Narrow streets: making the most of space

A problem that many policy makers, urban planners and landscape architects are familiar with is that besides all the building, there needs to be space for greenery, but there isn’t a great deal of space left over. The challenge is therefore to come up with a fitting solution, and they do exist. On our lots we have a large selection of trees that are suitable for narrow streets and other small areas. They are trees which are much less demanding above and often below ground and which can continue to develop healthily over a long period of time.

Trees in narrow streets

The design of a project with limited space for greenery required well-thought-out solutions. The scanty space available will need to be used optimally if a green landscape is to be created. Planting sites also need extra attention: the management of oxygen and water needs to be tested and made suitable for trees. The choice of tree also plays a role. Some species can cope better with urban conditions than others. In addition, crown shape and paving are of paramount importance. Choose a narrow crown shape and a species that can tolerate paving. Next, there are still a lot of aesthetic choices to be made: inflorescence, autumn colour, leaf shape and colour all contribute to the final look. These are nice elements for landscape architects and designers to shape their vision of the project. The right trees can be found with the aid of the tree filter.

When both planting site and tree meet the right criteria, it will also be possible to have successful greenery in difficult places. It requires some effort from all involved, but the right tree in the right planting location is a lasting investment in greenery which the next generation will also be able to enjoy!

Columnar trees are highly suitable

Urban trees that are suitable for narrow streets naturally have a narrow upright crown shape, which means they are able to keep their natural habit over a long period. There are columnar trees whose width does not exceed three metres but whose height still contributes to the green landscape. These cultivars require very little pruning which makes them very interesting in terms of management costs. There are columnar varieties of many main species.

Shaped trees and espaliers require little space

If the desired trees are defining feature and if management costs are of lesser importance, then there are some beautiful solutions available in the form of shaped trees and espaliers. These can be used particularly well to highlight lines of sight or to guide traffic. Some espaliers or screen shapes can also be planted up against a wall so they scarcely take up any space whatsoever. The lime is the best known in this series, but consider trained fruit trees or pleached screens too, for instance Carpinus or Liquidambar.

Trees in the third size category with extra ornamental value

If you would like a tree with a rich inflorescence or a beautiful autumn colour, then look through our range of trees from six to eight metres for species and cultivars that have the required ornamental value and an upright growth habit. There are a lot of beautiful flowering species in the smallest category. Ornamental apples, cherries, serviceberries or magnolias can all serve to brighten up a street.

Trees for this application