Landscape architects
Healthy trees through smart public space design
Without an integrated approach to green, water and infrastructure, a future-proof public space is not possible. That is why more and more cities are adopting a coherent green-blue-grey infrastructure principle, in which trees, water and hard surfaces are designed as one system. This offers creative design opportunities to address heat stress, flooding and the impacts of climate change in an intelligent way.
Landscape architects operate in a field where mobility, buildings, technology and underground infrastructure demand a great deal of space within the public realm. Green elements do not always automatically receive the place they deserve. However, by designing public space in an integrated manner, it is no longer necessary to make choices between green, grey and blue. When these elements are designed in cohesion from the outset, they reinforce one another, creating space for healthy trees, functional infrastructure and climate-adaptive solutions within a single design.
Bring green, grey and blue together integrally from the very first sketch
In practice, it appears that the intended lifespan of trees is often not achieved. The visualisation presents a strong and inspiring design, but in the realised public space trees do not always get the opportunity to develop properly. At present, the average urban tree lives for only ten years. This is despite the fact that 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 landscape design. 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 very first sketch phase, a strong foundation is created for trees that can genuinely grow 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
Designing with future-proof materials
A healthy living environment requires material choices with the lowest possible footprint. At GreenMax, this is reflected in demonstrably certified materials and an in-house circular production process, which ensures control over quality and origin. In addition, our range includes biobased and biodegradable solutions that contribute to a future-proof public space.
You design, we support with technical expertise
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:
Looking for a fresh, inspiring perspective to take your project to the next level?
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.
