RootSpace
Structural soil cell system for creating large underground soil volumes beneath pavements
RootSpace Structural Soil System
RootSpace is GreenBlue Urban’s flagship structural soil cell system, designed in 2016 to create large volumes of uncompacted soil beneath paved environments while supporting the structural loads of surrounding pavements and infrastructure.
With more than 95% void space, the system maximises available rootable soil volume while maintaining the strength required for streets, public realm and development environments (BBA Certified).
RootSpace enables urban trees to establish extensive root systems and achieve longterm canopy growth without compromising pavement performance.
The Challenge of Urban Tree Growth
Urban trees often struggle to establish in paved environments where soil becomes compacted and restricted beneath hard surfaces. Without sufficient volumes of uncompacted soil, root systems cannot develop properly and trees fail to reach maturity.
RootSpace was developed to address this challenge by creating
structural soil volumes beneath pavements while maintaining the
load-bearing capacity required for surrounding infrastructure.
More than 95% void space for maximum rootable soil volume
Continuous structural framework beneath pavements
Open lattice structure allowing roots access to the full soil volume
BBA Certified, high lateral structural strength for urban environments
Manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled material
Flexible layouts around utilities and services
Key Characteristics
RootSpace is designed to adapt to the realities of urban sites. Flexible depth configurations and a modular layout allow systems to work around utilities, variable build-ups and changing ground conditions, while still delivering reliable structural performance and consistent soil volumes.
Benefits of RootSpace
RootSpace is designed to deliver practical benefits on site as well as long-term performance. From efficient installation through to improved growing conditions, it helps projects meet technical requirements while creating better outcomes for trees and the built environment.
Maximising Rootable Soil Volume →
Structural Performance →
Installation and Soil Placement →
Flexible Around Utilities →
Configurable Soil Volumes →
Designed for Lasting Value →
Download
the Full Guide
Access detailed guidance covering RootSpace design, installation, specification and application within urban tree planting, with practical information to support successful delivery from design through to installation.
Part of Integrated Tree Pit System
Introducing ArborSystem
RootSpace is frequently used as the structural soil framework within larger tree pit and SuDS systems.
RootSpace is frequently used as the structural soil framework within larger tree pit and SuDS systems.
When combined with ArborSystem, it provides structured tree pit infrastructure at the pavement interface while maintaining continuous soil volumes beneath the surface.
Where sustainable drainage is required, RootSpace can also form part of ArborFlow tree pit systems, allowing structural soil volumes to contribute to stormwater management.
Technical Guidance for Designers and Engineers
CPDs, design guidance and technical documentation used during specification and project delivery.
Datasheets →
Installation Guides →
Technical Guides →
Design Guidance →
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FAQ's
RootSpace is GreenBlue Urban’s structural soil-cell system for creating large volumes of uncompacted soil beneath pavements. Its interlocking open-lattice framework carries surrounding pavement loads while allowing soil and roots to remain connected through the installation. It can be configured at different depths and around site constraints, making it suitable for streets, public realm and development projects where long-term canopy growth must be supported below hard surfaces.
RootSpace provides more than 95% void space, so most of the system volume can be filled with suitable growing soil. This is important because the external size of a soil-cell installation is not the same as the soil volume roots can actually use. The required total volume should still be calculated around the proposed tree, soil properties and project objectives, then converted into an appropriate RootSpace layout.
Yes. Its modular, open-lattice arrangement can be configured around pipes, ducts, chambers and changing ground conditions while maintaining connected soil where possible. The design should be coordinated with utility owners and the wider project team, including access and future maintenance requirements. Early coordination is preferable to cutting or altering structural components on site, which could affect performance or the approved layout.
RootSpace is engineered for load-bearing use beneath pavements and trafficked surfaces and is BBA Certified. The project design must still reflect the expected loading, pavement construction, system depth, edges and installation conditions. A product’s headline capacity does not replace project-specific engineering; the assembled system and surrounding construction should be checked against the relevant design requirements.
Yes. RootSpace can provide the protected rooting volume within an ArborFlow SuDS tree pit, while other components manage how runoff enters, is distributed, stored and discharged. The soil-cell structure is not a drainage strategy by itself. Soil media, inlets, attenuation, separation layers, aeration and the outlet arrangement must be designed together so that the tree and hydraulic functions are both maintained.