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;
Avoids issues with Metal Grates
- Notorious for collecting rubbish like cigarette butts
- Grows weeds once soil becomes compacted by foot traffic in large gaps
- Relatively expensive to manufacture, not flexible to changes on site especially in small quantities for additional requirements down the track.
- On the plus side metal tree grates are fully porous and are highly UV resistant.
Avoids issues with Loose Fill 
Loose Stone and Mulch style tree surrounds are quite common as they are the most affordable option for tree surrounds.
- Highly susceptible to fill being kicked out and trip hazard formation
- Erosion and damage during heavy run off
- Maintenance – High foot traffic spreads the debris outside of the tree pit.
- Slip hazard from loose stone. Also as more material is ‘kicked’ out from the tree pit over time a ditch forms. The hard formed/paved edges of the pit also become a trip hazard.
Avoids issues with rubber
- Soft fall rubber is not porous, so not great for tree surrounds.
- Rubber is bound by a highly flexible resin which is not as UV durable as a hard set polyurethane, therefor not as durable
- UV damages the rubber over time and accelerates wear of more UV weakening the binding resin
- Cracked and lifting rubber from tree root growth forms trip hazards.
Choose a hardy Set-in-stone solution
Accordingly Councils in every state across Australia have used StoneSet tree surrounds for public areas.
- No loose stone – Guaranteed for 10 years
- No loose stone means no trip hazards
- No loose stone, no maintenance (labour and cost replacing stone)
- Expands foot traffikable area of the pathway
- Natural Australian stone colour unaffected by UV
- Aesthetic, choice of 30+ colours to match existing outdoor paving
- Slip resistant – R11 rating (suitable for public area ramps)
- No puddles to 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.