tree surrounds

Fully permeable paving to give trees more water with out the maintenance (and risks) of loose gravel on a public footpath.

StoneSet use a larger stone to achieve an industry leading flow-rate of 103 L/sqm/min. Our high quality resin optimises strength to withstand heavy foot traffic (even garbage trucks!) and flexibility (to allow growth of tree roots).

Councils Australia wide have specified StoneSet, entrusting care for their trees in the most iconic of public spaces!


StoneSet uniquely has the highest porosity rate compared with other complete, rigid paved surfaces.

We optimise porosity with strength/durability by using a 6mm stone which is large enough to form multiple strong cross-linked bonds forming one solid matrix for longevity and durability.

This 6mm stone size leaves voids large enough to afford a porosity rate of 103 Litres/sqm/min – Essentially as porous as grass.

NSW – Sydney City Northern Beaches, Kiama,  Newcastle City, Tamworth City, Wyong Shire, North Sydney, Blacktown City, Greater Taree, Fairfield City, Parramatta City, Ku-ring-gai Council, Sutherland Shire Council, Randwick City Council, Liverpool city council, North Sydney Council, Canada Bay Council,

VIC – Melbourne City, Warrnambool, Yarra Valley,Clare & Gilbert Valley’s Council, Wyndham City Council, 

SA – City of Adelaide, Port Augusta City, Glenelg

QLD – Townsville Council, Brisbane City Council, Sunshine Coast Regional

Key advantages for council

StoneSet provides an ideal solution for high foot traffic areas and walkways. As a solution for Tree Surrounds – StoneSet has all the benefits of other options, without their inherent shortcomings;

Metal tree grates are fully porous and are highly UV resistant. However Tree grills are notorious for collecting rubbish like cigarette butts and weeds (which are able to grow through the grates from any exposed areas of soil.)

Metal Grates are often expensive to manufacture, especially in small quantities for additional requirements down the track.

Loose Stone and Mulch style tree surrounds are quite common as they are the most affordable option for tree surrounds.

However the immediate issues with loosely filled tree surrounds is the erosion and damage caused by high foot traffic spreading the debris outside of the tree pit.

Risks here are primarily the loose stone becoming trip hazards, however as more material is ‘kicked’ out from the tree pit over time a ditch forms. The hard paved edges also become a trip hazard, depending on how badly

Soft fall rubber is not porous, so not great for tree surrounds. It is sometimes used as the roots need to move, however UV damages the rubber over time and accelerates the wear of UV hitting the surface constantly.

Accordingly Councils in every state across Australia have used StoneSet tree surrounds for public areas. 

  • No loose stone Guaranteed 10 years
  • No loose stone, no trip hazards
  • No loose stone, no maintenance cost replacing stone
  • Extends traffikable area of the pathway
  • Aesthetic, natural stone colour unaffected by unaffected by UV
  • Aesthetic, choice of 30+ colours to match existing outdoor paving
  • Slip resistant – R11 rating (suitable for public area ramps)
  • Non slip – drains rapidly during rain

specifications – Download

For new Permeable tree surrounds, we require a porous base layer of compacted crushed rock. Typically this applied around the tree before StoneSet permeable paving is applied 30mm deep over the top.

For established trees StoneSet permeable paving can simply overlay at a depth of 30mm, provided the existing base is compacted.

View Gallery of tree Surrounds