![Sluit](https://www.connectedgreen.nl/wp-content/themes/connected-green/images/icons/close-alpha.svg"){kind=icon}
back to overview Infilling; for many, it may be a term that raises questions, but in the green sector, it’s quite normal. The jargon of this industry actually has a simpler meaning than you might think, so for those who have no idea what the term “infilling” means, we’d be happy to explain. Infilling is the replacement of plant material that has failed to establish or has been damaged after planting. Curious about what causes the loss of these new plantings and trees, and how ConnectedGreen can help prevent it? Keep reading to find out.
Author: Isabelle Horneman
Why do plants wilt?
After the implementation of new green projects, it is possible that they do not thrive well. There are various reasons why new plantings may not survive in these cases. Common causes of tree and plant mortality include:
- Animals and pests that feed on the greenery
- Damage from extreme weather such as frost or storms
- Fluctuating groundwater levels
- Vandalism
- Drought
When searching for the cause, it is helpful to consider which of the above situations have occurred. The orientation of the trees or plants with respect to sunlight or shade can also have an impact, as well as factors such as the rate of green growth and whether the vegetation has the necessary space. Additionally, obtaining sufficient water is obviously an important factor in the establishment of new green projects, but with today’s climate change, it is uncertain whether plants receive too much or too little water. Plants can dry out during prolonged dry and hot periods, but excessive rain can lead to insufficient oxygen supply to the roots, resulting in the loss of greenery. However, imagine if you could determine the timing and routes of water supply based on the actual measured soil moisture levels. That’s something where ConnectedGreen can provide valuable assistance.
Ter Riele prevents loss of planting
Partner of ConnectedGreen, landscaping and green maintenance company Ter Riele B.V., is a good example of a company that wanted to reduce the chance of plant loss. One of the reasons for this was the dry years of 2018 and 2019. They wanted to manage the water supply. During those dry periods, they used to provide a lot of water, but they could never really verify if the correct amount of water was being given. Additionally, they operated on various types of soil, such as dry sandy soil or wet clay. By monitoring remotely, they could work more targeted and efficiently manage water, significantly reducing plant loss.
Landscapers can provide better replacement guarantees
Despite careful cultivation, it may happen that a plant or tree does not thrive in the chosen location. If a particular plant or tree does not perform well in a specific location, it may fail to establish. This is known as replacement.
Proper watering is crucial for the initial establishment of trees after planting. At the same time, it is important to prevent the tree from becoming dependent on watering. To provide the client with assurance that the planting will not fail, the contractor can offer a replacement guarantee. The client can also “demand” a replacement guarantee from the contractor. This often occurs through a bidding process and a multi-year framework agreement. To minimize the risk of replacement, monitoring is highly recommended.
ConnectedGreen helps prevent replacement
At ConnectedGreen, we have a good understanding of what replacement entails. Additionally, we are aware of how challenging it can be to combat this issue in today’s climate. ConnectedGreen is an innovative platform based on smart soil moisture sensors. This platform makes it possible to monitor soil moisture levels in green projects, resulting in less replacement and water usage. Interested in the possibilities? Read more about our solution here.
