Pitfalls & Challenges in Urban Tree Planting

We all know the importance of trees in our cities, however urban trees are often neglected and do not receive the appropriate care they require in urban settings. Each of these photos tell a story of neglect, disregard, or simple lack of knowledge.

Learning from both our own and others’ mistakes is imperative if we are to pursue the goal of increasing urban tree canopy cover in our cities.

Against tree guard 2Inappropriate product selection can blight the results


Against tree guard This tree guard is killing the very thing it was supposed to protect


Proper tree guard use A healthy tree: With the right product selection urban trees can thrive


Proper tree guard use 2
A healthy tree: With the right product selection urban trees can thrive


Improper irrigation
Makeshift and untidy – a home for rats and mice


Proper irrigation
A healthy tree with appropriate irrigation measures


Uneven Sidewalk
Pavement heave due to improper root management


Proper root management
With proper root management, the area around trees will be free of pavement heave


Cut trees
Insufficient rooting volume caused these trees to be cut down



d - low res
Trees will flourish with sufficient uncompacted rooting volume


Chocked tree
Poor planting techniques harm trees


Cut tree 2
This tree died due to poor drainage and was removed


Trees decorated road in modern city

Lifted sidewalks, cracked pavement, uneven walking surfaces: when these problems appear around mature trees, the roots usually get the blame.

Urban tree populations in cities around the world are under pressure. Despite the clear benefits trees bring, including cooling streets,

When the phrase root girdling appears in a specification meeting or planning discussion, it tends to stop the conversation cold.

One of the biggest challenges facing the urban greening industry today is how we respond effectively to the accelerating climate

Planting a tree is often framed as an act of optimism, a gesture toward a greener, more hopeful future. But

Designing urban landscapes that successfully support both healthy tree growth and the structural needs of pavements, pathways, and vehicle areas

Soil in urban environments rarely provides the conditions trees need to grow and thrive. Limited rooting space, compaction, and conflicts

Our existing urban drainage systems are being asked to do far more than they were ever designed for. Denser development,

Each winter, towns and cities adopt a more festive character. Streets are illuminated, markets appear, and in many public squares

Urban environments are complex, high-demand spaces where every inch of land serves a function. Yet even in densely built areas,