Construction crews have finished installing the high-tech foundation of the soon-to-be renovated Samford Park to ensure the longest possible life for the new Toomer's Oaks.
Silva Cells, an underground structural system, have been placed below where the future trees will be transplanted to reduce soil compaction for optimal root growth.
"Anytime you are putting in roads or sidewalks, you always have to compact, and using the Silva Cells is like a replacement for compaction," said Brenda Guglielmina, southern regional manager at DeepRoot.
Beneath the bricks of the plaza and the pavement of the sidewalks, several layers including sand and bedding material are placed on top of the Silva Cells plastic frame.
The crate-like cells are filled with soil and allow water to reach the roots.
Some of the cells are used as a bridging technique that connects the sidewalks to more open soil, but most of the cells will be used to benefit the trees.
"Soil volume is directly connected to how large and how vibrant the trees will be," Guglielmina said. "It allows the soil within the Silva Cells to do what you would want soil to do in a prairie or forest, let water infiltrate through it freely and let roots grow freely."
Silva Cells have been used in urban construction projects in the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe and Australia.
Samford Park is the first location in Alabama to use this technology.
"It allows the roots to grow up under the sidewalk to the other side," said Jeffery Dumars, assistant director of campus planning and space management.
"We cannot build a better urban growing condition for trees," Dumars said.
Construction crews were able to dig up nearly all of the contaminated soil, but could not reach under the gates or sidewalks.
An impervious tarp-like lining will be installed around these areas to ensure no poison will reach the new trees.
The goal of this summer's construction is the removal of all contaminated soil and preparing for the new trees to be transplanted in early 2015.
All aspects of the project are to benefit the life of the future trees, even the planting date.
"It's best to transplant trees in the winter when they are dormant," said project manager Ben Burmester. "Anything we can control, we want to control."
The new plaza will include a circular seating area and the total size will remain approximately the same size as it was before.
Phase one of the project is planned to be completed by August, and be functional for football season.
Project managers are still working with the city to decide on a course of action for the wires.
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