diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/alias.h b/include/sqlpp11/alias.h
index 5f565ea1..ecebe23b 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/alias.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/alias.h
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct expression_alias_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Expression>, tag::is_selectable, tag::is_alias>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expression>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Expression>;
 
 			static_assert(is_expression_t<Expression>::value, "invalid argument for an expression alias");
 			static_assert(not is_alias_t<Expression>::value, "cannot create an alias of an alias");
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/any.h b/include/sqlpp11/any.h
index a180835f..2c876397 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/any.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/any.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct any_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Select>, tag::is_multi_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Select>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Select>;
 
 			struct _alias_t
 			{
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/assignment.h b/include/sqlpp11/assignment.h
index 2677bd00..1496a0e1 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/assignment.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/assignment.h
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct assignment_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_assignment>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Lhs, Rhs>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Lhs, Rhs>;
 
 			using _lhs_t = Lhs;
 			using _rhs_t = rhs_wrap_t<allow_tvin_t<Rhs>, trivial_value_is_null_t<_lhs_t>::value>;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/avg.h b/include/sqlpp11/avg.h
index d7827abd..d184ccb4 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/avg.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/avg.h
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<avg_t<Flag, Expr>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<floating_point, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expr, aggregate_function>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Expr, aggregate_function>;
 
 		static_assert(is_noop<Flag>::value or std::is_same<distinct_t, Flag>::value, "avg() used with flag other than 'distinct'");
 		static_assert(is_numeric_t<Expr>::value, "avg() requires a value expression as argument");
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/boolean_expression.h b/include/sqlpp11/boolean_expression.h
index f60a610b..cc72e846 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/boolean_expression.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/boolean_expression.h
@@ -36,7 +36,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct boolean_expression_t: public expression_operators<boolean_expression_t<Database>, boolean>
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			template<typename Expr>
 			boolean_expression_t(Expr expr):
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/column.h b/include/sqlpp11/column.h
index 08d1a0f7..495e70c7 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/column.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/column.h
@@ -52,19 +52,9 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			using _tags = detail::make_joined_set_t<detail::type_set<tag::is_column, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>, typename ColumnSpec::_traits::_tags>;
 		};
 
-		struct _recursive_traits
-		{
-			using _required_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _required_tables = detail::type_set<Table>;
-			using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _parameters = std::tuple<>;
-			using _tags = typename std::conditional<column_spec_can_be_null_t<ColumnSpec>::value,
-									detail::type_set<tag::can_be_null>,
-									detail::type_set<>>::type;
-		};
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+		using _required_tables = detail::type_set<Table>;
+		using _can_be_null = column_spec_can_be_null_t<ColumnSpec>;
 
 		using _spec_t = ColumnSpec;
 		using _table = Table;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/concat.h b/include/sqlpp11/concat.h
index 57f113dd..24ebb046 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/concat.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/concat.h
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<concat_t<First, Args...>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<First>, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<First, Args...>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<First, Args...>;
 
 		static_assert(sizeof...(Args) > 0, "concat requires two arguments at least");
 		static_assert(logic::all_t<is_text_t<First>::value, is_text_t<Args>::value...>::value, "at least one non-text argument detected in concat()");
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/count.h b/include/sqlpp11/count.h
index ceff0393..63c5f4c7 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/count.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/count.h
@@ -39,19 +39,9 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<count_t<Flag, Expr>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<integral, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		struct _recursive_traits
-		{
-			using _required_ctes = required_ctes_of<Expr>;
-			using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _required_tables = required_tables_of<Expr>;
-			using _provided_tables = provided_tables_of<Expr>;
-			using _provided_outer_tables = provided_outer_tables_of<Expr>;
-			using _extra_tables = extra_tables_of<Expr>;
-			using _parameters = parameters_of<Expr>;
-			using _tags = detail::make_difference_set_t<detail::joined_set_t<recursive_tags_of<Expr>, recursive_tags_of<aggregate_function>>, 
-						                                      detail::type_set<tag::can_be_null>>;
-		};
 
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Expr>;
+		using _can_be_null = std::false_type;
 
 		static_assert(is_noop<Flag>::value or std::is_same<distinct_t, Flag>::value, "count() used with flag other than 'distinct'");
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/cte.h b/include/sqlpp11/cte.h
index c37f26d9..64ca2d66 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/cte.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/cte.h
@@ -43,17 +43,9 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	template<typename Flag, typename Lhs, typename Rhs>
 		struct cte_union_t
 		{
-			struct _recursive_traits
-			{
-				using _required_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Lhs>, required_ctes_of<Rhs>>;
-				using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _parameters = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<parameters_of<Lhs>, parameters_of<Rhs>>;
-				using _tags = detail::type_set<>;
-			};
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+			using _required_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Lhs>, required_ctes_of<Rhs>>;
+			using _parameters = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<parameters_of<Lhs>, parameters_of<Rhs>>;
 
