Overview: TreeWell® System Projects
At Applied Natural Sciences (ANS), we were designing and implementing plant-based remediation systems before “phytoremediation” was a widely recognized term. For over 30 years, we’ve developed and refined our patented TreeWell® technology—installing more than 3,500 TreeWell® units nationwide without a single injury.
While we offer a range of nature-based solutions, TreeWell® systems make up the majority of our project portfolio. These systems are proven, flexible, and capable of addressing complex subsurface contamination.
What Is a TreeWell® System?
TreeWell® technology is an advanced planting system designed to enhance the natural remediation power of trees. Each unit directs tree roots and their associated microbial communities into targeted subsurface zones to maximize environmental benefit.
Installation Process:
A large-diameter borehole is excavated (typically 42–60”).
A TreeWell_Safety_Platform™ is placed over the open hole to ensure worker safety.
An impervious Root_Sleeve™ liner is placed to a specified depth.
The borehole is backfilled with soil amended to enhance microbial activity and contaminant attenuation.
A fast-growing tree is planted, and the Root_Sleeve™ liner is closed and covered with gravel to encourage deep rooting into groundwater and inhibit percolation of precipitation.
How do TreeWell® Systems Work?
Once established, trees in TreeWell® systems:
Pump groundwater upward through the engineered soil column.
Stimulate microbial communities that degrade contaminants in situ.
Sequester, metabolize, or transpire residual contaminants.
Alter the flow direction of groundwater and influence contaminant plume behavior.
How Deep Can TreeWell® Systems Go?
TreeWell® systems are designed to reach and influence deep groundwater and fractured bedrock aquifers:
Standard TreeWell® units: Access groundwater up to 20 feet below ground surface (bgs) without continuous irrigation; temporary irrigation can extend reach to 35–40 feet bgs.
Straw TreeWell® units: A closed-bottom variant with a well extending into deep aquifers (100+ feet bgs) where natural head pressure pushes water into the system’s reactive zone.
Our designs ensure adequate capillary rise, allowing tree roots to access water quickly—often within the first growing season.
Built-In Safety
TreeWell® installation involves large equipment and deep, large-diameter boreholes, but safety is foundational to our process. We mitigate risks by:
Using our TreeWell Safety Platform™ on every borehole immediately after drilling.
Partnering with experienced drillers and construction crews.
Refining safety practices continuously over three decades of field experience.
