Company details for:

GreenBlue Urban

(1)
GreenBlue Urban logo 002

Northpoint,
Compass Park,
Bodiam,
Robertsbridge,
East Sussex,
TN32 5BS,
United Kingdom

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Products

ArborSystem

ArborSystem

The world’s first tree planting soil cell application with installations dating back to 1992.

The GreenBlue Urban ArborSystem® brings together the key elements of successful tree pit design and simplifies the design and installation process for specifiers and installers.

By using CAD, landscape professionals can combine root management, structural soil components, aeration, irrigation and choose an appropriate above ground surface grille and vertical guard − in a single package.

Since its inception and development over recent years, the ArborSystem integrated tree pit product package has proved itself in many demanding locations. For many landscape specifiers, ArborSystem has become the system of choice for integrating trees into the urban environment.
Pavement Support Systems

Pavement Support Systems

Soil cells are designed to provide trees in urban environments with suitable conditions that promote healthy growth, without disturbing the structures above.

Not every soil structure is conducive to the growth of trees. Healthy tree growth is strongly influenced by soil structure, as it affects the movement of air, water, and other nutrients required for trees to mature. Effectively the ‘architecture of the soil’, soil structure is usually the most critical element in the success/failure of urban trees.

Too often, trees are planted in cramped planting pits and poor subsoil, resulting in stunted growth, with roots tending to colonize immediately underneath the paved surface, causing pavement damage. Without compromising or damaging the structural integrity of paved surfaces, how can urban trees be adequately provided for in their urban setting? GreenBlue offers load-bearing soil cells to create structurally adequate soil systems that are also conducive to root growth.
Tree Irrigation & Aeration

Tree Irrigation & Aeration

The water from efficient tree irrigation is required not only for the biochemical processes involved in photosynthesis, respiration, and transport, but also for mechanical support to leaf and stem tissue. Insufficient (or inefficient) tree watering will result in loss of leaf turgor and a consequent reduction in new shoot extension. Eventually this will lead to die-back and, if not remedied, the loss of the tree.

Waiting until a tree shows a sign of drought stress before it is watered is known as ‘reactive’ tree irrigation. Whilst this might keep the tree alive, it will often result in stem die-back and possibly long-term structural defects in the tree. Research has shown that proactive tree irrigation, via implementation of a regular watering scheme, results in over three times the weight of new roots growing into back-filled soil material.
Root Management

Root Management

The deployment of root barriers is now an incontestable component of best practice in urban tree planting and tree root management. It is no longer sufficient to plant a tree in an urban location and hope that the roots will keep out of trouble.

Different situations often require different approaches to root management, so rather than take a ‘one size fits all’ attitude, GreenBlue has developed a range of specialist root barriers to give urban trees as much growing advantage as possible.

For example, if one simply wants to protect paved surfaces from root heave, it is unnecessarily restrictive on the tree to install a vertical sheet root barrier 1.5m (5ft) deep all round. The ReRoot and RootDirector products divert roots downwards to a level where they can safely establish without surface damage. So, whether designing a root free corridor for utilities, protecting building foundations, or designing trees into a pedestrianized area, GreenBlue has a cost effective root barrier solution.
Rootball Guying & Tree Ties

Rootball Guying & Tree Ties

Complimenting our line of urban tree planting systems, GreenBlue’s Rootball Guying & Tree Tie products offer best practice solutions to support new tree plantings.

The ArborGuy anchor has been designed to be as streamlined as possible for driving into compacted subsoil, whilst combining superb ‘groundlock’ technology for secure tree anchoring. Testing shows that forces in excess of 3000 lbs can be withstood by just one anchor driven into subsoil from ground level.

An alternative for small trees is to specify our biodegradable NatureTie, which is made from hessian and will break down naturally over time as the tree establishes its own anchorage.
Horizontal Tree Grilles

Horizontal Tree Grilles

The Arborsystem tree grilles are manufactured to an extremely high standard under rigorous quality controls. The majority of our tree grilles are manufactured from cast ductile iron. However, we also offer a range of fabricated grilles which can be produced in mild or stainless steel. Our range of tree grilles can be made to suit any application. If they are going to be subject to exceptional loading, heavy duty frames will be required for the cast ductile grilles and the fabricated steel grilles will be manufactured from larger section material.

