Blog
The Root Cause: Protecting Trees for Greener Homes and Healthier Communities
08 September 2025
David Fisher
Head of Geosynthetics Sales When we talk about housing developments, the conversation usually centres on the number of units delivered, the speed of construction, or the quality of the homes themselves. But ask the people who will live in those homes, and a different story emerges. Our research shows that green spaces and mature trees are just as important to buyers as the houses themselves. That’s why we've launched The Root Cause – a campaign to highlight the often-overlooked role of tree root protection in delivering homes that people want to buy and communities where they want to stay. Why trees matter in new developmentsTrees bring multiple benefits to urban and suburban areas. Environmentally, they help to capture carbon, reduce air pollution, and regulate local temperatures. Ecologically, they provide habitats for birds, bats, insects and small mammals, increasing biodiversity within developments. Socially, they enhance the visual appeal of a neighbourhood, offering shade, colour and character. Less obvious, but just as important, is their impact on our wellbeing. Numerous studies have shown that access to greenery can lower stress, improve mood and even encourage more physical activity. For families weighing up whether to move into a new estate, a line of mature trees can make the difference between a house and a home. Why Their Removal Can Spark Community UproarBut beyond these clear benefits, existing residents often see mature trees and hedgerows as integral to their community’s identity. When developers remove them without sensitivity, it can ignite public opposition, sometimes enough to halt or reshape projects. Recent issues around tree removalMaidenhead Woodland Removal (January 2024) A new housing project in Maidenhead resulted in the removal of woodland, prompting resident backlash. Locals criticised the demolition of natural greenery—even though the developer, Berkeley Homes, defended the work by citing the poor quality of removed trees and pledged to replant higher-quality, native species alongside bat and bird habitats. Inverness Biodiversity-based Rejection (April 2025) A planning application for a new house within a residential garden in Inverness was blocked. Local residents and council planners cited the impact on mature trees and biodiversity as reasons to refuse permission. “Happy Man Tree” in Hackney, London (2020–2021) A 150-year-old London plane the “Happy Man Tree” facing removal for a housing regeneration project became the centre of intense community protest. A petition gathered 22,000 signatures, and a High Court injunction was granted to stem protests, yet the tree was eventually felled. Campaigners argued the loss was avoidable with earlier design changes. 
Why This Matters for DevelopersThese examples show that trees and hedgerows often serve as much more than just physical features, they are cherished landmarks and ecological assets, deeply embedded in local identity and wellbeing. Overlooking their value:
In contrast, proactive tree protection, such as integrating innovative solutions like our ProtectaWeb system not only shields root health, but also demonstrates respect for community and nature, smoothing the path to approval and ensuring developments are both desirable and sustainable. What homebuyers are telling usTo dig deeper into the value people place on greenery, we surveyed 2,000 people across the UK who are actively considering buying a home. The results were clear and consistent:
This tells us that for many buyers, greenery is not a “nice to have”, it is a core requirement. Developers who fail to protect and integrate trees risk falling short of market expectations. A Nation of Tree LoversBritain has always been a nation of tree lovers. From ancient oaks and village greens to the everyday street trees that line our roads, we live in a green and pleasant land, and you could argue that the nation was built on our mighty English oaks. Our trees and woodlands are symbols of continuity, memory, and belonging. Protecting them isn’t simply about ecology or planning, it’s about honouring values that run deep in our shared culture. These insights suggest that while greenery matters everywhere, developers in high-density areas risk losing buyers without it, whereas in regions where affordability dominates, the value of trees may need to be communicated in terms of long-term wellbeing, biodiversity and community benefits. 
The challenge on siteDespite their importance, trees on construction sites face significant risks. Root systems, which often spread out far wider than the canopy above, are particularly vulnerable. Heavy machinery, vehicle movements, and soil compaction can all damage roots irreversibly. Once compromised, trees may decline or even die, undermining both biodiversity and the attractiveness of the development. Balancing the need to preserve mature trees with the practicalities of construction has historically been difficult. This is where innovative geosynthetic solutions can make a tangible difference. 
ProtectaWebA practical solutionAt Geoworks, we provide developers with a straightforward way to safeguard existing trees. Our ProtectaWeb tree root protection system is a geocell solution that creates a stable, permeable surface above the root zone. ProtectaWeb distributes weight evenly, meaning vehicles, machinery and pedestrians can pass without compacting the soil beneath. Crucially, it allows air and water to continue reaching the roots, ensuring that trees remain healthy throughout construction and long after residents have moved in. This makes ProtectaWeb ideal for:
By enabling safe use of land while protecting what lies beneath, ProtectaWeb bridges the gap between development needs and environmental responsibility. The bigger picture: sustainable, desirable communitiesTree root protection is not just a planning requirement or an environmental tick-box exercise. It is a way of futureproofing developments and ensuring long-term value. Buyers have made it clear: they want to live in greener neighbourhoods. Developers who take tree protection seriously can enhance the appeal of their sites, achieve smoother planning approvals, and ultimately deliver homes that sell faster and retain their value. Moreover, protecting mature trees reduces the need for costly replanting and ensures that communities enjoy the benefits of established greenery from day one. This contributes to healthier, more resilient neighbourhoods that are better equipped to adapt to climate change. Related contentThe Root Cause: Download the survey results Discover what over 2,000 UK homebuyers really think about trees and greenery near their homes. 
The Root Cause There are so many ways that trees play a vital role in our lives - from boosting our health and wellbeing to reducing noise pollution and cleaning our air. 
Tree root protection Avoid a concrete jungle by including flexible rooting volume and growing trees in your urban developments. 
The Root CauseThrough The Root Cause, we want to start a conversation across the industry about the hidden but critical role of tree root protection. By highlighting buyer expectations alongside practical solutions, our aim is to support new build developers in creating schemes that deliver for both people and the planet. ProtectaWeb is just one part of this, but it is a vital tool for ensuring that the trees which give character, beauty and biodiversity to our communities are safeguarded for generations to come. Latest news and blogs |
