Sint Janplein, Boekel (2004): root guidance prevents root heave for over 20 years

At Sint Janplein in Boekel, the Municipality of Boekel applied root guidance panels from GreenMax in 2004 during the planting of plane trees to prevent root heave in paving. More than 20 years later, this solution has proven successful: the trees form a green, shaded oasis in the centre, without damage to the paving. The project demonstrates the long-term effectiveness of root guidance in urban tree planting.

Sint Janplein is located in the heart of the North Brabant village of Boekel. The square, surrounded by hospitality venues, shops and apartments, features beautiful greenery. In 2004, plane trees were planted here, a species known for vigorous and shallow root growth. Especially in paved areas, such as squares, car parks and pavements, plane trees can cause significant root heave. Plane trees often pose a risk of root heave because their strong, shallow-growing roots spread widely and can push up paving, pavements or foundations.

To prevent root heave, the Municipality of Boekel applied GreenMax root guidance panels immediately during planting. The root guidance system ensures that roots grow downwards in a controlled manner. They then continue to grow horizontally beneath the system, deeper within the tree pit. This maintains the stability of the trees and prevents root heave in the long term. The installation was carried out by Jos Kanters Groenvoorziening, who was certified through this project as a dealer for our root guidance panels.

More than 20 years later, in 2025, we visited Sint Janplein. The square in the photo from 2004 is almost unrecognisable. The plane trees form a beautiful green oasis in the centre of Boekel. And root heave? There is no sign of it.

Thanks to the future-proof choice made by the Municipality of Boekel twenty years ago, the trees at Sint Janplein are flourishing today. Residents and visitors can now enjoy an attractive and, above all, shaded and cooling outdoor space on hot summer days.