STRUCTURAL SOIL TREE PITS FOR ENHANCED STORMWATER MANAGEMENT: DRAFT DESIGN GUIDE
Stormwater Conference 2024
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Z. Avery (The Urbanist + Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland), G. Chuah, & D. Stejskal (Auckland Council)
ABSTRACT
Structural tree pits are an innovative approach in urban landscaping and stormwater management, designed to support healthy tree growth in urban environments while managing stormwater runoff with reduced operation and maintenance costs. At source stormwater management in new developments in Auckland has been dominated by raingardens over the last decade. Small raingardens have proven to be very costly to operate and maintain.[1] The structural tree pit offers an efficient alternative that also delivers added benefits for our urban ngahere. These systems help address the challenges faced by trees in urban areas, such as limited space for root growth and the prevalence of impervious surfaces that restrict water and air reaching the tree roots.[2] As the system can be loadbearing and trafficable, space under footpaths, driveways and roads can be utilised.[3]
[1] S. Ira and R. Simcock, (2019). Understanding Costs and Maintenance of WSUD in New Zealand: Activating WSUD for Healthy Resilient Communities. Funded by the Building Better Homes, Towns and Cities National Science Challenge.
[2] L.F. Ow and E. Chan, (2021). Deferring waterlogging through stormwater control and channelling of runoff. Revised September 2021. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening Journal 65 (2021) 127351.
[3] B. Embrén and B. Alvem, (2017). Planting beds in the City of Stockholm – a handbook. Revised 2022 and translated.
City of Stockholm.