The standard finish is matt black polyester powder coated. This high quality finish is extremely durable. Any colour from the RAL range is available as an option. For extra protection on mild steel products zinc galvanising is standard, followed by a high quality coating to any RAL colour.
Tree Guards

Tree Guards

Trees in urban areas are vulnerable to damage − whether it be from bicycles, equipment, pets, or gratuitous vandalism. GreenBlue Tree Guards are strong in construction, offering the protection street trees need in their establishment years and beyond. And with our varying design options, Tree Guards can also make a visual design statement on streets and other public realms. Our simple adjusting mechanism allows guards to be easily set on most gradients
Galvanised and Greencoat Weldmesh guards at 1.2 and 1.8m high are also available. Phone our sales line for prices and availability.

What are Tree Guards?

Tree guards provide protection for the exterior of the tree; its trunk, branches and leaves. They can be essential for ensuring the survival of young trees, as well as those vulnerable to external environmental factors such as weather, animals, pedestrians, vehicles and equipment.
Geotextiles & Membranes

Geotextiles & Membranes

Landscape construction often involves an interface of differing soil mediums and where these meet, some sort of separation layer is required. In some cases, a natural substrate can be used, such as a clay layer, but often a textile is the most cost and space effective.

The Green Blue Urban range of geo-textiles are carefully chosen to best perform the function required, minimising the environmental impacts but allowing for healthy tree and plant growth without limiting the effectiveness of the growing or filtration medium. There are geotextiles designed to maximise loading capacity of soil cells, minimise the risk of differential sub-base settlement and to distribute water evenly, as well as natural filtration barriers designed to bio-degrade within the soil over time: all chosen to fully fulfil their purpose and minimise cost.
Climbing Plant Support Systems

Climbing Plant Support Systems

Greening of facades, pergolas and garden spaces is an ecologically sound method of taking your project beyond the ordinary. Greening is progressively difficult in overcrowded urban scenarios whilst its importance is ever increasing. GreenBlue Urban offers climbing plant support systems coupled with superior technical advice and active support, enabling you to bring your greened urban vision into reality − whether that’s building an exterior or interior green wall, adding a living wall to a building or if you’re developing much larger project. Our design guide has been produced to help you simply specify the solution that is right for your scheme.

l Robust & Durable l Aesthetically Pleasing l Expert Technicians l Unique Designs

Why Choose GreenBlue Urban’s Steel Plant Climbing Supports?

The use of green walls is a wonderful way to enhance living and working environments. Our trellis range offers a radical and effective range of components manufactured from marine grade 316 stainless steel which are both robust and aesthetically pleasing. A wealth of experience in the product field has lead to a range of high quality, improved brackets which can be used to create radical designs − exuding architectural flare before the plant is matured and leading onto the softening and ecological statement offered by fully established green walls.
ArborFlow

ArborFlow

A tree planting system specifically designed to bring measurable and sustainable stormwater management benefits.

GreenBlue Urban’s compact SuDS tree pit system − ArborFlow − has been developed as an effective means of managing surface water run-off through tree pits. Ideal for use in urban areas where space is at a premium, ArborFlow markedly reduces the velocity and flow rate of surface water run-off in urban areas. Designed for a given catchment area it can contribute significantly towards achieving target discharge rates set by regulatory authorities.

ArborFlow is an ingenious multi-functional system combining stormwater capture, stormwater storage, silt/debris capture, root control, primary irrigation and tree grille all on one easy to assemble, robust unit.
StormForm

StormForm

Multifunctional SuDS tree surround.

GreenBlue Urban’s compact SuDS tree pit surround, StormFormTM − part of the ArborFlow family − has been developed as an effective means of managing surface water run-off through tree pits. Ideal for use in urban areas where space is at a premium, StormFormTM handles extreme rainfall events in urban areas with ease.

