Tree Coach – Redefining How Cities Establish and Grow Tree Assets

Tree Coach 2 responds to critical feedback from landscape contractors, councils, and developers on the first-generation product, where opportunities were identified to improve structural rigidity, user handling, installation efficiency, and manufacturing scalability.The challenge was to deliver these improvements while maintaining proven tree growth performance, safe work practices, and sustainable material sourcing.Key constraints included the continued use of fully circular materials and further reduction of lifecycle cost, without compromising durability or performance. Additional requirements included reduced manual handling and improved installation safety, demanding a holistic redesign that balanced durability, efficiency, safety, and sustainability while supporting successful urban tree establishment.

Tree Coach 2 was developed through iterative prototyping, field trials, and direct installer feedback to resolve real-world inefficiencies and further reduce safety risks and installation variability. Early testing led to a simplified, modular design and a more intuitive assembly sequence. Ergonomics were refined to reduce manual handling and installation times, and improve on-site safety. In parallel, the transition to fully recycled ABS sourced from e-waste and post-industrial streams required reworking the entire manufacturing process that consequentially delivered product durability and performance. The final system delivers safer installation and consistent tree establishment outcomes within a fully circular, scalable product solution.

Tree Coach 2 delivers strong commercial, environmental, and societal impact by improving tree establishment outcomes, worker safety, and material sustainability. Commercially, it reduces installation time, labour costs, and lifecycle expenditure, improving project efficiency and scalability.Environmentally, higher tree survival rates support urban canopy growth, while the use of fully recycled, circular materials reduce waste and reliance on imported, forested hardwood. Societally, the design improves on-site safety through reduced manual handling and simpler installation, while enabling greener, more liveable urban spaces. This was recognised by WorkSafe Victoria and awarded their prestigious Workplace Health and Safety Solution of the Year 2025.

Tree Coach 2 brings together a series of integrated design features that prioritise tree performance, worker safety, and material sustainability. At its core is a simplified modular system that combines protection, irrigation, and structural support into a single, cohesive product, reducing component count and on-site complexity.The system is designed to improve tree establishment outcomes through consistent water delivery and stable trunk and root zone support, significantly increasing survival rates in challenging urban conditions. Its refined geometry and robust construction ensure durability while maintaining ease of handling.Worker safety is central to the design. Components are optimised for manageable weight, with improved ergonomics and intuitive assembly that reduce manual handling strain and minimise installation risk. The simplified installation sequence enables faster, safer deployment across varied site conditions and user skill levels.A defining feature is the use of fully recycled ABS, creating a circular material solution that eliminates the need for hardwood stakes and virgin plastics. The product is designed for reuse across multiple installations, extending its lifecycle and reducing waste.Together, these features deliver a high-performing, safe, and sustainable system that improves both on-site experience and superior short, medium, and long-term urban tree health outcomes.