In this development near Nottingham Business Park, existing trees were included as part of the design along with new trees planted with sufficient root space. This helped create a sense of place and distinctiveness in the development. The New Street Design Guide provides information regarding green infrastructure maintenance and commuted sums for public art, trees and grass verges.
Green Street in The Meadows made the most of the existing trees in the adjacent park.
The housing development near Nottingham Business Park incorporated trees along the sunny aspect of Greymede Avenue with plenty of root space.
1.4 Trees
There is now robust evidence that supports the many health benefits of trees, not only for humans but for the ecosystem as a whole and for our planet. Research showed that planting trees can have stronger impact on the reduction of carbon emissions than using complex and expensive energy-saving technologies, also serving as home to native birds and a whole range of other species. Planting trees that change with the seasons can enhance seasonal changes creating more interesting, attractive and dynamic places for people to enjoy. Vegetation, hedges and trees can make a major contribution to local distinctiveness and character, also helping people find their way around. They can also be a good tool to achieve lower speeds in residential areas, this is explained in more detail in the New Streets Design Guide.
Design Criteria
1.4.1 Make a commitment through a tree strategy, to plant trees in the public realm and to increase and/or improve the existing canopy in the area.
1.4.2 Carry out accurate tree surveys prior to developing the design concept* and use these and new trees to aid navigation.
1.4.3 Detail tree planting with root space equal to their fully grown canopy and root protection, and with sufficient irrigation to ensure healthy growth and longevity of all specimens.
1.4.4 Retain and protect existing trees that are A and B classified, using them as features for Place-making.
*Tools like CATVA or i-Tree Eco (ecosystem value) are strongly recommended to evaluate the role of existing and proposed trees in residential developments.