TreeCity: launch of the European project to model urban tree roots in 3D

This innovative European project aims to protect the health and stability of trees by integrating their roots into digital city models. Roots, often invisible yet fragile, suffer significant damage due to urban works and the density of underground infrastructure. TreeCity provides a comprehensive 3D modelling solution, which can be integrated with existing models and digital twins of cities, to better visualise, analyse and anticipate these interactions between roots, soil and infrastructure.

The project is based on four key components:

• 3D root models tailored to different tree species using underground data;
• A root growth simulator, using artificial intelligence to simulate root development based on soil, water and obstacles;
• A web service, enabling urban planners and architects to easily explore root systems within their projects;
• Standardisation, to integrate roots, soil and infrastructure into 3D city models.

TreeCity will be tested in three European pilot cities: Tallinn (Estonia), Helsinki (Finland) and Brussels (Belgium). Two testing phases are planned for 2026 and 2027 to assess the integration of root models into urban information systems and their use in real-world planning scenarios.

The project brings together several academic and technological partners, including the Estonian University of Technology (External link TalTech ), External linkthe University of Liège (External link GeoScITY ), External linkGreenTwin.ai and External linkFARI – AI for the Common Good Institute (ULB/VUB).

TreeCity began in January 2026 and will end in December 2027.

This project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research as part of the External linkFinEst Centre for Smart Cities pilot programme.

Further information:External link https://finestcentre.eu/project-pilot/treecity