Praha 2 — Nusle
Prague 2 - Nusle
design 2022, implementation 2022–2024
Šmídová Landscape Architects
restoration of linear tree plantations and modification of rooting spaces
arboriculture: David Hora, budgeting: Vladimír Mrázek
OBNOVA STROMOŘADÍ NA OSTRČILOVĚ NÁMĚSTÍ A V JAROMÍROVĚ ULICI, PRAHA 2 — NUSLE
A. OSTRČILOVO SQUARE
The project involves a comprehensive revitalisation of the square. The existing surfaces are replaced with stone paving, giving the entire area under the tree canopies a unified appearance. The trees are planted in significantly expanded planting areas and underplanted with perennials. The areas with preserved trees are mulched with gravel.
In total, six trees are removed and 19 new ones planted. Individual trees are set in connected rooting spaces filled with structural soil, improving their resilience. Structural soil has the capacity to retain large amounts of water, serving as a reservoir for the trees. In addition, this improved subsoil can withstand loads from vehicular traffic. In Ostrčilovo Square, new Norway maples replace the original ones, and three sweetgum trees are added. Across the road, a new rowan tree is planted in a compacted gravel bed.
The northern part of the square is designed as a quieter area with street furniture. The more opened southern part provides space for cultural activities (such as small markets).
B. JAROMÍROVA STREET
A comprehensive surface renovation took place in Jaromírova Street. Based on an expert tree assessment, a total of 15 trees had to be removed. Following the works, 31 new trees were planted in rooting spaces filled with structural soil. Where the absence of utility lines allows, the rooting spaces are connected or extended to reach the nearest existing tree.
The trees lining the street are of the honey locust species.
C. SVATOPLUKOVA
The regeneration of the dead end of Svatoplukova Street takes into account the main pedestrian routes towards the railway underpass, as well as the need to maintain access to adjacent buildings. The design divides the surfaces into perennial beds, paved pedestrian and service zones, and relaxation areas with compacted gravel surfaces and street furniture. Two new trees of the sweetgum species (Liquidambar styraciflua) are included in the design. Climbing plants are used to visually separate the public space from the fenced railway area.
PLANTING IN STRUCTURAL SOIL
Trees in urban environments are generally exposed to unfavourable conditions, including extremely limited rooting spaces, highly compacted and poor-quality soil, insufficient rainwater infiltration, and lack of air in the soil. This is why the new trees in Ostrčilovo Sqaure and Jaromírova Street were planted in structural soil, with interconnected rooting spaces.
Structural soil consists primarily of coarse gravel fractions: larger fractions (32/63) were used for the base layer, while smaller fractions (4/8) form the planting mixture. Small amounts of compost and biochar are added to provide the necessary nutrients and improve water retention. Once compacted, these layers are covered with geotextile, which serves as a base for the standard road surface layers. Due to its porous character, structural soil provides enough space for root growth and ensures adequate aeration.
Thanks to interconnected root systems, trees planted in this way create favourable conditions for micro-organisms and symbiotic fungi that support tree health (a process known as mycorrhiza). Rooting spaces filled with structural soil can also retain significantly larger volumes of water, facilitating nutrient exchange and greatly improving the trees’ resilience to the challenging conditions of the urban environment.
OBNOVA STROMOŘADÍ NA OSTRČILOVĚ NÁMĚSTÍ A V JAROMÍROVĚ ULICI, PRAHA 2 — NUSLE
A. OSTRČILOVO SQUARE
The project involves a comprehensive revitalisation of the square. The existing surfaces are replaced with stone paving, giving the entire area under the tree canopies a unified appearance. The trees are planted in significantly expanded planting areas and underplanted with perennials. The areas with preserved trees are mulched with gravel.
In total, six trees are removed and 19 new ones planted. Individual trees are set in connected rooting spaces filled with structural soil, improving their resilience. Structural soil has the capacity to retain large amounts of water, serving as a reservoir for the trees. In addition, this improved subsoil can withstand loads from vehicular traffic. In Ostrčilovo Square, new Norway maples replace the original ones, and three sweetgum trees are added. Across the road, a new rowan tree is planted in a compacted gravel bed.
The northern part of the square is designed as a quieter area with street furniture. The more opened southern part provides space for cultural activities (such as small markets).
B. JAROMÍROVA STREET
A comprehensive surface renovation took place in Jaromírova Street. Based on an expert tree assessment, a total of 15 trees had to be removed. Following the works, 31 new trees were planted in rooting spaces filled with structural soil. Where the absence of utility lines allows, the rooting spaces are connected or extended to reach the nearest existing tree.
The trees lining the street are of the honey locust species.
C. SVATOPLUKOVA
The regeneration of the dead end of Svatoplukova Street takes into account the main pedestrian routes towards the railway underpass, as well as the need to maintain access to adjacent buildings. The design divides the surfaces into perennial beds, paved pedestrian and service zones, and relaxation areas with compacted gravel surfaces and street furniture. Two new trees of the sweetgum species (Liquidambar styraciflua) are included in the design. Climbing plants are used to visually separate the public space from the fenced railway area.
PLANTING IN STRUCTURAL SOIL
Trees in urban environments are generally exposed to unfavourable conditions, including extremely limited rooting spaces, highly compacted and poor-quality soil, insufficient rainwater infiltration, and lack of air in the soil. This is why the new trees in Ostrčilovo Sqaure and Jaromírova Street were planted in structural soil, with interconnected rooting spaces.
Structural soil consists primarily of coarse gravel fractions: larger fractions (32/63) were used for the base layer, while smaller fractions (4/8) form the planting mixture. Small amounts of compost and biochar are added to provide the necessary nutrients and improve water retention. Once compacted, these layers are covered with geotextile, which serves as a base for the standard road surface layers. Due to its porous character, structural soil provides enough space for root growth and ensures adequate aeration.
Thanks to interconnected root systems, trees planted in this way create favourable conditions for micro-organisms and symbiotic fungi that support tree health (a process known as mycorrhiza). Rooting spaces filled with structural soil can also retain significantly larger volumes of water, facilitating nutrient exchange and greatly improving the trees’ resilience to the challenging conditions of the urban environment.
