Auckland International Airport Planter Upgrade

Planter boxes within Auckland International Airport’s car park and arrival areas had been struggling during prolonged dry periods, placing stress on established feature trees, including pōhutukawa. The exposed environment and limited soil depth made consistent hydration difficult, particularly through peak summer conditions.

To improve resilience, select planters were retrofitted with sub-irrigation reservoirs. In one location where a tree had previously failed, a deep-set wicking system was installed at approximately 900 mm, supporting the planting of a new Podocarpus gracilior with layered underplanting of dwarf flax and ornamental grasses. In another planter, two compact reservoir units were integrated at 350 mm depth to support an existing pōhutukawa without disturbing its established root system.

The result is improved moisture consistency, stronger plant performance, and reduced reliance on surface watering. These upgrades demonstrate how sub-irrigation can extend the longevity and resilience of high-profile urban planting in demanding environments.