Future-proof trees in Ergatiki Protomayia city square in Larisa with TreeParker

Ergatiki Protomayia city square in Larisa, Greece, was redeveloped in 2019 with new paving, infrastructure and extensive green landscaping. As part of the urban revitalisation, 20 trees were planted in the TreeParker soil cell system, which combines root growth, water retention and aeration in an underground tree pit. As a result, the trees benefit from sustainable growing conditions, while the square above ground remains fully available as an attractive and climate-adaptive public space.

Ergatiki Protomayia is a city square in Larisa, Greece, named after the Greek term for Labour Day. This is a traditional holiday on 1 May that celebrates the international labour movement and spring. The square is a place for meetings and social activity within Larisa. In 2019, it was redeveloped with new paving, improved infrastructure and additional green landscaping, including trees, to make the area more pleasant for residents and visitors.

The redevelopment of the square included various civil engineering works. The site was prepared through earthworks and demolition, after which new paving and edge treatments were installed. The drainage system was also renewed and elements of the public realm were added.

Great attention was paid to greenery during the redevelopment. New planting beds and lawns were installed, supported by an irrigation system for sustainable maintenance. Within this framework, 20 trees were planted, supplemented by shrubs and other plant material in various root ball sizes. The redevelopment was financed through the Prasino Tameio (Green Fund) under the programme Actions for Environmental Balance, with urban revitalisation as a priority.

Trees were planted in the square using the TreeParker soil cell system. This is an underground system that combines root growth, water retention and aeration. As a result, the trees benefit from better growing conditions, while the square above ground can be fully designed as a public space and damage to the paving is prevented. The system supports the heaviest traffic loads, preventing soil compaction. By providing the trees with a future-proof tree pit, they are given the opportunity to grow into large, mature trees that provide cooling and shade on hot summer days.