Trees,
Stormwater, Soil and Civil Infrastructure
In urban environments in semi-arid climates, it is hypothesised that well-designed permeable paving may improve tree health by increasing water and soil oxygen availability. Permeable pavement may also support deeper root development, providing greater structural support for the tree and reducing the risk of direct physical interference of pavement surfaces by roots.
The relative influence of three permeable pavement designs on the growth and root development of Chanticleer pear saplings (Pyrus calleryana ‘Glen’s Form’ Chanticleer) will be investigated in extensive field trials, which will use a control of impervious concrete block paving. Tree growth will be monitored in relation to soil moisture and soil oxygen conditions existing beneath the pavements. The impacts of increased infiltration on soil support for infrastructure will be investigated, as will the capacity of soils in root zones to store stormwater for evapotranspiration by trees. The data generated may assist the improvement of infrastructure design to reduce the lifecycle costs of arboricultural and civil assets, manage stormwater more effectively, and reduce risk associated with damaged infrastructure.
Mature examples of Pyrus calleryana in similar localities to the field trials will be investigated to determine relationships between canopy area, trunk diameter, roots in the zone of rapid taper, and moisture demand. The depth of zone of rapid taper and structural support provided by the clay soil will be explored to interpret what may happen in the field trials.
Supporters of this research include the City of Mitcham and the Adelaide Mt Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board.
For further details, please contact Don Cameron or Tim Johnson