Frequently on development sites, the ground levels have to be raised to accomodate roads, drives, footpaths etc. Where the soil levels will be raised over existing root plates, this can have detrimental effects to the health of the tree. Components of the Dendro-Scott ventilation, irrigation system are installed to overcome these effects as shown in the photographs. This allows a more flexible approach to be taken when considering trees on development sites.

Peter Scott Tree Care have developed a specialised road construction, which incorporates the Dendro-Scott ventilation and irrigation system, which allows the construction of roads, very close to the trees but avoids the damage at their root plates. This specialised construction (which exceeds the requirements of BS5837) allows roads to be constructed very close to mature trees. The root plates of existing trees, in an urban environment, are always vulnerable from the effects of decreasing oxygen and water supply. This occurs when the soil in which the roots exist becomes compacted, or over laid by a variety of surfaces impervious to oxygen and water or if the original ground level is raised.

When using the Dendro-Scott system for mature trees, the ventilator is placed vertically at regular intervals within the root plate and surrounded by 5cm of baked clay grains. Dependant on the surface, the ventilator is capped together with a 5 hole plastic cover together with, a Walu lid or the unique self closing Dendro Grille, which blends in with the surrounding paved areas. For newly planted trees, the ventilators are joined onto a 80mm ring pipe, which will transport water and air around the root ball.

The number of ventilators required will be dependant upon the location and size of the tree. In the past, when an irrigation contract is awarded, the contractor has encountered problems getting water into the root ball due to the small gauge of the pipes installed. The Dendro-Scott ventilation and irrigation channel is 160mm in diameter, which facilitates the easy and quick insertion of water into the system during an irrigation contract.