Friday, 07 August 2026
Trees can make a building or outdoor space feel much more alive. But when a large tree needs to grow in an area surrounded by pavement, concrete, or other hard surfaces, it needs enough space to stay healthy. One practical solution is creating a tree well.
A tree well is basically an open area around a tree that allows the trunk and its root system to grow without being completely surrounded by hard surfaces. It may look simple, but designing one properly requires some planning.
Choose the Right Location
The first step is deciding where the tree will be planted. Look at the surrounding space and think about how large the tree could become in the future.
Don’t only consider the size of the trunk. Tree roots also need room to expand underground. A small space may look fine when the tree is young, but it can become a problem as the tree grows.
Citygreen explains that tree wells are important in urban environments because they can provide trees with the space and conditions they need to grow alongside hard landscaping.
Give the Roots Enough Space
One of the biggest mistakes when creating a tree well is focusing only on what people can see. The underground space is just as important.
Trees need soil for their roots, as well as access to water and air. If the soil is heavily compacted, roots may struggle to grow.
For that reason, the design should provide enough quality soil around the tree. The exact size will depend on the tree species, expected mature size, and surrounding site conditions.
Think About Drainage
Water is another important part of the design. Trees need water, but excessive standing water can create problems for roots.
A properly designed tree well should allow rainwater to reach the soil while preventing the area from becoming permanently waterlogged. Good drainage is especially important when the tree well is surrounded by concrete or pavement.
Protect the Tree From the Pavement
The edge of the tree well also needs attention. Pavement should not be placed too close to the trunk because the tree will continue growing.
As the trunk expands, it can push against surrounding pavement and potentially cause cracks or uneven surfaces.
A suitable border or flexible design can help create enough space for future growth. The goal is to give the tree room without creating a dangerous or inconvenient surface for pedestrians.
Make It Part of the Landscape
A tree well doesn’t have to look like an empty hole in the pavement. It can become part of the overall landscape design.
You can use suitable groundcover, mulch, or other landscape elements around the tree, depending on the site and maintenance requirements.
However, avoid covering the trunk itself with soil or mulch. The base of the tree needs to remain properly exposed.
Plan for the Future
The most important thing to remember is that trees grow. A tree well that looks perfect today may not be suitable ten or twenty years from now.
Before construction begins, think about the tree’s mature size, root requirements, maintenance, drainage, pedestrian movement, and surrounding infrastructure.
Creating a good tree well is therefore more than simply leaving a hole in a sidewalk or paved area. It is about creating a small but healthy growing environment for the tree while making sure it works with the building and landscape around it.