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The
traditional use of willow trees has been transformed using modern
technology and designs to produce a living willow barrier. An attractive
and eco-friendly solution to noise abatement and screening both urban
and rural situations.
DESIGN
 The Green Barrier™ in living willow
is a design using both living and woven willow elements. When assembled
incorporating a RockDelta® core they create an ideal
acoustic barrier.
The design is developed incorporating the
natural growth characteristics of the willow tree. The Willow is one of
the oldest and most common trees, and over the ages its hardiness and
versatile growing power have made it valuable both for practical and
decorative purposes.
- Within only a few months of
installation, the barrier is densely covered over its entirety with
strong green side shoots and leaves.
- Within 2-3 months it appears as a long
established, natural willow hedge.
- When used as a acoustic barrier,
combined with an absorbent double rock wool core, it is tested and
approved in the highest noise-absorption and noise-reduction class.
- Normal Life expectancy circa 25 years.
- The Green Barrier™ is a patented
construction.
AESTHETICS
What makes the design unique is that the construction itself, as a sound
barrier is a living, green unit.
- Constructed from natural and living materials - the barriers blend
into both urban and rural surroundings. They show minimal breakdown
or visible signs of ageing.
- The Green Barrier™ ages naturally without rusting or
sun-bleaching.
- The living characteristics of the willow deter the application of
graffiti.
- Appearance varies depending on the season and the type of willow
chosen. From April to November the barrier displays the colours of
summer and autumn. During the winter the bare willow branches with
their characteristic brown/orange colour brighten up the winter
landscape.
ENVIRONMENT
-
 The Willow is produced from non-intensively cropped coppice
plantations.
It is grown in small areas and, therefore has no great impact on
the landscape.
It forms natural habitats for local flora, fauna and wildlife.
Willow improves the air quality as a result of Co2
absorption and by the release of oxygen.
All materials used in the barriers can be fully recycled.
CONSTRUCTION
The
Green Barrier™ in living willow consists of 2 to 3 year old
willow rods, of selected species and types of willow, held firmly
together within a wooden frame. This ensures both fast and simple
construction with the growth being controlled. The construction is
installed directly in to the ground to a depth of 60cm.
- Acoustic Green Barrier units are 45cm wide when installed,
increasing after 1 year of growth to approx. 2.0mtrs.
- Normal maximum barrier height is 2.5metres. This increases
throughout each growing season by approx. 2.0mtrs before trimming
back.
- Additional instant acoustic screening can be gained by
installation on top of soil bankings.
- The willow tree needs light, therefore some north facing or shady
locations may not be suitable for living willow.
- Installation can only be carried out during the spring.
MAINTENANCE
As with all living materials, the barrier needs some maintenance and
attention
- Drip irrigation in summertime during the first years.
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Three careful trimmings will be required in the first year. This
will be reduced to an annual trim thereafter.
-
Fertilising during the spring.
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Observation and control of pests and diseases.
-
Due to the natural characteristics of the barrier it is rendered
vandal and graffiti resistant.
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