 			cte_union_t(Lhs lhs, Rhs rhs):
 				_lhs(lhs),
@@ -140,17 +132,10 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct cte_t: public member_t<cte_column_spec_t<FieldSpecs>, column_t<AliasProvider, cte_column_spec_t<FieldSpecs>>>...
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_cte, tag::is_table>; // FIXME: is table? really?
-			struct _recursive_traits
-			{
-				using _required_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Statement>, detail::type_set<AliasProvider>>;
-				using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _parameters = parameters_of<Statement>;
-				using _tags = detail::type_set<>;
-			};
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+			using _required_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Statement>, detail::type_set<AliasProvider>>;
+			using _parameters = parameters_of<Statement>;
+
 			using _alias_t = typename AliasProvider::_alias_t;
 			constexpr static bool _is_recursive = detail::is_element_of<AliasProvider, required_ctes_of<Statement>>::value;
 
@@ -235,17 +220,9 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct cte_ref_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_alias, tag::is_cte, tag::is_table>; // FIXME: is table? really?
-			struct _recursive_traits
-			{
-				using _required_ctes = detail::make_type_set_t<AliasProvider>;
-				using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<AliasProvider>;
-				using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _parameters = std::tuple<>;
-				using _tags = detail::type_set<>;
-			};
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+			using _required_ctes = detail::make_type_set_t<AliasProvider>;
+			using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<AliasProvider>;
 
 			using _alias_t = typename AliasProvider::_alias_t;
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/custom_query.h b/include/sqlpp11/custom_query.h
index ce332688..e9ecc0a9 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/custom_query.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/custom_query.h
@@ -54,9 +54,9 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	{
 		using _methods_t = typename detail::custom_parts_t<Database, Parts...>::_result_methods_t;
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_statement>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Parts...>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Parts...>;
 
-		using _parameter_check = typename std::conditional<std::tuple_size<typename _recursive_traits::_parameters>::value == 0,
+		using _parameter_check = typename std::conditional<std::tuple_size<parameters_of<custom_query_t>>::value == 0,
 					consistent_t, assert_no_parameters_t>::type;
 		using _run_check = detail::get_first_if<is_inconsistent_t, consistent_t, 
 					_parameter_check>;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/default_value.h b/include/sqlpp11/default_value.h
index ede6bb87..be4ff565 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/default_value.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/default_value.h
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct default_value_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_expression>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		static constexpr bool _is_trivial() { return false; }
 	};
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/exists.h b/include/sqlpp11/exists.h
index ad1df80f..d1699a06 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/exists.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/exists.h
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<exists_t<Select>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Select>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Select>;
 
 		static_assert(is_select_t<Select>::value, "exists() requires a select expression as argument");
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/expression.h b/include/sqlpp11/expression.h
index 366dfa67..c0c189f7 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/expression.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/expression.h
@@ -44,7 +44,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<binary_expression_t<Lhs, op::equal_to, Rhs>>
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Lhs, Rhs>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Lhs, Rhs>;
 			using _lhs_t = Lhs;
 			using _rhs_t = rhs_wrap_t<allow_tvin_t<Rhs>, trivial_value_is_null_t<_lhs_t>::value>;
 
@@ -93,7 +93,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<binary_expression_t<Lhs, op::not_equal_to, Rhs>>
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Lhs, Rhs>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Lhs, Rhs>;
 			using _lhs_t = Lhs;
 			using _rhs_t = rhs_wrap_t<allow_tvin_t<Rhs>, trivial_value_is_null_t<_lhs_t>::value>;
 
@@ -142,7 +142,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<unary_expression_t<op::logical_not, Rhs>>
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Rhs>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Rhs>;
 
 			unary_expression_t(Rhs rhs):
 				_rhs(rhs)
@@ -188,7 +188,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<binary_expression_t<Lhs, O, Rhs>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<O>, tag::is_expression>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Lhs, Rhs>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Lhs, Rhs>;
 
 		binary_expression_t(Lhs lhs, Rhs rhs):
 			_lhs(lhs), 
@@ -228,7 +228,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<unary_expression_t<O, Rhs>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<O>, tag::is_expression>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Rhs>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Rhs>;
 
 		unary_expression_t(Rhs rhs):
 			_rhs(rhs)
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/extra_tables.h b/include/sqlpp11/extra_tables.h
index 29300762..cbd7a789 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/extra_tables.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/extra_tables.h
@@ -52,17 +52,9 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct extra_tables_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_extra_tables>;
-			struct _recursive_traits
-			{
-				using _required_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Tables>...>;
-				using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<Tables...>;
-				using _parameters = std::tuple<>;
-				using _tags = detail::type_set<>;
-			};
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+			using _required_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Tables>...>;
+			using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<Tables...>;
 
