to establish, grow and mature within the constraints of the built environment.
GreenBlue Urban has been developing structural soil cell systems for over two decades, refining performance, installation and real-world reliability with each generation.
From early concepts through to today’s high-performance systems, this progression reflects continuous learning from live projects and evolving urban demands.
RootSpace creates large volumes of rootable soil beneath paved environments while supporting structural loads.
Maximum soil volume available for root growth
Flexible modular layouts around utilities and services
Efficient installation compatible with construction programmes
Manufactured from fully recycled material
StrataCell provides structural soil support beneath paved surfaces while maintaining soil volumes for tree root development.
A solution suited to a wide range of streetscape and landscape applications
High load-bearing capacity for streets and the public realm
A modular layout for constrained or irregular tree pits
Rapid installation with tool-free click assembly
The original modular root chamber system introduced in 2001, with a proven track record in urban tree planting.
Stable underground structural support through interlocking units
Products manufactured from recycled polypropylene
Effective root development in constrained or limited planting spaces
A compact system for smaller planting schemes
Urban trees require significant soil volumes to achieve healthy growth and long-term canopydevelopment.
Soil cell systems allow these volumes to be created beneath paved environments withoutcompromising structural performance.
Early engagement during design and specification helps ensure systems are correctly sized and integrated within the wider landscape and drainage strategy.
GreenBlue Urban supports designers and engineers with:
• Soil volume calculations.
• Tree pit layout guidance.
• Integration with SuDS infrastructure.
• Coordination with utilities and paving construction.
Early collaboration reduces risk, avoids redesign and helps ensure the infrastructure performs as intended once installed.
Sustainability is an important consideration in modern infrastructure projects. Many GreenBlue Urban soil cell systems are manufactured using
high levels of recycled materials while maintaining the structural performance required for demanding urban environments.
Durable construction and long service life also help reduce the
environmental impact associated with replacement or repair over
time.
