How Miami’s Streetscape Revitalization Thrived with the StormTank Urban Root System
Revitalizing West Flagler Street in Miami
In August 2016, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and Miami-Dade County began an urban streetscape revitalization project for a section of West Flagler Steet located half a mile west of downtown Miami. The project included a new bicycle lane, sidewalks, pedestrian ramps, street reconstruction, and 281 existing street trees that needed to be protected in place, relocated, or replaced.
Choosing the right soil cell system for long-term success
Over 60 of the replacement trees were installed in modular tree cells. This provides a lightly compacted soil envelope, allowing healthy tree root growth as well as a structural support system for the sidewalk and surrounding streetscape.
The modular tree cell product that was originally specified for this project was a competitor’s system. However, the cost savings associated with the alternate StormTank Urban Root System (URS) was a significant 40% lower in material cost compared to the originally specified system. The StormTank URS was ultimately chosen and installed in the winter of 2016 by the awarded contractor, Russell Engineering Inc.
Eight Years Later: Healthy Growth and Lasting Results
More than eight years later, over 60 trees planted in these StormTank systems provide shade to the beautiful streetscape along West Flagler Street. The trees are healthy and growing quickly thanks to the Miami streetscape revitalization, despite the challenging urban environment.
