Structural Tree Pit Supply & Installation

At Modern Environments, we specialise in the supply and installation of structural tree pits for commercial, council, and infrastructure projects across greater Auckland. Our systems ensure that trees thrive in urban environments while pavements, roads, and surrounding infrastructure remain safe and intact.

Why Structural Tree Pits?

Structural tree pits are engineered systems that provide the soil volume and stability trees need to establish healthy root networks — without compromising the surrounding built environment.

  • Support healthy root growth: Preventing soil and root compaction and allowing long-term canopy development.
  • Protect pavements and services: Reducing the risk of cracked surfaces, displaced kerbs, and damaged utilities.
  • Integrate stormwater management: Enhancing water infiltration and reducing runoff burden on local drainage networks.
  • Extend tree life expectancy: Creating the right balance of soil, air, and water for long-term resilience.

Our Structural Tree Pit Solutions

Modern Environments partners with leading global suppliers to deliver proven systems that perform in New Zealand’s urban conditions:

1. Stockholm Tree Pits

We construct Stockholm Tree Pits to specification, providing a reliable installation service for councils, developers, and landscape architects. This system creates healthier conditions for urban trees, improves stormwater management, and helps reduce pavement damage.

2. Citygreen systems

At Modern Environments, we don’t just install structural tree pits — we bring next-generation vault technology to your projects. We offer both Citygreen StrataCell and Citygreen Stratavault modules to suit varying project demands, load conditions, and soil / hydrology requirements.

StrataCell: A High-Strength Modular Soil Cell

The StrataCell system is one of the world’s strongest modular soil cell systems. It delivers uncompacted soil volumes beneath paved areas while maintaining structural integrity under heavy loads. This ensures your trees can flourish without compromising the surrounding hard surfaces.

We often specify StrataCell where traffic loads, soil depth, site constraints, or integration with other services demand a proven, high-performance solution.

Stratavault: The Next-Generation Approach for Soil & Infrastructure Integration

Stratavault represents the next evolution of soil vault/root cell systems. It retains a high void ratio (typically > 90 % for root growth), while optimising structural efficiency and modular flexibility.

In many complex or demanding urban developments, we combine or choose between StrataCell and Stratavault matched to site loads, soil depth, root growth needs, and hydrologic goals.

 

Our Process

1. Supply

Delivery of premium structural tree pit systems and materials.

2. Installation

Professional excavation, system assembly, soil placement, and tree planting by our skilled teams.

3. Aftercare

Optional maintenance programmes to ensure long-term success.

How We Build Structural Tree Pits

We follow a proven step-by-step process to ensure healthy, long-lasting trees and reliable urban infrastructure.
 
1. Drainage installation – Base layer of scoria with nova flow pipes for reliable water management.
2. Root barrier placement – Prevents roots from damaging underground infrastructure.
3. Structural cell installation – Stratacells create uncompacted soil volume for healthy root growth.
4. Soil layering – High-quality planting mix added in stages as the strata cells are built up.
5. Final planting & hydration – The structure is watered and compacted, ready for the tree to thrive.
 

See our full tree pit installation process step-by-step

Why Choose Modern Environments?

  • Proven expertise in large-scale commercial and environmental projects across New Zealand.
  • Specialists in structural systems — not just planting, but engineered solutions that councils and developers can trust.
  • Partnerships with global leaders for reliable, compliant products.
  • A turnkey service: design input, supply, installation, and optional maintenance.
  • Sustainability at the core: solutions that manage stormwater, reduce urban heat, and support biodiversity.

Applications

  • Streetscapes & CBD upgrades
  • Commercial developments
  • Council infrastructure projects
  • Educational and institutional landscapes
  • Public spaces and plazas

FAQs

Think of it like giant lego where large plastic structures click together to provide a solid structure. Pavements get built over the tree pits while soil and tree roots happily occupy the voids in this underground lego.

The stormwater restocks the soil moisture throughout the structural tree pit. Absorbs water as it arrives and stores it for the tree to consume on dry days. As a consequence, many hundreds of litres are stored before any surplus gets to the drainage pipes at the bottom of the tree pit. It slows the whole process of stormwater runoff.

There are several in the market, but at Modern Environments, we find Aco and City Green are leaders at present.

It depends on size, but think in terms of several thousand dollars. For a city tree whose life will well exceed that of the children that climb it is a minor cost for beautiful green infrastructure

Looking for structural tree pits that deliver long-term performance? Contact Modern Environments today to discuss your project and receive a tailored quote

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