Trees in planters: the solution for temporary greenery in the city

Trees in planters represent a trend that has grown in popularity over recent years. They are powerful design elements that can be placed in the outdoor space like pieces of furniture. It is also possible to make them so they can be moved, which can be extremely practical in some cases. Trees in planters are also ideal for putting in places where there would normally be no room for trees due to underground infrastructure. This method enables green elements to be included in the outdoor space even in heavily urbanised areas. The possibilities for trees in planters are plentiful. We have listed a number of suggestions below, although there are many more. Go to the Tree Filter to view all trees for planters.

Suitable planters for trees

There is lots of choice of planters too, each of which can give a space its very own identity. Their use in combination with the selected trees or shrubs can create harmony or a striking contrast. In partnership with renowned manufacturers, Van den Berk has compiled a collection enabling a suitable planter to be found for any application. For instance, there are luxury pots for private gardens and technically designed planters for public areas. These planters have special features that enable the creation of the best possible conditions for the tree. Thanks to the water tank, overflow, sounding pipes and filler pipes, the trees in these planters are easily managed and the grooves in the underside of the planters make them relatively easy to move.

Areas of attention when placing trees in planters

With or without water tank: especially during dry periods, trees in planters must be properly monitored and given the right amount of water at the right time. Irrigation must be in line with the tree’s needs at any given time, so be wary of giving standard amounts of water and fixed schedules. As the root growth is limited, the tree will also have difficulty absorbing the right amount of nutrition. It is therefore recommended to add measured amounts of fertiliser.
In spite of all the good care, a tree or shrub in a planter will always remain smaller and its lifespan will be shorter than it would be when planted in open ground. Take this into account when drawing up plans. Finally, for a visually attractive result, the size of the planter and the size of the tree or shrub need to be well proportioned. Choose nice-looking, well-branched plants. Multi-stem trees or macro-bonsais are also very suitable for placing in planters. Clear stem trees are less suitable.

An example: Rotterdam, Kop van Zuid

The Rotterdam city council has the necessary experience when it comes to containers. Dozens of containers with Prunus cerasifera 'Nigra' and Cornus mas have been placed on the Kop van Zuid. The experiences with the containers have been very good so far. There is little vandalism and the containers can be easily moved with a fork-lift truck. They are a good alternative for locations where trees cannot be planted in the soil; they create a green area and improve the quality of the outdoor space.

Monitoring the water and nutrition balance is of great importance, says Van Leeuwen. In Rotterdam, the trees are monitored 3 to 4 times more often than usual, to ensure a timely adjustment of the water supply. According to Mr. Aad van Leeuwen, landscape manager for the Rotterdam council, the Kop van Zuid will remain an area in development for the years to come. It is a very special place steeped in nautical history, where the council has already made huge investments and where ambition levels are high. This partly explains why the decision was made to use container trees here.