 			// Data
 			using _data_t = extra_tables_data_t<Tables...>;
@@ -98,7 +90,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_extra_tables_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/field_spec.h b/include/sqlpp11/field_spec.h
index d7359e8b..62ad5336 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/field_spec.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/field_spec.h
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 						tag_if<tag::can_be_null, CanBeNull>,
 						tag_if<tag::null_is_trivial_value, NullIsTrivialValue>
 							>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			using _alias_t = NameType;
 		};
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/from.h b/include/sqlpp11/from.h
index 40432139..930cd0fa 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/from.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/from.h
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct from_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_from>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Tables...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Tables...>;
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
 			// Data
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_from_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/functions.h b/include/sqlpp11/functions.h
index a1a611f4..8e21771a 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/functions.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/functions.h
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct value_list_t // to be used in .in() method
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<value_type_t<typename Container::value_type>, tag::is_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			using _container_t = Container;
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/group_by.h b/include/sqlpp11/group_by.h
index 56d99785..697c3a40 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/group_by.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/group_by.h
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct group_by_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_group_by>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expressions...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Expressions...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_group_by_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/having.h b/include/sqlpp11/having.h
index 90570f84..c812da1f 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/having.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/having.h
@@ -70,7 +70,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct having_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_having>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expressions...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Expressions...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_having_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/in.h b/include/sqlpp11/in.h
index ae779085..ddfe666e 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/in.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/in.h
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<in_t<Operand, Args...>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Operand, Args...>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Operand, Args...>;
 
 		static_assert(sizeof...(Args) > 0, "in() requires at least one argument");
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/insert_value.h b/include/sqlpp11/insert_value.h
index 8a93d795..239be20c 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/insert_value.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/insert_value.h
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 				struct type
 				{
 					using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-					using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+					using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 				};
 			};
 	}
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/insert_value_list.h b/include/sqlpp11/insert_value_list.h
index 49e5373d..23e3b34d 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/insert_value_list.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/insert_value_list.h
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct insert_default_values_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = insert_default_values_data_t;
@@ -133,7 +133,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct insert_list_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_insert_list>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<lhs_t<Assignments>..., rhs_t<Assignments>...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<lhs_t<Assignments>..., rhs_t<Assignments>...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct column_list_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_column_list>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Columns...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Columns...>;
 
 			using _value_tuple_t = typename column_list_data_t<Columns...>::_value_tuple_t;
 
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_insert_value_list_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/into.h b/include/sqlpp11/into.h
index db307dbc..02b1944c 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/into.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/into.h
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct into_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_into>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Table>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Table>;
 
 			using _data_t = into_data_t<Database, Table>;
 
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_into_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/is_not_null.h b/include/sqlpp11/is_not_null.h
index f6467b18..ea34a892 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/is_not_null.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/is_not_null.h
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<is_not_null_t<Operand>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Operand>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Operand>;
 
 		struct _alias_t
 		{
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/is_null.h b/include/sqlpp11/is_null.h
index 8bdc0196..fd788374 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/is_null.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/is_null.h
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<is_null_t<Operand>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Operand>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Operand>;
 
 		struct _alias_t
 		{
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/join.h b/include/sqlpp11/join.h
index 160d1472..46eadd48 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/join.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/join.h
@@ -66,18 +66,8 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct join_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_table, tag::is_join>;
-			struct _recursive_traits
-			{
-				using _required_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Lhs>, required_ctes_of<Rhs>>;
-				using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _required_tables = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_tables_of<Lhs>, required_tables_of<Rhs>>;
-				using _provided_tables = detail::make_joined_set_t<provided_tables_of<Lhs>, provided_tables_of<Rhs>>;
-				using _provided_outer_tables = typename JoinType::template _provided_outer_tables<Lhs, Rhs>;
-				using _extra_tables = detail::make_joined_set_t<extra_tables_of<Lhs>, extra_tables_of<Rhs>>;
-				using _parameters = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<parameters_of<Lhs>, parameters_of<Rhs>>;
-				using _tags = detail::type_set<>;
-			};
-
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Lhs, Rhs>;
+			using _can_be_null = std::false_type;
 
 			static_assert(is_table_t<Lhs>::value, "lhs argument for join() has to be a table or join");
 			static_assert(is_table_t<Rhs>::value, "rhs argument for join() has to be a table");
@@ -86,7 +76,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 
 			static_assert(detail::is_disjunct_from<provided_tables_of<Lhs>, provided_tables_of<Rhs>>::value, "joined tables must not be identical");
 
-			static_assert(_recursive_traits::_required_tables::size::value == 0, "joined tables must not depend on other tables");
+			static_assert(required_tables_of<join_t>::size::value == 0, "joined tables must not depend on other tables");
 
 			template<typename OnT> 
 				using set_on_t = join_t<JoinType, Lhs, Rhs, OnT>;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/like.h b/include/sqlpp11/like.h
index 95d1e2b0..b8ea9952 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/like.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/like.h
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<like_t<Operand, Pattern>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Operand, Pattern>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Operand, Pattern>;
 
 		struct _alias_t
 		{
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/limit.h b/include/sqlpp11/limit.h
index 4b5dc564..013ff092 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/limit.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/limit.h
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct limit_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_limit>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Limit>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Limit>;
 
