Treediaper plant hydration mats for green stormwater infrastructure
TreeDiaper mats stabilize soil moisture in green stormwater infrastructure (GSI), keeping plants alive to maximize nitrogen and phosphorus removal from stormwater runoff. Field trials in Virginia show consistent moisture levels under mats versus extreme dry/wet swings in controls, supporting healthier pollutant-absorbing vegetation.
Overview
Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) relies on plants to capture nitrogen and phosphorus from stormwater runoff before these nutrients reach surface waters and trigger harmful algae blooms. However, the very design of GSI systems creates a problem: soils must be highly porous to absorb storm surges and drain quickly, producing roller-coaster moisture swings that stress or kill plants. When vegetation dies, it stops removing nutrients and instead releases stored nitrogen and phosphorus back into the environment as tissues decompose.
TreeDiaper mats address this core challenge by absorbing and slowly releasing water to maintain stable soil moisture around plants in tree wells, bioswales, and other GSI installations. By keeping plants alive and thriving, the technology aims to maximize the pollutant-removal performance of green infrastructure, turning healthy vegetation into a more reliable nutrient filter.
Technical specifications
- Multi-functional plant protection mat placed on the soil surface around trees, shrubs, and garden plants
- Super-absorbent polymer core absorbs excess water during storms and releases it back into the soil during dry periods
- Plastic fabric construction designed for durability and reuse across multiple growing seasons
- Available in multiple sizes to fit different rootball dimensions and installation contexts, including tree wells and roadside bioswales
- Dual-direction moisture management prevents root rot during wet conditions while preventing drought stress during dry conditions
- Mulch-compatible design allows the mat to be covered for a natural appearance in municipal and landscaping settings
Technology readiness level
The technology has been deployed in field trials at multiple county and VDOT facilities in Virginia, including Fairfax and central Virginia sites. In April 2019, soil moisture readings under TreeDiaper mats measured approximately 7 on a 0-10 scale 30 hours after rainfall, while control wells registered 3 (dry). During a 2020 record-rainfall period in central Virginia, control areas experienced moisture swings from 3 to 10, while TreeDiaper-treated areas maintained a narrower 4 to 7 range. Future validation will include collecting water samples to measure nitrogen and phosphorus levels at inlet and outlet points, plus controlled experiments with known nutrient loading to quantify removal efficiency.
About TreeDiaper
TreeDiaper is a patented, multi-functional plant protection and advanced hydration system manufactured by Zynnovation LLC in Ashland, Virginia. The product consists of a mat designed to be placed on the soil surface around trees, shrubs, and garden plants. It functions by absorbing water from rain or irrigation and storing it within its material, which is made of plastic fabrics and super-absorbent polymers. When the surrounding soil becomes dry, the mat slowly releases this stored moisture back into the ground, promoting consistent root hydration and facilitating the establishment of newly planted vegetation. Additionally, the system is designed to absorb excess water from the soil to help prevent root rot during wet periods.
This technology is intended to help plants thrive in varying climates, including regions with low precipitation, by reducing the labor and equipment required for manual watering. By maintaining steady moisture levels, it supports healthy outward root growth and long-term plant viability, which can reduce the need for complex, costly irrigation systems. The TreeDiaper system is used by individuals and municipal parks departments for landscaping and urban tree maintenance. It is intended to be installed on top of the soil and can be covered with mulch for a natural appearance. The mats are durable, reusable, and available in various sizes to accommodate different rootball dimensions.
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