Spec for Success: The Benefits of Structural Soil 

Urban landscapes often struggle to balance healthy tree growth with the structural demands of paved environments. Structural soil systems provide a solution that supports root growth beneath hardscape while maintaining the load bearing capacity required for sidewalks, streetscapes, plazas and fire lanes.

Join us to learn the principles of structural soil design and how proper specification and installation can reduce sidewalk failure, decrease tree mortality, and improve the long-term performance of urban landscapes. You'll learn how structural soil helps prevent pavement displacement and trip hazards while supporting healthier urban tree canopies.

We'll also examine how structural soil contributes to broader public health, safety and environmental outcomes by improving stormwater infiltration, reducing urban heat island effects, and supporting more resilient urban tree systems. Gain practical guidance on specification considerations, installation methods and appropriate applications in urban design.

Learning objectives

After completing this course, you will be able to:

• Explain how structural soil supports tree root growth beneath paved surfaces while maintaining load bearing capacity for sidewalks and other public infrastructure. 
• Evaluate how structural soil can reduce pavement displacement, sidewalk failure, and trip hazards that impact public safety and accessibility. 
• Identify the environmental and urban design benefits of structural soil, including improved tree health, heat island mitigation, and stormwater performance. 
• Describe key specification and installation considerations necessary for structural soil systems to perform safely and effectively in landscape architecture projects. 
• Assess appropriate applications for structural soil in urban environments, including streetscapes, plazas, and fire lane installations.