 			// Data
 			using _data_t = limit_data_t<Limit>;
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct dynamic_limit_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_limit>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			// Data
 			using _data_t = dynamic_limit_data_t<Database>;
@@ -163,7 +163,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_limit_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/max.h b/include/sqlpp11/max.h
index cfa43036..6dfcb593 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/max.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/max.h
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<max_t<Expr>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Expr>, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expr, aggregate_function>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Expr, aggregate_function>;
 
 		struct _alias_t
 		{
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/min.h b/include/sqlpp11/min.h
index e6d97348..f19a7e6f 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/min.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/min.h
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<min_t<Expr>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Expr>, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expr, aggregate_function>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Expr, aggregate_function>;
 
 		struct _alias_t
 		{
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/multi_column.h b/include/sqlpp11/multi_column.h
index c5c169b1..2e3ab96a 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/multi_column.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/multi_column.h
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct multi_column_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Columns...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Columns...>;
 
 			static_assert(logic::all_t<is_selectable_t<Columns>::value...>::value, "multi_column parameters need to be named expressions");
 
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct multi_column_alias_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_alias, tag::is_multi_column, tag::is_selectable>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Columns...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Columns...>;
 
 			static_assert(logic::all_t<is_selectable_t<Columns>::value...>::value, "multi_column parameters need to be named expressions");
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/noop.h b/include/sqlpp11/noop.h
index eb4315fb..8fd7ec86 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/noop.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/noop.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct noop 
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		struct _alias_t {};
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/not_in.h b/include/sqlpp11/not_in.h
index a3b212de..fdf4ac44 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/not_in.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/not_in.h
@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<not_in_t<Operand, Args...>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Operand, Args...>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Operand, Args...>;
 
 		static_assert(sizeof...(Args) > 0, "not_in() requires at least one argument");
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/null.h b/include/sqlpp11/null.h
index 167da605..2a705bb5 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/null.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/null.h
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct null_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_expression, tag::is_sql_null>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 	};
 
 	template<typename Context>
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/offset.h b/include/sqlpp11/offset.h
index d78d77b1..28e4d565 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/offset.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/offset.h
@@ -55,7 +55,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct offset_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_offset>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Offset>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Offset>;
 
 			static_assert(is_integral_t<Offset>::value, "offset requires an integral value or integral parameter");
 
@@ -120,7 +120,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct dynamic_offset_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_offset>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			// Data
 			using _data_t = dynamic_offset_data_t<Database>;
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_offset_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/on.h b/include/sqlpp11/on.h
index 785e0a4f..db959026 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/on.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/on.h
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct on_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_on>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expressions...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Expressions...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/order_by.h b/include/sqlpp11/order_by.h
index 467930e5..bdd2c312 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/order_by.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/order_by.h
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct order_by_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_order_by>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expressions...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Expressions...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_order_by_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/parameter.h b/include/sqlpp11/parameter.h
index 813f0b91..0acbba76 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/parameter.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/parameter.h
@@ -38,17 +38,10 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public expression_operators<parameter_t<ValueType, NameType>, ValueType>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<ValueType, tag::is_parameter, tag::is_expression>;
-		struct _recursive_traits
-		{
-			using _required_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _parameters = std::tuple<parameter_t>;
-			using _tags = detail::type_set<tag::can_be_null>;
-		};
+
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+		using _parameters = std::tuple<parameter_t>;
+		using _can_be_null = std::true_type;
 
 		using _instance_t = member_t<NameType, parameter_value_t<ValueType>>;
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_execute.h b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_execute.h
index a82287c8..56f935d6 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_execute.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_execute.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct prepared_execute_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_prepared_statement>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			using _parameter_list_t = make_parameter_list_t<Statement>;
 			using _prepared_statement_t = typename Db::_prepared_statement_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_insert.h b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_insert.h
index da87b5bf..a44b2214 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_insert.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_insert.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct prepared_insert_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_prepared_statement>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			using _parameter_list_t = make_parameter_list_t<Insert>;
 			using _prepared_statement_t = typename Db::_prepared_statement_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_remove.h b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_remove.h
index 1b488106..0c67cd61 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_remove.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_remove.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct prepared_remove_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_prepared_statement>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			using _parameter_list_t = make_parameter_list_t<Remove>;
 			using _prepared_statement_t = typename Db::_prepared_statement_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_select.h b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_select.h
index 3ee9eb26..112586f7 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_select.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_select.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct prepared_select_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_prepared_statement>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			using _result_row_t = typename Statement::template _result_row_t<Database>;
 			using _parameter_list_t = make_parameter_list_t<Composite>;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_update.h b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_update.h
index ee9ff791..c9190188 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/prepared_update.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/prepared_update.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct prepared_update_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_prepared_statement>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			using _parameter_list_t = make_parameter_list_t<Update>;
 			using _prepared_statement_t = typename Db::_prepared_statement_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/result_field_methods.h b/include/sqlpp11/result_field_methods.h
index e3231e05..2e7ec984 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/result_field_methods.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/result_field_methods.h
@@ -81,20 +81,8 @@ namespace sqlpp
 						tag::is_expression, 
 						tag_if<tag::null_is_trivial_value, _base_t::_null_is_trivial>>;
 
