ABSTRACT
Trees planted in urban locations, and particularly trees planted in hard landscape areas, can exhibit stunted growth or fail to reach full maturity. A wider choice of trees is available if the trees can be located in large areas of soft landscape, but for trees in hard landscaped areas, greater consideration must be given to ultimate size, growing habit, and root spread and habits. A tree pit of sufficient size and appropriate detailing, particularly in a hard landscape area, is required to allow development of a healthy root zone and prevent damage to buildings, services, or surface finishes. It is important to identify and utilise the correct soil that meets the specific needs of a tree species. To achieve sustainable growth, it is important to take into account the soil's volume requirements, depth, specification, texture, stones and rocks, debris content, contaminants, clod size, organic matter content, density, drainage, soil pH, nutrients, soluble salt, and moisture levels.
