Events

Landscapers, professional gardeners, designers and urban planners: learn about permeable paving options with Dr Tim Johnson from TREENET.

Urban trees are essential to our environment, but their health depends on having robust root systems and easy access to water. Unfortunately, traditional paving around trees often blocks water from reaching tree roots, leading to stress, slow growth or worse. Permeable paving using materials that allow water to seep through can help to nurture tree roots and support healthier urban green spaces.

Join us to discover how permeable paving can be applied in streets, parking lots, walkways and other urban areas to support healthy urban forests.

This event is free for members of SGA's Green Gardening Professionals program. You can become a GGP member here.

About Dr Tim Johnson:

Dr Tim Johnson is Director of TREENET, the national, non-profit, research and education organisation dedicated to improving Australia's urban forests. After studying wildlife and park management Tim began working in local government as a horticulturist before studying civil engineering and completing a PhD with a focus on the interactions between tree roots, soil moisture and reactive ground movement in relation to permeable paving. Working in local government provided an opportunity to conduct research on this innovative urban engineering using real-world infrastructure constructed as a working demonstration site.

Tim’s experience on the tools and in technical and leadership roles in the private and public sectors over four decades underpins his practical approach to urban forestry, engineering, research and education. Tim’s research has been presented at national and international conferences and published in peer reviewed journals.