-			struct _recursive_traits
-			{
-				using _required_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _parameters = std::tuple<>;
-				using _tags = typename std::conditional<column_spec_can_be_null_t<_field_spec_t>::value,
-										detail::type_set<tag::can_be_null>,
-										detail::type_set<>>::type;
-			};
-
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+			using _can_be_null = column_spec_can_be_null_t<_field_spec_t>;
 		};
 
 }
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/result_row.h b/include/sqlpp11/result_row.h
index 32c4ad36..f814037e 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/result_row.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/result_row.h
@@ -185,7 +185,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct _field_spec_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<text, tag::is_noop, tag::can_be_null, tag::null_is_trivial_value>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			struct _alias_t {};
 		};
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/rhs_wrap.h b/include/sqlpp11/rhs_wrap.h
index e9a0bad5..54c1e114 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/rhs_wrap.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/rhs_wrap.h
@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct rhs_wrap_t
 		{
 			using _traits = typename Expr::_traits;
-			using _recursive_traits = typename Expr::_recursive_traits;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Expr>;
 
 			rhs_wrap_t(Expr expr):
 				_expr(expr) 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/select_column_list.h b/include/sqlpp11/select_column_list.h
index 86e14466..ea38d3a5 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/select_column_list.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/select_column_list.h
@@ -164,7 +164,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct select_column_list_t
 		{
 			using _traits = typename detail::select_traits<Columns...>::_traits;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Columns...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Columns...>;
 
 			using _alias_t = typename detail::select_traits<Columns...>::_alias_t;
 
@@ -353,7 +353,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_select_column_list_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop, tag::is_missing>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		struct _alias_t {};
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/select_flag_list.h b/include/sqlpp11/select_flag_list.h
index db66ea6f..1c3f84bf 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/select_flag_list.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/select_flag_list.h
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct select_flag_list_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_select_flag_list>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Flags...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Flags...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
@@ -128,7 +128,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_select_flag_list_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/select_flags.h b/include/sqlpp11/select_flags.h
index 5db6a0b6..65a75fb5 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/select_flags.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/select_flags.h
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct all_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_select_flag>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 	};
 	static constexpr all_t all = {};
 
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct distinct_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_select_flag>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 	};
 	static constexpr distinct_t distinct = {};
 
@@ -76,7 +76,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct straight_join_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_select_flag>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 	};
 	static constexpr straight_join_t straight_join = {};
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/select_pseudo_table.h b/include/sqlpp11/select_pseudo_table.h
index 44ef4be7..5953ad30 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/select_pseudo_table.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/select_pseudo_table.h
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 																						 NamedExpr...>, select_column_spec_t<Select, NamedExpr>...>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_table, tag::is_pseudo_table>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		select_pseudo_table_t(Select select):
 			_select(select)
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/simple_column.h b/include/sqlpp11/simple_column.h
index d90f93be..26e7062f 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/simple_column.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/simple_column.h
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			_column_t _column;
 
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 		};
 
 	template<typename Context, typename Column>
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/single_table.h b/include/sqlpp11/single_table.h
index 72f05877..c22c1aa4 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/single_table.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/single_table.h
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct single_table_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_single_table>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Table>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Table>;
 
 			static_assert(is_table_t<Table>::value, "argument has to be a table");
 			static_assert(required_tables_of<Table>::size::value == 0, "table depends on another table");
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_single_table_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_noop>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/some.h b/include/sqlpp11/some.h
index 6ad8bf40..9747ebcb 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/some.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/some.h
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct some_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Select>, tag::is_multi_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Select>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Select>;
 
 			struct _alias_t
 			{
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/sort_order.h b/include/sqlpp11/sort_order.h
index cd0d6357..546ff4f1 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/sort_order.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/sort_order.h
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct sort_order_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t,  tag::is_sort_order>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expression>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Expression>;
 
 			Expression _expression;
 		};
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/statement.h b/include/sqlpp11/statement.h
index d6acbbbf..59ef4a8f 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/statement.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/statement.h
@@ -146,34 +146,23 @@ namespace sqlpp
 					no_value_t // if a required statement part is missing (e.g. columns in a select), then the statement cannot be used as a value
 						>::type;
 
