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Horticulture

Horticulture

Arcosa Lightweight’s expanded shale and clay aggregates offer innovative, cost-effective solutions for a range of horticultural applications, from soil amendments to stormwater management systems.

As a trusted resource for landscape architects, engineers, and gardeners, Arcosa’s lightweight aggregates enhance soil health, improve water and oxygen balance, and support sustainable practices in urban and natural landscapes. Lightweight aggregates are ideal for projects of all sizes, providing a reliable, long-lasting planting media that’s easy to work with and environmentally friendly.

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Key Benefits

Arcosa Lightweight aggregates improve soil aeration, retain moisture, and provide long-lasting, non-degradable support for plant growth, making them ideal for sustainable landscapes, effective stormwater management, and healthier horticultural environments.

Improved Soil Health and Plant Growth

Arcosa Lightweight aggregates enhance soil structure by promoting aeration, reducing compaction, and optimizing water retention. These properties help create an ideal growing environment for plant roots, fostering robust plant health and longevity.

Effective Stormwater Management and Runoff Control

With their high water absorption capacity, Arcosa aggregates are valuable for urban landscapes and stormwater systems, increasing soil infiltration and reducing runoff. This functionality allows aggregates to filter pollutants and support healthier green spaces in urban areas, roadways, and sensitive environmental zones. 3

Environmental Sustainability

Arcosa aggregates are ceramic-based and chemically inert, providing a non-degradable soil amendment that supports sustainable landscapes. Their lightweight, easy-to-handle structure makes them suitable for large projects and long-term installations in green roofs, bioretention systems, and raised planters.

Featured Case Studies

Renzo Pavilion Provides Green Space in Urban Environment

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Solving Issues of Urban Development: Waterloo Park

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Lightweight Aggregate Protects Historic Live Oaks in New Orleans

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How Arcosa Lightweight
Works in Horticulture

Internal Water Reservoirs

Optimized Soil Aeration and Root Health

The porous structure of Arcosa aggregates prevents soil compaction, providing excellent aeration and promoting root growth, essential for plant health in gardens, parks, and green roofs.

Minimizing Shrinkage and Cracking

Enhanced Water Retention and Infiltration

Arcosa aggregates absorb water and release it gradually, reducing watering frequency and supporting effective stormwater infiltration in bioretention systems, rain gardens, and bioswales.

Enhanced Density and Durability

Non-Degradable and Chemically Inert

As a long-lasting, inert material, Arcosa aggregates do not break down or leach chemicals, making them an environmentally safe choice for sustainable landscaping.

Why Choose Arcosa Lightweight for
Horticulture?

  • Proven in Diverse Applications: Arcosa Lightweight aggregates are trusted for use in urban green infrastructure, public parks, and commercial landscapes, delivering reliable performance and environmental benefits.
  • Enhanced Soil Health and Reduced Maintenance: With improved aeration, moisture control, and structure, Arcosa aggregates support optimal plant health, reduce watering needs, and minimize ongoing maintenance.
  • Sustainable, Long-Term Solution: Arcosa’s aggregates provide a durable, eco-friendly amendment that supports sustainable horticultural practices across various landscape applications.
Expert Photo

Ask our Expert: 1-800-342-LITE

Paul Altznauer, with 28 years of experience in the green industry and a degree in horticulture, brings a blend of practical expertise and academic knowledge to his work. Passionate about plants and environmental sustainability, he excels in areas such as landscape design, plant cultivation, and eco-friendly gardening practices.

Concrete Pouring

Additional Related Articles

Construction Site

Lightweight Aggregate Critical Solution for Green Infrastructure

By: Paul Altznauer

As urban areas expand and the effects of climate change become increasingly apparent, the demand for sustainable construction materials is rising. Expanded shale, clay, and slate (ESCS) have emerged as a critical solution for green infrastructure, offering a unique blend of water management, plant support, and environmental sustainability. This lightweight aggregate is engineered to meet the demands of modern urban development, particularly in green roofs, bio-retention systems, and urban landscaping.

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Soil in Hand

FAQs: Horticultural Applications

By: Paul Altznauer

With a strong background in horticulture and sustainable landscape practices, Paul Altznauer shares valuable insights into the evolving role of lightweight aggregates in horticulture. Initially used for green roof media and soil amendments, lightweight aggregates are now specified in a wide range of applications, from urban landscaping to specialty designer soils. Here, Paul answers common questions about the effectiveness of lightweight aggregates in horticultural applications.

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Soil in Hand

Stormwater Management: The Role of Lightweight Aggregates

By: Paul Altznauer

With 28 years of experience in the green industry and a degree in horticulture, Paul Altznauer brings a unique blend of practical expertise and academic knowledge to his work in sustainable landscaping and environmental solutions. His passion for eco-friendly practices and landscape design has led him to explore the versatile applications of lightweight aggregates, particularly in stormwater management and Low Impact Development (LID) systems.

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Soil in Hand

FAQs: Green Roof Applications

By: Paul Altznauer

Paul Altznauer brings nearly three decades of experience in the green industry, specializing in horticulture and sustainable landscaping solutions. Here, Paul answers some of the most frequently asked questions about lightweight aggregates in green roof applications, offering valuable insights for industry professionals.

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