Tree box filter

Before construction of the tree box filter, several factors must be considered to maximize the effectiveness and impact of the system. Such factors include:

• area available
• area of coverage
• types of contaminants
• level of rainfall
• aesthetic appeal
• maintenance
• budget.

In order to accommodate such considerations, the location, design, and type of material of the box filter may be altered.{{cite web |last1=Rector |first1=Pat |last2=Obropta |first2=Christopher |last3=Brown |first3=Jessica |title=Green Infrastructure Practices: Tree Boxes |url=https://njaes.rutgers.edu/fs1209/ |date=August 2013 |publisher=New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station, Rutgers University |location=New Brunswick, NJ |id=Cooperative Extension Fact Sheet FS1209}}

Tree box filters are designed to accommodate a low volume of rainfall. A filter surface area of {{convert|48|ft|m}} can only cover up to {{convert|0.25|acre|ha}} of impervious or nonporous surface.{{cite web |title=Stormwater infiltration BMPs - contributing drainage area |url=https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Stormwater_infiltration_BMPs_-_contributing_drainage_area |date=2020-04-20 |website=Minnesota Stormwater Manual |publisher=Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) |location=St. Paul, MN}} As a result, strategically positioning multiple tree boxes around the area of coverage is vital, when trying to reduce costs and work.

Tree box filters consist of four main parts.

• Tree
• Open-Bottom Concrete Box
• Porous Soil Mix
• Underdrain

The tree is planted in a soil mixture of construction sand, unscreened topsoil, and compost.

{{cite web |title=Design guidelines for soil characteristics - tree trenches and tree boxes |url=https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Design_guidelines_for_soil_characteristics_-_tree_trenches_and_tree_boxes |date=2019-07-29 |website=Minnesota Stormwater Manual |publisher=MPCA}} The soil layer must be deep enough to accommodate nutrient and space requirements of the tree. It is recommended that there be

{{convert|2|cuft|m3}} of soil for every {{convert|1|cuft|m3}} of tree canopy.{{cite web |title=Construction guidelines for tree trenches and tree boxes |url=https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Construction_guidelines_for_tree_trenches_and_tree_boxes |date=2020-02-24 |website=Minnesota Stormwater Manual |publisher=MPCA}} Therefore, a five by six foot tree box must contain at least two feet of soil media in order to sustain a tree with a canopy of thirty square feet. Underneath the layer of soil lies the underdrain. This consists of a layer of crushed stone, at least two feet (0.6 meters) deep, surrounding a perforated drainage pipe. The drainage pipe connects to the municipality's existing storm drain system, allowing excess water to flow out, preventing overflow. These layers are encapsulated in a concrete box, hence the name tree box filter. Optionally, a metal grate may be placed on top of the concrete box, blocking large pieces of debris from entering the soil layer. When the tree box filter is located next to the street, a storm drain inlet may be implemented, allowing stormwater to enter from the street gutter.{{Cite journal |last1=Geronimo |first1=Franz Kevin F. |last2=Maniquiz-Redillas |first2=Marla C. |last3=Kim |first3=Lee-Hyung |date=2013-05-01|title=Treatment of parking lot runoff by a tree box filter |journal=Desalination and Water Treatment |volume=51 |issue=19–2 1|pages=4044–4049 |doi=10.1080/19443994.2013.781099 |bibcode=2013DWatT..51.4044G |issn=1944-3994|doi-access=free }} Stormwater from urban roof runoff can also be channeled to the tree-pits via roof drainage pipes.{{Cite journal|last1=Lim|first1=Fang Yee|last2=Neo|first2=Teck Heng|last3=Guo|first3=Huiling|last4=Goh|first4=Sin Zhi|last5=Ong|first5=Say Leong|last6=Hu|first6=Jiangyong|last7=Lee|first7=Brandon Chuan Yee|last8=Ong|first8=Geok Suat|last9=Liou|first9=Cui Xian|date=January 2021|title=Pilot and Field Studies of Modular Bioretention Tree System with Talipariti tiliaceum and Engineered Soil Filter Media in the Tropics|journal=Water|language=en|volume=13|issue=13|pages=1817|doi=10.3390/w13131817|doi-access=free|bibcode=2021Water..13.1817L }}

Installing a tree box filter may take only two to three days to accomplish, as all the necessary layers are delivered inside the box, ready to plant. First, preexisting, underground pipes and cables around the work site are marked out. Next, a rubber-tire backhoe will excavate the area where the box will be placed. Next, the concrete box containing all the main parts, except the tree, is set into the hole on a leveled base. Then underdrain pipes are connected, and any gaps around the tree box are refilled. Finally, the tree is planted, and if included, the metal grate is installed. Final tests and inspections of the tree box filter's function conclude the installation procedure. Depending on the location and area of coverage, installation can cost between $12,500 and $65,000.

Maintenance of tree box filters may include, but is not limited to

• Tree health and safety inspections
• Pruning or trimming
• Replacing mulch and fertilizer
• Litter removal
• Stake removal
• Tree straightening

The cost of care can range from $100 to $500 per year for each tree box filter. In order to extend the life and efficiency of the tree box filter, it is recommended that inspections be conducted yearly.{{cite web |title=Operation and maintenance of tree trenches and tree boxes |url=https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Operation_and_maintenance_of_tree_trenches_and_tree_boxes |date=2017-02-16 |website=Minnesota Stormwater Manual |publisher=MPCA}}

When implemented properly, tree box filters can significantly reduce the amount of pollutant in the stormwater that it infiltrates.

The ratio of pollutants exiting versus entering the tree box filter is known as the load ratio. Tree box filters show load ratios of 0.1 to 0.3 in the reduction of soluble metals, 0.35 to 0.6 in the reduction of organics and nutrients, and 0.09 in the reduction of total suspended solids.

Tree box filters remove about 80-90% of total suspended solids, 38-65% of nitrogen, and 50-80% of phosphorus, 54% of zinc, 40% of copper, and 90% of petroleum hydrocarbons. Based on these results, it can be concluded that tree box filters can significantly reduce the amount of pollutants in water that flows through the system, greatly lessening the impact on local surface waters.

{{Reflist}}

• [https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=Overview_of_stormwater_infiltration Overview of stormwater infiltration] - Minnesota Stormwater Manual
• [https://www.epa.gov/greeningepa/stormwater-management-practices-epa-facilities Stormwater Management Practices at EPA Facilities] - US Environmental Protection Agency

{{Stormwater structures}}

Category:Drainage

Category:Environmental engineering

Category:Environmental soil science

Category:Filters

Category:Hydrology and urban planning

Category:Landscape architecture

Category:Stormwater management

Category:Sustainable design

Category:Trees