Engineering and consultancy firms
Green and infrastructure in one integrated approach
Without an integrated approach to green space, water and infrastructure, a future-proof public realm is not achievable. That is why more and more cities are working according to the green-blue-grey infrastructure principle, in which trees, water and paving are designed as one coherent system and embedded in policy, design and specifications.
Engineering and consultancy firms operate at the intersection of policy, design and implementation. It is precisely at this point that choices relating to green space, water and infrastructure must be well substantiated and clearly documented. By approaching green, grey and blue in an integrated way, solutions emerge that are coherent, feasible and future-proof.
Let green, grey and blue reinforce one another within a single integrated plan
In practice, it appears that the intended lifespan of trees is often not achieved. When drawing up plans, the design of tree pits is not always automatically taken into account. At present, the average urban tree lives for only ten years. Yet urban trees only truly deliver their full value once they reach maturity, at around twenty to thirty years of age.
At the same time, trees are indispensable in a healthy and future-proof public space. Scientific research shows that trees contribute to cooling, water regulation and air quality, and have a positive effect on our mental and physical health. By integrating tree pit design from the design and advisory phase onwards, a strong foundation is created for trees that can genuinely develop into mature and valuable elements within the design.
Addressing challenges with trees in the public realm
Trees naturally belong in forests, not among concrete and paving. It is therefore not surprising that a tree shows signs of stress when it is planted in the middle of hard surfaces without a suitable tree pit. An urban tree often has to cope with heat stress, soil compaction, oxygen deficiency, insufficient growing space, drought, pollution and a lack of nutrients. Trees usually do not fail immediately, but remain under prolonged stress.
No more lack of space through integrated tree pit design
For 30 years, we at GreenMax have been pioneering innovations that bring green space and infrastructure together. Green, grey and blue no longer have to be competing choices, but can form one integrated solution with the right approach.
This is how we provide solutions for the integrated design of urban tree pits, both for new planting and for the revitalisation of existing trees. Within paved areas, we create a growing environment that is as natural as possible, while at the same time ensuring optimal water management, protection of paving and careful integration of cables and pipes.
Tree Pit Design
Root protection and guidance
Water retention
Aeration and irrigation
Anchoring
Trunk protection
Biodiversity conservation
Soil improvement
Exterior design
Technical support for an integrated plan
An integrated tree pit design, in which trees, water management, utilities and paving come together, requires knowledge of technical possibilities and systems. We are happy to support you in the following ways:
Do you need technical expertise when making integrated project decisions?
We are keen to think along with you about connecting green space and infrastructure in the public realm. Whether it concerns a new greening project or underground conflicts such as tree roots interacting with cables and pipes, we are happy to help.
As an integrated partner for green space and infrastructure, we offer support at every stage of the process. Would you like to discuss a specific challenge or are you looking for in-depth advice? Feel free to schedule a no-obligation consultation to explore the possibilities together.
