Trees return to the Main Square in Krakow. A tender has been announced

The Main Market Square in Krakow will soon gain a completely new face. The City Greenery Board announced that a tender has been announced for the implementation of a tree planting project according to the concept prepared by specialists from the Krakow University of Technology.

This is a response to the expectations of residents who, as part of the 2022 civic budget, chose the "Let's plant trees on the Main Square" project.

Comprehensive works and protection of monuments

The company selected in the tender will be responsible for the entire process - from preparatory and construction works, through preparing places for trees, to their care until 2031.

The works will be carried out respecting the historic character of the Market Square and under strict archaeological supervision.

Each new tree will receive a special underground pot with a properly prepared substrate that will provide the roots with access to water and air. This requires dismantling part of the surface, constructing special structures and laying slabs that allow water to penetrate into the root zone. All this so that the trees can grow healthily for many years.

Where will the trees appear and what species have been selected?

Experts from the Krakow University of Technology have indicated several locations where new greenery will appear: the surroundings of the church of St. Wojciecha, the vicinity of the Town Hall Tower, the space along the market square frontage, the vicinity of the fountain and a possible row on the western side of the square.

All plantings will be preceded by GPR tests so as not to disturb underground relics.

Five tree species best adapted to urban conditions were selected. These included: white locust "Unifoliola", field maple "Elsrijk", pedunculate oak "Monument", small-leaved linden ("Greenspire", "Brabant") and silver linden.

These are species with a centuries-old tradition in the Polish landscape - emphasized the authors of the project.

Residents want shade and greenery

The designer, Krzysztof Kwarciak, does not hide his satisfaction with the implementation of the idea.

We want trees to return to the Main Square after several dozen years. The plantings will provide some shade and will mean that on warm days the square will no longer be a concrete pan, which becomes one of the hottest places in the city - argued his motion.

The works will be carried out in stages so as not to disturb the everyday life of residents and tourists and the organization of events on the Main Square.