+				using _traits = make_traits<_value_type, tag_if<tag::is_expression, not std::is_same<_value_type, no_value_t>::value>>;
+
+				using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 				using _can_be_null = logic::any_t<
 					can_be_null_t<_result_type_provider>::value, 
 					detail::make_intersect_set_t<
 						required_tables_of<_result_type_provider>, 
 						_all_provided_outer_tables
 						>::size::value != 0>;
-
-				using _traits = make_traits<_value_type, tag_if<tag::is_expression, not std::is_same<_value_type, no_value_t>::value>>;
-
-				struct _recursive_traits
-				{
-					using _required_ctes = statement_policies_t::_required_ctes;
-					using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-					using _required_tables = statement_policies_t::_required_tables;
-					using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-					using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-					using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-					using _parameters = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<parameters_of<Policies>...>;
-					using _tags = typename std::conditional<_can_be_null::value,
-											detail::type_set<tag::can_be_null>,
-											detail::type_set<>>::type;
-				};
+				using _parameters = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<parameters_of<Policies>...>;
+				// required_tables and _required_ctes are defined above
 
 				using _cte_check = typename std::conditional<_required_ctes::size::value == 0,
 							consistent_t, assert_no_unknown_ctes_t>::type;
 				using _table_check = typename std::conditional<_required_tables::size::value == 0,
 							consistent_t, assert_no_unknown_tables_t>::type;
-				using _parameter_check = typename std::conditional<std::tuple_size<typename _recursive_traits::_parameters>::value == 0,
+				using _parameter_check = typename std::conditional<std::tuple_size<_parameters>::value == 0,
 							consistent_t, assert_no_parameters_t>::type;
 			};
 	}
@@ -212,7 +201,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 					tag_if<tag::is_selectable, is_expression_t<_policies_t>::value>,
 					tag_if<tag::is_return_value, logic::none_t<is_noop_t<_result_type_provider>::value>::value>,
 					tag::requires_braces>;
-		using _recursive_traits = typename _policies_t::_recursive_traits;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<_policies_t>;
 		using _used_outer_tables = typename _policies_t::_all_provided_outer_tables;
 
 		using _alias_t = typename _result_type_provider::_alias_t;
@@ -286,7 +275,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct statement_name_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, Tag>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			// Data
 			using _data_t = NameData;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/sum.h b/include/sqlpp11/sum.h
index 91970f9a..e23f6fb9 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/sum.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/sum.h
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<sum_t<Flag, Expr>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Expr>, tag::is_expression, tag::is_selectable>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expr, aggregate_function>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<Expr, aggregate_function>;
 
 		static_assert(is_noop<Flag>::value or std::is_same<distinct_t, Flag>::value, "sum() used with flag other than 'distinct'");
 		static_assert(is_numeric_t<Expr>::value, "sum() requires a numeric expression as argument");
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/table.h b/include/sqlpp11/table.h
index 06724089..06b2aa93 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/table.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/table.h
@@ -46,17 +46,8 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_table>;
 
-		struct _recursive_traits
-		{
-			using _required_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<Table>;
-			using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _parameters = std::tuple<>;
-			using _tags = detail::type_set<>;
-		};
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+		using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<Table>;
 
 		static_assert(sizeof...(ColumnSpec), "at least one column required per table");
 		using _required_insert_columns = typename detail::make_type_set_if<require_insert_t, column_t<Table, ColumnSpec>...>::type;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/table_alias.h b/include/sqlpp11/table_alias.h
index 32324b71..44277b71 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/table_alias.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/table_alias.h
@@ -42,17 +42,9 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		//FIXME: Need to add join functionality
 		using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Table>, tag::is_table, tag::is_alias, tag_if<tag::is_selectable, is_expression_t<Table>::value>>;
 
-		struct _recursive_traits
-		{
-			using _required_ctes = required_ctes_of<Table>;
-			using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<AliasProvider>;
-			using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _parameters = std::tuple<>;
-			using _tags = detail::type_set<>;
-		};
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+		using _required_ctes = required_ctes_of<Table>;
+		using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<AliasProvider>;
 
 		static_assert(required_tables_of<Table>::size::value == 0, "table aliases must not depend on external tables");
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/tvin.h b/include/sqlpp11/tvin.h
index ca2af06b..c5c1ad7d 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/tvin.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/tvin.h
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct tvin_arg_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Operand>, tag::is_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Operand>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Operand>;
 
 			using _operand_t = Operand;
 
@@ -102,7 +102,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct tvin_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<value_type_of<Operand>, tag::is_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Operand>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Operand>;
 
 			using _operand_t = Operand;
 
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/type_traits.h b/include/sqlpp11/type_traits.h
index 322b655f..2a897c4b 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/type_traits.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/type_traits.h
@@ -38,29 +38,8 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	namespace tag
 	{
 		struct can_be_null{};
-		struct contains_aggregate_function{};
 	}
 
