The ArborRaft system combines trees and soil with a Permavoid geocellular raft system to create space for newly planted and existing trees in hard landscapes and areas subjected to vehicle loadings. This system eliminates the damage caused by tree roots lifting pavements and disturbing services. It provides the root structure with a healthy growing area that is left uncompacted and with access to water and constant nutrient feeding if required.
Tree root protection system with complete flexibility
With the ArborRaft system, designers and architects can establish urban trees in even the smallest footprints, enhancing water capture and reuse while helping create vibrant, sustainable and more resilient urban spaces. They’re a smart and effective way to integrate stormwater management into public spaces whilst enhancing aesthetics and improving environmental value.
Discover The ArborRaft Tree Pit Solution
Optimum Growing Conditions
The unique ArborRaft system spreads the load evenly, ensuring there is no compaction of the soils around the tree roots. This maintains the perfect environment for young trees to establish, thrive, and mature.
By protecting root health and allowing optimal aeration and water movement, the system significantly improves the longevity of newly planted trees, meaning they are less likely to fail and therefore less likely to need costly, resource‑intensive replacement.
Over time, this supports stronger, healthier urban canopies, delivering the full range of environmental and wellbeing benefits that mature trees bring to our towns and cities.
Reducing Risk Of Damage To New And Existing Infrastructure
Tree roots do not tend to break through pavement surfaces when their rooting environment is so similar to that of a natural forest floor and the ArborRaft system helps create a natural air barrier preventing roots from penetrating surfaces.
The ArborRaft system is engineered to withstand a full range of traffic loads, from pedestrian use to heavy goods vehicles, allowing urban trees to be seamlessly integrated into diverse settings, including high streets, public squares, highways, car parks and school campuses.
Whiteley Retail Park's design includes a range of Polypipe Civils & Green Urbanisation’s innovative products to capture, control and reuse stormwater.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ArborRaft includes a 90% void ratio, which can store surface water runoff, help with flood prevention, allow for water reuse as greywater and integrate into wider SuDS (Sustainable Drainage Systems) strategies.
An ArborRaft tree root protection system comprises of the following:
- Permavoid geocellular structural cells (Permavoid 150 and 85)
- Geotextiles (Permatex 300, XTR tree geotextile and wicking geotextile)
- Permavoid connection ties and clips
- Capillary cones
- Tree pit ventilation system components such as Mona Relief perforated pipe (where specified)
- Root management accessories (barriers, deflectors, cuffs)
It is worth noting however, that projects can vary depending on their specific requirements. Our team can you help you find the right solution and products for your project.
