TreeBunck Urban Tree Infrastructure System

TreeBunck

High-load structural tree bunker system providing uncompacted underground growing space beneath heavy traffic areas.

TreeBunck

High-load structural tree bunker system providing uncompacted underground growing space beneath heavy traffic areas.

The TreeBunck system is a self-supporting underground growing space structure for urban trees. The system consists of modular plastic units, is resistant to heavy loads, and prevents soil compaction. The entire structure is filled with loose, nutrient-rich soil, and through the addition of oxygen and water, the tree can achieve its desired mature growth without damaging the surrounding pavement.

Designed For

Creation of structural underground growing space for urban trees.
Preservation of pavement and road surfaces above planting areas.
Prevention of soil compaction to support long-term root growth.
Potential water storage and controlled infiltration.

Recommended Use

Urban streets and avenues with a variety of traffic.
Public squares, Parks, and paved areas.
Trees near sewers and utility lines.
Projects where root volume of trees needs to be optimised.
Areas requiring combined water management and load support.

Technical Specifications

Axle load of 15 tons on a single column.
Safety factor of 4.
95% soil volume.
Minimum spacing within a bunker system.
>31 cm Self-supporting and load-relieving.

Installation Guidelines

Excavate the construction pit and prepare the subgrade.
Assemble and install the units in the pit, including the combigrid.
Install root ball anchoring, aeration/irrigation systems, and root guidance within the bunker.
Gradually fill the bunker and the surrounding construction pit in layers.
Compact the soil within the bunker and install the covers.
Place geotextile on top of the covers.
Begin construction of the overlying pavement.

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Components

Frame

The frame provides connection and structural stability to the system.
Material: Polypropylene
Color: Black
Weight: > 3.20 kg
Dimensions: 970 × 565 × 46 mm

Middleframe

The middleframe prevents column buckling under high loads.
Material: Polypropylene
Color: Black
Weight: > 1.20 kg
Dimensions: 970 × 565 × 50 mm
The middleframe is installed at height intervals of up to 60 cm to ensure structural stability.

Connector

The connector includes a top and bottom attachment point, and are used to link the entire system and stabilise it.
Material: Polypropylene
Color: Black
Weight: > 0.16 kg
Dimensions: 290 × 54 × 30 mm

Cover

The cover distributes loads across a unit and ensures a closed, stable structure.
Material: Polypropylene
Color: Black
Weight: > 2.50 kg
Dimensions: 400 × 400 × 50 mm

Post

Depending on the required load-bearing capacity, the post will vary in thickness and height to prevent buckling.
Column properties for high-load applications:
Material: PVC-U
Color: Grey
Weight: > 3.30 kg/m
Dimensions: Ø 9 cm – 8 mm wall thickness

Benefits

Resistant to vertical and lateral loads/pressure

High load-bearing capacity, developed for heavy traffic loads

Compatible with water storage systems (see UrbaCell)

Optimal use of underground space and integration with public utility networks

Modular system, adaptable to your specific needs

User-friendly and lightweight

Available in all heights from 40 cm and above

Unlimited root growth space

Minimum spacing between columns within the full tree bunker > 30 cm

Made from recycled PP

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FAQs

1. Is integration of utilities such as service connections, drainage, etc. possible?

Yes. The system features open side walls, allowing seamless integration of utilities up to a diameter of 30 cm. Boxes can also be locally reduced within a continuous configuration to allow placement over an existing pipe.

2. Can the TreeBunck be used for existing trees?

Yes, it can be used, optionally in combination with UrbaCell, to expand the rootable growing space of existing trees.

3. What heights are available in the system?

All heights are possible and have been tested. For every multiple of 60 cm max. in height, an intermediate frame must be included to ensure structural stability.

4. What has the TreeBunck been tested for?

The TreeBunck was tested at the weakest point of the system, on a single column, rather than on four columns as is common with other systems. Although loads are typically distributed across four columns via the covers, the system is engineered so that if a load is applied directly on top of a single column (not centrally over the cover), that single column is capable of bearing the full load.

5. Was a safety margin considered in relation to the warranty period?

Taking into account the natural wear of plastic materials, a safety margin must always be included. This ensures that the system remains structurally reliable even as material strength gradually decreases over time. A safety factor of 4 has been applied, compared to the typical 1.4 used in the industry, which is insufficient to account for long-term material degradation. This approach aligns with the German Technical Standard ATV-DVWK-A 127, which states that plastic materials can lose up to 50% of their strength over a 50-year period. By incorporating this higher safety factor, the system is designed to maintain its performance and structural integrity throughout its entire lifespan, supporting our guarantee of 50 years of useful life.

TreeBunck

TreeBunck

Designed For

Recommended Use

Technical Specifications

Installation Guidelines

Components

Frame

Middleframe

Connector

Cover

Post

Benefits

Get a Quote

FAQs

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