Urban forestry is a growing field of study and currently, a major focus is on above-ground infrastructure (e.g. urban trees) while below-ground infrastructure such as urban soil structure and the design of tree pits is often overlooked. In urban environments, roads, buildings, and paved concrete spaces often restrict the infiltration of water that supports tree survival and growth. Appropriate tree pit design facilitates soil aeration and water infiltration, however, it is currently challenging to recommend or discourage specific methods of installing tree pits and soils in street redevelopment projects due to a lack of data. This data is critical in order to make long-term management decisions that enable urban tree survival and success. The recent redevelopment of Maguire Street, in Quebec City, within the framework of the Research Chair of Urban Trees and its Environment, provides a unique opportunity to test different tree pit designs. This talk will provide an overview of the different treatments used, highlighting the importance of co-creating knowledge with municipal partners and private-public landowners.