Burleigh Park Road

This project was carried out by Plymouth Tree Partnership (as we were then) in 2015 and funded by a mixture of donations and grants.

Please note that the description of each stage has an associated photo on the right handside.

Replacing old street trees

The trees date from 1906 when the road was built. They are pollarded horse chestnuts and in serious decline by 2015 with several already felled. The residents asked for new trees and they linked with Plymouth Tree Partnership who managed the project. Funding came from local donations, Plymouth City Council and the Big Tree Plant. Glendale Countryside did the site work. Here parking spaces are being kept clear ready to start work next day.

Setting up

The guarding plan prepared as part of the approval for street works (the S171 permit) is put into operation. The pit with the stump and the one which has been paved over towards the digger are among the six locations scheduled for re-statement and re-planting this time.

Clearing around the tree pit (1)

Once service routes have been identified and marked, hard surfaces next to the tree pit are lifted.

Clearing around the tree pit (2)

Tarmac and concrete sections have to be cut to gain access to the tree pit.

Digging out

Soil is dug by hand at first to guard against damage to any services not shown in plans or detectable by cable avoidance tool. Main roots are exposed. The mechanical digger is only used when clear to do so.

Cutting the main roots (1)

When a root is fully exposed and clear of soil and stones, it is cut through using a chain saw.

Cutting the main roots (2)

Where access is difficult, a hand saw and breaking bar are used to sever the main roots.

Lifting out the tree stump

When all roots have been cut and there is no risk of dislodging services, the stump is lifted out of the pit. Remaining parts of the old tree are cleared out and the tree pit is taken back to firm edges. A check is made to ensure there are viable root runs from the tree pit under the pavement into neighbouring gardens.

Fitting the new tree

Containerised nursery stock makes for easy planting with top of root ball level with pavement. Acer campestre ‘Elegant’ was selected for its suitability in hard surfaces and narrow streets.

Tree planted

Mycorrhizal compound and humus are included in planting mix to assist root growth and aid establishment. The tree is planted in line with BS 8545:2014 recommendations.

Preparing to reinstate paved surfaces

Soil is firmed around root ball and levelled to take geotextile membrane. Broken slabs and stones have been included in the soil over the sub-base to provide a firm foundation for the replaced paving slabs.

Cutting and laying the geotextile membrane

A geotextile membrane is cut and laid over the levelled soil surface. Stakes are driven into the ground either side of rootball. Tall stakes are used to provide some protection from accidental damage. Compared with root anchors, they are simpler to install and easier to manage if it becomes necessary to adjust or replace the tree subsequently.

Finishing the tree pit

Self-binding aggregate is laid over the geotextile membrane to a depth of 50mm except next to tree stem where it is brushed to a thin layer for tree health reasons.

Finished surface

The self-binding aggregate is firmed in.

Tree ties added

Plastic belt is used to tie tree to each stake. This makes for easy adjustment and allows the stem to flex slightly.

The team

The Glendale Countryside team who did the work.