With super-fast flow through rates and large storage capacity, StormFormTM is perfect for attenuating peak flows during the most extreme storm events and directing the water right into the tree pit where pollution and further capacity storage is available.

StormFormTM is an ingenious multi-functional system combining stormwater capture and storage, silt/debris capture, root control, primary irrigation and tree grille all on one easy to assemble, robust unit.
KerbFlow Inlets

KerbFlow Inlets

This inlet gives a simple and durable means of conveying rain water run-off into the catchment zone for attenuation.

Heavy-duty closable stormwater steel kerb flow inlet for integration in roadside SUDS tree pit designs.
ArborCell

ArborCell

The GreenBlue Urban ArborCell unit is a load-bearing module designed for water attenuation and distribution within the ArborFlow SuDS tree pit system.

Raingardens

Raingardens

Raingardens have become one of the most accepted forms of Sustainable Drainage features in urban areas. Simple to design and install, these interventions can significantly assist with reducing peak flows into the drainage network, treat run-off water to levels acceptable for discharge into water courses and bring bio-diversity into our towns and cities.

The CIRIA SuDS Manual gives pollution removal indices, and the HydroPlanter range of raingarden products meets the maximum pollution removal levels achieved by bioretention systems when correctly designed and installed.

Bringing together the different options for rain garden product supply in one place means that GreenBlue Urban are uniquely placed to advise on which solution is best for your project.
HydroPlanter

HydroPlanter

We are excited to announce the launch of a new, modular, bioretention rain garden system. The HydroPlanter is a stormwater management solution that can be retrofitted into highways schemes and on new developments of any size.

This is a ‘plug and play’ sustainable urban drainage solution (SUDs) that can attenuate and cleanse storm water and provide amenity and biodiversity to new and existing spaces. The modules will be filled with a particular soil specification and planted wildflowers and biodiverse grasses.

The concept is flexible, scalable and each unit stacks together to be a convenient solution that any subcontractor can work with and install. Installation is fast, simple and offers significant savings to alternative methods.

The modular characteristics with pre-calculated hydrological performance statistics mean that specification and design is very simple for any given catchment area.
HydroPlanter Flex

HydroPlanter Flex

Flexible Raingarden System.

Building on the enthusiastic reception and adoption of our HydroPlanter rain garden system, and in response to calls for more extensive rain gardens and flexibility of shape, GreenBlue Urban are excited to launch the first fully integrated rain garden system − the HydroPlanter Flex!

Rain gardens are increasingly chosen as a best practice option, supporting the four pillars of SuDS (water quality, water quantity, amenity, and biodiversity) due to being cost efficient and highly effective. Simple to retrofit into highways schemes and ideal for new developments of any size, the HydroPlanter Flex cuts the complexity and unknowns out of design and installation.

Whilst being simple to design and adapt to site constraints, this system is the perfect solution for engineers, contractors and housebuilders required to meet regional SuDS regulations.
Tree Planting Media

Tree Planting Media

Our recommendation will always be to provide tree roots with the substance nature intended. In the long term, urban tree health is inextricably linked to the soil the roots are growing into. GreenBlue Urban are continually studying this subject and our goal is the provision for the urban tree of a soil which mirrors, as closely as possible, a ‘forest floor’ soil condition and content.
Our studies have led us to excavations in natural forests as well as urban tree planting sites around the UK, seeking out the most favourable rooting conditions − and their common characteristics. This has revealed that uncompacted, free draining fertile loam soil is the most root friendly substance on the planet.
Sand alone is not sufficient − or the Sahara would not be a desert. Rocky terrain likewise − without soil in, is not conducive to a healthy long-term rooting structure.
Roots in rock soil substrate mixtures, tend to be artificially elongated as they have to travel further to access nutrient and moisture − hence the need in this type of system for huge volumes (typically -50 cubic meters per tree, provides approximately 12 cubic meters of actual soil for roots).
SuDSPod™

SuDSPod™

Discover GreenBlue Urban’s cost effective, cutting-edge solution that addresses a myriad of challenges associated with stormwater management, ranging from reducing peak flow rates from roofs, complex SuDS designs to reducing CSO spills.

