Impacts of Porous Pavements on Soil Environment and Street Tree Growth

This presentation will showcase the complete results of a two-year experimental study into the relative effects of porous and impervious pavement on urban soils and trees. The study contrasts a factorial combination of pavement types and profile designs in order to comprehensively understand the effects of porous pavement in urban environments. The objective was to determine whether porous pavements would prove beneficial to planted trees in hardscape settings. Key results to be presented include the effect of pavement type and design on root abundance, diameter, and biomass, as well as stem height, diameter, and biomass. The response of these tree growth factors will be linked with the measured impact of pavements on soil moisture, aeration, pH, and nutrient availability. Though some of these results have previously been presented and published, this presentation will, for the first time, combine all aspects of the study and, in doing so, challenge the perceived benefits of porous paving