Proud of 15 years of Tree Ground Solutions

Not that our systems are only 15 years old, because the first developments already happened under the banner of Drain Product Europe, well known for the first infiltration units and the tests of, for example, the plastic tree bunker in Apeldoorn. 

I myself can well remember the test on IJburg in 2003. As an executive, I was allowed to test the first prototype of the Treebox HP. Although the system stood out head and shoulders above the rest, as a true tree lover I still had a few points that needed to be addressed. In the years that followed, several projects were realized in the Netherlands and Belgium where the Treebox HP was the solution for sustainable tree planting in urban areas. 

The development of Permavoid Sandwich Construction was also not unexpected and initially developed in IJburg. Despite the first systems being set up very simply with limited knowledge of, for example, the composition of Sandwich Soil, the first projects are still looking great. Of course, we had to learn and we overlooked things, but that makes that today we know what we are talking about. 

The first root bridge in trees along bike paths. The combination with growth place improving methods or the floating construction over root systems in park and forest areas. Protecting monumental trees on event sites and of course the urban area. It is nice to be able to look back and it gives me a good feeling to see that the solutions have worked. 

In recent years, the world of growing places has become even more interesting. The combination of trees and a different way of water management is giving trees a prominent place in the city again. Climate change, the Urban Heat Island Effect and the increase in demand for housing and workplaces in the city make it possible and necessary to increase the position of trees in the city. 

Permavoid is now 100% owner of TGS, which has increased our team and playing field. Together, we are working on a global scale for healthier cities; with an eye on urban trees, blue-green roofs, sports fields (from stadiums like F.C. Liverpool to water-shedding stair fields in India), roads, parks and much more. 

Using the Orlyplein in Sloterdijk Amsterdam as an example, steps with trees and capillary system in Hattem and Weert followed. We applied this development of trees in and on buildings, with a great project in Heerlen where we incorporated trees in the Maankwartier project. This produced a great result. You understand that by now we have many references throughout the country and with different applications. From village squares where we realized a special way of water management with permeable semi-paving, to the development of the Tree-dRain System But also the application of street water, because we can separate the salt. These are all developments that we realized together with partners, because we all want to go for quality. 

Through all these steps, it is now possible to address the various challenges such as desiccation, heat stress, floodwater capture and the like by creating multifunctional growing sites. 

I personally find it very special that in Emmeloord we can store more than 1.3 million liters of water. In the center of Tilburg, one system after another is being linked together, and when I start calculating the capacity of the systems in the center of Tilburg, I think we even pass Emmeloord. 

A place like Uden with its market street is an example to relieve the sewer 100% with various climate adaptive measures. This is already happening in Utrecht along Catharinasingel, in Weert on both market squares and in the center of Roermond. The best part is that the trees come out the best. They get a sustainable growing place so they can perform their positive function in the city. 

I am proud to have been able to play a role in the creation of TGS with the application of innovative applications, to share my knowledge through educational institutions, and to work as an advisory partner to clients and engineering firms. But especially on the continued development of systems and inventing new systems from my role as a consultant at TGS. 

Important to remember is that we do not do it alone, but especially together. Both internally and with external parties, because an integral solution to the design of the urban area does not come from a single source. We do it together!