SuDSPod offers a versatile and innovative on plot attenuation approach that benefits new developments, and can be seamlessly retrofitted to private, public housing and service buildings.

The patented design is the next generation of a traditional drain-down vessel, delivering industry leading attenuation performance, providing in some cases up to five times its own storage volume.

With a focus on simplicity, effectiveness, and adaptability, SuDSPod delivers on all four pillars of SuDS as set in the CIRIA SuDS Manual Guidance and is poised to transform the landscape of drainage systems.
Street Furniture

Street Furniture

Over the years, GreenBlue Urban has repeatedly relayed numerous worldwide studies on the importance of having trees in retail areas; proving that the presence of healthy mature trees positively influences shopping behaviour.

Studies have shown that customers are prepared to pay 9 to 12% more for goods and services in a shopping area with large, well-cared-for trees. In addition to providing accessible, inviting green space for recreation.

Whilst we put long-term green infrastructure at the heart of everything we do, our innovative solutions now extend to street furniture. − StreetPark provides architects, landscape architects, local authorities and contractors with a high quality, design led and purposeful range of unique street furniture collections, designed to further enhance public realm urban tree planting and landscaping projects.

With a range of benches, bollards, bicycle stands, planters, grilles and even bus stops GreenBlue are creating resilient high quality outdoor spaces that connect people with people and with nature.
Bankside Guard Seat

Bankside Guard Seat

Circular bench for attachment to GBU’s vertical steel tree guards.

GreenBlue Urban’s new Bankside Guard Sea is a fantastic compliment to the enduring range of GBU vertical tree guards such as the Ullswater. Designed to be suitable for retro fitting to existing tree guards as well as for new projects, it fits flawlessly into the streetscape providing a perfect relaxation spot beneath a tree.

FSC Iroko hardwood brings out the beauty and durability of natural sustainable materials. Structural frames engineered from steel and given robust powder coat protection treatments, and extra-large stainless-steel fixings give assurance this product is sufficient for the harshest environments.
Park Benches

Park Benches

Park benches are an essential element of the city landscape. They are a place where you can relax and socialise.

New research has shown that park benches bring quality to our lives and to our communities. They are great for encouraging you to go outside, to take in your natural surroundings. It is suggested that if you sit outside amongst nature for at least half an hour you can dramatically reduce stress.

With a wide variety of benches from traditional wood, in a range of finishes to the more contemporary metal and concrete, our benches can be either stand-alone or linear (connected to each other), circular (around a tree), multi-use (eg. Wi-Fi, mobile charger, etc.) with a range of anchoring options to enable stability.

At GreenBlue Urban we strongly believe that everybody should have access to nature to enjoy the range of benefits it brings!
Bicycle Stands

Bicycle Stands

More and more people are using bikes as their preferred method of travel, cycle lanes are on the increase and investments are being made into local infrastructure for parking and stands.

Bicycle stands are not just required for use on playgrounds and schools but also in commercial buildings, restaurants, bus and train stations, public buildings and of course, shops. For active travel to be seen as the new normal, as it is across Europe, it is necessary to park bicycles safely and securely to protect them and promote continuous use.

Our stands meet the basic requirements for bicycle protection: No damage possibilities to frames or wheels fully supporting extra loads such as shopping and child seats, protection from the elements and capable of all locking solutions.
Litter Bins

Litter Bins

Keep Britain Tidy is a motto we have had for years doing our bit for the environment and our public spaces to encourage cleanliness and return use is a must for our local communities and the economy.

Incorrect disposal of litter is harmful not just to the environment but to wildlife, with millions being spent on clearing litter which could have been used to help enhance our spaces for all to enjoy.