-	namespace detail
-	{
-		template<typename T, typename Enable = void>
-		struct can_be_null_impl { using type = std::false_type; };
-		template<typename T>
-		struct can_be_null_impl<T, typename std::enable_if<is_element_of<tag::can_be_null, typename T::_recursive_traits::_tags>::value>::type> { using type = std::true_type; };
-	}
-	template<typename T>
-	using can_be_null_t = typename detail::can_be_null_impl<T>::type;
-
-	namespace detail
-	{
-		template<typename T, typename Enable = void>
-		struct contains_aggregate_function_impl { using type = std::false_type; };
-		template<typename T>
-		struct contains_aggregate_function_impl<T, typename std::enable_if<is_element_of<tag::contains_aggregate_function, typename T::_recursive_traits::_tags>::value>::type> { using type = std::true_type; };
-	}
-	template<typename T>
-	using contains_aggregate_function_t = typename detail::contains_aggregate_function_impl<T>::type;
-
 	namespace detail
 	{
 		template<typename T, typename Enable = void>
@@ -82,7 +61,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		template<typename T>
 		struct is_expression_impl<T, typename std::enable_if<
 					detail::is_element_of<tag::is_expression, typename T::_traits::_tags>::value
-					and not detail::is_element_of<tag::contains_aggregate_function, typename T::_recursive_traits::_tags>::value
+					//and not detail::is_element_of<tag::contains_aggregate_function, typename T::_recursive_traits::_tags>::value FIXME: Needed here?
 					>::type> { using type = std::true_type; };
 	}
 	template<typename T>
@@ -186,29 +165,80 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	template<typename T>
 		using cpp_value_type_of = typename value_type_of<T>::_cpp_value_type;
 
-	template<typename T>
-		using required_ctes_of = typename T::_recursive_traits::_required_ctes;
+#define SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_SET_GENERATOR(trait) \
+	namespace detail\
+	{\
+		template<typename T, typename Leaf = void>\
+			struct trait##_of_impl\
+			{\
+				using type = typename trait##_of_impl<typename T::_nodes>::type;\
+			};\
+		template<typename T>\
+			struct trait##_of_impl<T, typename std::enable_if<std::is_class<typename T::_##trait>::value>::type>\
+			{\
+				using type = typename T::_##trait;\
+			};\
+		template<typename... Nodes>\
+			struct trait##_of_impl<std::tuple<Nodes...>, void>\
+			{\
+				using type = detail::make_joined_set_t<typename trait##_of_impl<Nodes>::type...>;\
+			};\
+	}\
+	template<typename T>\
+		using trait##_of = typename detail::trait##_of_impl<T>::type;
 
-	template<typename T>
-		using provided_ctes_of = typename T::_recursive_traits::_provided_ctes;
+	SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_SET_GENERATOR(required_ctes)
+	SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_SET_GENERATOR(provided_ctes)
+	SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_SET_GENERATOR(required_tables)
+	SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_SET_GENERATOR(provided_tables)
+	SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_SET_GENERATOR(provided_outer_tables)
+	SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_SET_GENERATOR(extra_tables)
 
-	template<typename T>
-		using required_tables_of = typename T::_recursive_traits::_required_tables;
+#define SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_GENERATOR(trait) \
+	namespace detail\
+	{\
+		template<typename T, typename Leaf = void>\
+			struct trait##_impl\
+			{\
+				using type = typename trait##_impl<typename T::_nodes>::type;\
+			};\
+		template<typename T>\
+			struct trait##_impl<T, typename std::enable_if<std::is_class<typename T::_##trait>::value>::type>\
+			{\
+				using type = typename T::_##trait;\
+			};\
+		template<typename... Nodes>\
+			struct trait##_impl<std::tuple<Nodes...>, void>\
+			{\
+				using type = logic::any_t<trait##_impl<Nodes>::type::value...>;\
+			};\
+	}\
+	template<typename T>\
+		using trait##_t = typename detail::trait##_impl<T>::type;
 
-	template<typename T>
-		using provided_tables_of = typename T::_recursive_traits::_provided_tables;
+	SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_GENERATOR(can_be_null)
+	SQLPP_RECURSIVE_TRAIT_GENERATOR(contains_aggregate_function)
 
-	template<typename T>
-		using provided_outer_tables_of = typename T::_recursive_traits::_provided_outer_tables;
-
-	template<typename T>
-		using extra_tables_of = typename T::_recursive_traits::_extra_tables;
-
-	template<typename T>
-		using parameters_of = typename T::_recursive_traits::_parameters;
-
-	template<typename T>
-		using recursive_tags_of = typename T::_recursive_traits::_tags;
+	namespace detail
+	{
+		template<typename T, typename Leaf = void>
+			struct parameters_of_impl
+			{
+				using type = typename parameters_of_impl<typename T::_nodes>::type;
+			};
+		template<typename T>
+			struct parameters_of_impl<T, typename std::enable_if<std::is_class<typename T::_parameters>::value>::type>
+			{
+				using type = typename T::_parameters;
+			};
+		template<typename... Nodes>
+			struct parameters_of_impl<std::tuple<Nodes...>, void>
+			{
+				using type = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<typename parameters_of_impl<Nodes>::type...>;
+			};
+	}
+	template<typename T>\
+		using parameters_of = typename detail::parameters_of_impl<T>::type;
 
 	template<typename T>
 		using alias_of = typename T::_alias_t;
@@ -223,36 +253,10 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			using _tags = detail::make_type_set_t<typename ValueType::_tag, Tags...>;
 		};
 
