New SEL ‘Permavoid’ Tree Protection systems

Althon Ltd is part of the MAG Group. It is a company with a product range which allows engineers and builders to choose good quality and cost effective drainage solutions for a large variety of groundwork projects. The company aims to use as many recycled or recyclable materials when possible as a commitment to the environment, whilst maintaining standards of quality and safety. Part of Athlon’s product range is the SEL series. Recently the SEL ‘Permavoid’ tree protection system has been launched.

A large amount of importance is placed on environmental issues, and understandably so. People often do not take the value of trees in urban areas into account. But these trees make a town or city look so much better, and are appreciated by people who live there. Unfortunately, urban trees can cause a large amount of damage to groundwork, from gas, water and electric pipe work, to house foundations and pavements.

In response to this, the SEL ‘Permavoid’ system protects both tree roots and nearby structures and groundwork. There are two systems available. The Type One system or ‘sandwich’, utilises a 150mm deep SEL ‘Permavoid’ units, these are placed in a raft position over the root zone of the tree(s). These are then filled with an appropriate mix of soil and sand that will provide nutrients to the trees. This is then encapsulated within a suitable geo-textile, and given time, the infill will settle, leaving an air filled void which can help prevent root growth through surfaces above. Another advantage of this system is that it helps prevent soil compaction due to traffic. Type Two, the ‘root wall’ shares these advantages and provides vertical structural groundwork support for constructed surface layers. It also helps to prevent settlement in areas near to trees by providing sufficient lateral restraint to support and segregate compacted sub bases.

For further information and a comprehensive list of companies who offer groundwork services, please visit our website at http://www.buildingregister.com.