Grants and Contracts Details
Description
Abstract
This project is being proposed by the University of Kentucky to strategically utilize urban trees to reduce
stormwater volume and improve stormwater quality through the installation of up to 30 soil cell in high-
impact locations. Soil cells provide adequate soil volume for trees that are integrated with campus
hardscapes and protect the root zone and health of the trees by preventing compaction. More than half of
the UK campus is impervious surface, so taking innovative steps to ensure the longevity and growth of
these trees while reducing stormwater runoff is critical to the improvement of the overall LFUCG
stormwater system. The project identified two sites for the soil cell, a priority location of approximately
two acres of surface parking located north of Memorial Coliseum/Craft Center, and an alternate location
for trees around Kroger field.
The soil cells will facilitate a reduction in stormwater volumes and improve stormwater quality through
stormwater interception and evapotranspiration and long-term infiltration. For example:
A tree with a 25-foot diameter canopy and associated soil can manage the 1-inch rainfall from
2,400 square feet of impervious surface. Based on a study by The Great Lakes Restorative
Initiative, it can be estimated that 59 gallons/tree of runoff reduction, from tree infiltration, will
benefit the overall stormwater system. The amount of impervious surface replaced by a soil cell is
estimated at 720 to 1080 sf per tree.
The Project will also have strong educational value and will be aligned with the University’s mission,
vision, values and strategic plan. Toward this end, the project may be integrated with several courses and
programs in the Colleges of Design and Agriculture. UK will partner with internal and external
stakeholders to develop and provide educational workshops for students and the public that highlight the
benefits of the tree soil cells. The proposal also includes a research design that will evaluate how the trees
and soils in the soil cells compare with two control conditions – open-growth trees and trees planted in
constrained urban environments.
Status | Active |
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Effective start/end date | 4/27/23 → 4/26/25 |
Funding
- Lexington Fayette Urban County Government: $360,000.00
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