GreenBlue’s selection of litter bins include varying designs, construction, materials, shapes and sizes. With options for inner removable containers, an integrated ashtray and cigarette extinguisher, containers for dog waste and multi-chamber designs for recycled waste.
Tables

Tables

Tables are becoming a more and more popular item in our selection. We create sets combined with benches (either with or without backrest) that are used for relaxation, enjoy picnics or social gatherings in nature. There are currently several types of table in our selection, each for a different purpose.
Bollards & Barriers

Bollards & Barriers

Bollards are a simple yet effective way of protecting people and property.
Pedestrianisation of our towns and cities is becoming ever more popular and it is therefore necessary to separate these areas, often known as “Shared Spaces”.

Bollards come in a range of styles dependant on use be it, heavy duty, decorative, illuminated, multi-functional, can be both fixed and tilted. They can be stand-alone, or they can be connected by a chain.

About us

Established in 1992, GreenBlue Urban researches and develops solutions to help trees thrive in urban settings. Our mission is to improve urban planting success and increase leaf canopy in cities. We analyse challenges, causes of tree failure, and infrastructure impact, designing practical products and systems to address these issues.

GreenBlue is a trusted resource for local authorities, landscape architects, engineers, and other professionals seeking guidance and best practices for tree planting. As the UK's leading provider of specialist tree pit products, we bring over 20 years of frontline expertise to the table. Our unparalleled support service in the tree-planting industry can assist you in realising your vision effectively.

Located in the South of England, GreenBlue has experienced consistent growth since its establishment. Our ongoing product development and comprehensive research, conducted in collaboration with international partners, guarantee that our green infrastructure and urban planting systems are at the forefront of the industry. Specifiers and clients can have confidence that our offerings represent the highest standard in the sector.

Our Products Include:

Green Infrastructure Solutions

At GreenBlue Urban, our roots lie in urban forestry, but our expertise extends beyond trees to encompass various aspects of urban greening, including green walls, rain gardens, and the design of healthier, greener urban spaces. We offer innovative solutions to create sustainable and thriving urban environments.

Blue Infrastructure Solutions
Blue infrastructure encompasses a network of natural and semi-natural water features and spaces within urban areas. Its purpose is to manage water sustainably, provide ecosystem services, and improve the quality of life for city dwellers. Urban stormwater management focuses on reducing runoff from hard surfaces during rainfall, addressing issues like flooding, erosion, watercourse pollution, and infrastructure damage. This approach integrates water into urban planning and development, viewing it as an asset rather than solely a problem in urban settings. Elements of blue infrastructure include rivers, lakes, ponds, wetlands, green spaces, and sustainable drainage systems (SuDS).

Smart Space Solutions
While we prioritise long-term green infrastructure, our innovative solutions now extend to street furniture. Our StreetPark initiative offers architects, landscape architects, local authorities, and contractors a range of high-quality, design-focused street furniture collections. These collections, including benches, bollards, bicycle stands, planters, grilles, and even bus stops, are purposefully designed to complement urban tree planting and landscaping projects, creating resilient and inviting outdoor spaces that connect people with each other and with nature.

Air Cleaning Solutions
Designing modern cities around built infrastructure, transportation systems, and underground utilities presents challenges for successfully integrating trees and green infrastructure. GreenBlue Urban's innovative products are designed to facilitate the healthy and rapid establishment, as well as the long-term growth, of green infrastructure in urban areas. Additionally, we are developing capabilities to monitor environmental improvements through IoT (Internet of Things) technology, offering tangible and quantifiable benefits in terms of air quality enhancement and overall environmental health.

At GreenBlue, we are dedicated to ensuring that trees have the optimal conditions to thrive in urban environments, enabling them to deliver their full range of benefits to society.

GreenBlue Urban takes pride in their unmatched expertise and experience in establishing large canopy trees in urban settings. They adopt a comprehensive approach to integrating green and blue infrastructure into our towns and cities.

As pioneers in urban tree planting, GreenBlue aims to lead the way in tree planting technologies.

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