The following Q&A on freezing grounds and bioretention was consolidated from three informational blogs by Peter MacDonagh, FASLA. Bioretention is widely used to slow, filter, and infiltrate stormwater. But what happens in winter? Does frozen soil prevent infiltration? Do dormant trees and plants stop the water-quality treatment process? Research from Minnesota, New Hampshire, Connecticut,… More
The following Q&A on compost was answered by Sally Brown (University of Washington) and was reprinted from the “Soil Matters” blog. Question: What is “compost,” exactly? I’ve heard the term my entire life, but I’ve never really understood what it means. Answer: Most gardeners and farmers know compost to be a rich, organic soil amendment,… More
Introduction Soil is the foundation for healthy urban trees. It provides essential space for roots to expand, creating conditions for a mature, wide-canopy tree — but only if it’s actually there in the quantity and quality the tree needs. That’s why soil volume is one of the most important metrics for determining a city tree’s… More
The following info on conserving urban soil was provided by Ellyn Shea (arborist and consultant in San Francisco). It’s not unusual to find a piece of art or jewelry over 500 years old in a museum’s collection. These precious artifacts are (rightly) treated with great care commensurate with their value. Yet an inch of… More
Introduction Why are streetlights and sidewalks considered municipal assets — but not trees? Most cities manage detailed inventories of their physical infrastructure: light poles, sewer lines, benches, trash bins, snowplows. These things are logged, valued, maintained — and budgeted for. They’re viewed not just as integral components of the public realm, but as long-term investments… More
The following info on soil specs was provided by Howard Stenn (Stenn Design). Soil specifications with unnecessary, contradictory or unverifiable standards are an invitation for plant and drainage problems, project delays, and ensuing conflicts over responsibility. Problematic provisions often accumulate in office specifications—added for a particular project or not removed when a divergent section… More
DOWNLOAD A 1-PAGE PDF VERSION OF THIS CONTENT HERE Future-Proofing Your Stormwater Projects The UK’s updated SuDS standards, released in June 2025, outline clear priorities for managing stormwater in new developments — these principles include managing runoff at the source, mimicking natural drainage, reducing flood risk, improving water quality, and supporting long-term biodiversity and amenity…. More
Introduction Silva Cells grow healthy trees and manage stormwater in built environments all over the world — but there’s something especially meaningful about Silva Cell projects on school and university campuses. These spaces are more than just places to pass through — they often feel like a second home for students, faculty, and staff, who… More
Introduction Silva Cells were the first commercial soil cell product on the market, but did you know the idea of suspended pavement systems date back many years to urban European streetscapes? From Paris and London to Boston and Redwood City, let’s take a brief tour through the use and evolution of suspended pavement systems throughout… More
Introduction For decades, the assumption has been simple: screened soil is better soil. It’s cleaner, more uniform, easier to manage — and is often seen as the gold standard. The golf industry, for example, has wholeheartedly embraced the properties of EPA-approved screen soils. But here’s the problem: in the pursuit of consistency, we’re sifting away… More
Introduction In traditional site design, managing stormwater often means carving out space for one massive underground tank. These vaults are designed to collect and hold stormwater until it can be slowly released or treated — but they come with major spatial and logistical challenges. In today’s urban environments, with space at a premium and infrastructure… More
What is the role of green infrastructure within stormwater management? This is an important question — and one that Sahil Sharma, stormwater engineer and founder of strmwtr inc, thoughtfully discusses in his recent chat with DeepRoot content manager Jacob Westlin. Below are some of his insightful themes and quotes — but be sure to check… More
Soil. Stormwater. Sustainable Infrastructure.
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