De Bleken, Loosbroek (2023): preventing root heave at existing trees

At De Bleken in Loosbroek, common ash trees along the road had caused severe root heave for many years, resulting in a road surface full of bumps and cracks. As this area is widely used by road users, including cyclists, the Municipality of Bernheze applied the Tree Root Guiding (TRG) root guidance system in 2023. Since then, the road has once again been safe and comfortable to use, without the risk of new root damage.

De Bleken in Loosbroek is an important area for meadow birds, such as lapwings and black-tailed godwits, which are protected here by volunteers and agricultural businesses. The road running through De Bleken posed a challenge for road users. Due to root heave, the road surface was full of bumps and cracks. The trees along the road, common ash, are known for their significant root heave. This could no longer continue, according to the Municipality of Bernheze.

In 2023, De Bleken received a completely new road surface, putting an end to the bumps and cracks that had developed over many years due to root heave. To prevent the same problem from occurring again in the future, the Municipality of Bernheze chose the Tree Root Guiding root guidance system. This system directs the roots of existing trees downwards in a controlled manner, allowing them to continue growing at a safe depth and ensuring the new road surface remains intact in the long term.

Road users have now been able to travel or cycle along the beautiful rural road in De Bleken without concern for over 3 years. The renewed road surface has remained smooth and safe, with no new signs of root heave. As a result, both residents and visitors can enjoy a comfortable route through the characteristic landscape every day.