Sunday 11 January 2026

Across Ireland, local authorities are stepping up urban greening to meet climate, flood resilience and liveability goals.

In line with these objectives, trees are recognised as a key component of sustainable drainage systems (SuDS). However, engineers often face a conflict between the need to compact the ground for roads and paths, and the need for an uncompacted growing medium that allows sufficient space for tree roots to thrive.

Plumbing and drainage systems innovator Wavin offers a solution that tackles this challenge head-on. Wavin TreeTank is designed to help cities manage surface water more effectively and builds on Wavin’s established SuDS portfolio, which includes the recently launched AquaCell NG.

How it works

Lightweight and fully modular, TreeTank is installed around a planting void filled with uncompacted soil and features built-in pipework for irrigation and ventilation. The system gives roots consistent access to water, air and nutrients while guiding growth away from roads, pavements and underground services. It helps trees establish faster, supports biodiversity and prevents costly damage to surrounding infrastructure, while keeping the soil loose, oxygen-rich and ideal for root growth.

Because the system is modular, designers can easily work around existing utilities or irregular footprints. Designed for versatility, Wavin TreeTank provides maximum design freedom during planning and installation, allowing optimal use of space and ensuring high resistance to vertical and horizontal loads. Its durable construction also ensures longevity, protecting root systems for many years.

Why it matters

As extreme weather places our cities and towns under increasing pressure – from intense rainfall to dry, hot summers like those experienced in 2025 – coupled with ageing drainage networks across the country, nature-based solutions can play a key role in stormwater management. In addition, integrating trees into urban design contributes significantly to biodiversity and community well-being.

Wavin TreeTank supports these objectives by enabling the delivery of greener, more resilient public spaces that perform better for people and the environment alike.

Wavin TreeTanks in action

Proven across European cities, Wavin TreeTanks were installed at a site in South County Dublin in 2022. Since then, the trees have flourished, transforming the space into a visually striking, fast-developing landscape that demonstrates the system’s long-term value under Irish conditions.

To find out more, contact projects.ie@wavin.com or visit https://wavin.com/ie or click here.