What is a Tree Box?

Tree boxes provide direct filtration of runoff while also intercepting rain as it falls onto the leaves and branches of the non-invasive plant life.

Tree boxes also reduce the urban heat island effect, offer shady relief from the sun and draw foot traffic to nearby business based on their aesthetically pleasing nature.

The boxes are typically installed on the street side of sidewalks, with long, narrow storage volumes below the pavement.

Runoff is eliminated through a combination of trees taking up water (and nutrients), percolating into the ground and discharging to stormwater systems.

Pollutants are removed as they pass through the soil media in the “box” and as trees absorb and filter pollutants.

How it works:

PROJECT PARTNERS: 

FAQs

Stormwater runoff is generated from rain events that flow over land or impervious surfaces, such as paved streets, parking lots, and building rooftops, and does not soak into the ground. The runoff picks up pollutants like trash, chemicals, oils, and dirt/sediment that can harm our rivers, streams, lakes, and coastal waters.

Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) reduces water pollution and improves quality of ground and surface waters while improving water and air quality and reducing clearing and grading costs, and long-term costs of stormwater management.

GSI reduces pollution and treats stormwater by retaining rainfall near its source instead of directing it to a centralized pond or treatment system.