-	template<typename... Arguments>
-		struct make_recursive_traits
-		{
-			using _required_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Arguments>...>;
-			using _provided_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<provided_ctes_of<Arguments>...>;
-			using _required_tables = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_tables_of<Arguments>...>;
-			using _provided_tables = detail::make_joined_set_t<provided_tables_of<Arguments>...>;
-			using _provided_outer_tables = detail::make_joined_set_t<provided_outer_tables_of<Arguments>...>;
-			using _extra_tables = detail::make_joined_set_t<extra_tables_of<Arguments>...>;
-			using _parameters = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<parameters_of<Arguments>...>;
-			using _tags = detail::make_joined_set_t<recursive_tags_of<Arguments>...>;
-		};
-
-	template<typename... Tags>
-		struct recursive_tags
-		{
-			using _required_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-			using _parameters = std::tuple<>;
-			using _tags = detail::type_set<Tags...>;
-		};
-
 	struct aggregate_function
 	{
-		struct _traits { using _value_type = void; using _tags = detail::type_set<>; };
-		using _recursive_traits = recursive_tags<tag::contains_aggregate_function>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+		using _contains_aggregate_function = std::true_type;
 	};
 
 	template<typename NameProvider, typename Member>
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/union.h b/include/sqlpp11/union.h
index d0860c54..22023b32 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/union.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/union.h
@@ -66,7 +66,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct union_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_union, tag::is_return_value>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Lhs, Rhs>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Lhs, Rhs>;
 
 			using _alias_t = struct{};
 
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_union_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_union>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/update_list.h b/include/sqlpp11/update_list.h
index 28df9045..324a8284 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/update_list.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/update_list.h
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct update_list_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_update_list>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Assignments...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Assignments...>;
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
 			// Data
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_update_list_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_where>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/using.h b/include/sqlpp11/using.h
index 16fd6875..7f8b78fd 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/using.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/using.h
@@ -58,7 +58,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct using_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_using_>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Tables...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Tables...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_using_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_where>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/value_or_null.h b/include/sqlpp11/value_or_null.h
index 9cb2f9b2..8c78c698 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/value_or_null.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/value_or_null.h
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			using _cpp_value_type = typename ValueType::_cpp_value_type;
 
 			using _traits = make_traits<ValueType, tag::is_expression>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			value_or_null_t(_cpp_value_type value):
 				_value(value),
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/verbatim.h b/include/sqlpp11/verbatim.h
index 5cae04b4..b65ec3d8 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/verbatim.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/verbatim.h
@@ -39,10 +39,8 @@ namespace sqlpp
 			public alias_operators<verbatim_t<ValueType>>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<ValueType, tag::is_expression>;
-		struct _recursive_traits : public make_recursive_traits<>
-		{
-			using _tags = detail::type_set<tag::can_be_null>; // since we do not know what's going on inside the verbatim, we assume it can be null
-		};
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+		using _can_be_null = std::true_type; // since we do not know what's going on inside the verbatim, we assume it can be null
 
 		verbatim_t(std::string verbatim): _verbatim(verbatim) {}
 		verbatim_t(const verbatim_t&) = default;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/verbatim_table.h b/include/sqlpp11/verbatim_table.h
index 0eb63ce4..2b23e761 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/verbatim_table.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/verbatim_table.h
@@ -50,10 +50,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 
 	struct verbatim_table_t: public table_t<verbatim_table_t, detail::unusable_pseudo_column_t>
 	{
-		struct _recursive_traits: public table_t<verbatim_table_t, detail::unusable_pseudo_column_t>::_recursive_traits
-		{
-			using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<verbatim_table_t>;
-		};
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		struct _alias_t
 		{
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/where.h b/include/sqlpp11/where.h
index d37519cb..a8145c06 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/where.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/where.h
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct where_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_where>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<Expressions...>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<Expressions...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct where_t<void, bool>
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_where>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			// Data
 			using _data_t = where_data_t<void, bool>;
@@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct no_where_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_where>;
-			using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 			// Data
 			using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/with.h b/include/sqlpp11/with.h
index 10d881bb..e736f561 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/with.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/with.h
@@ -66,17 +66,9 @@ namespace sqlpp
 		struct with_t
 		{
 			using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_with>;
-			struct _recursive_traits
-			{
-				using _required_ctes = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Expressions>...>; // with provides common table expressions
-				using _required_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _provided_outer_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _extra_tables = detail::type_set<>;
-				using _parameters = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<parameters_of<Expressions>...>;
-				using _tags = detail::type_set<>;
-			};
+			using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
+			using _provided_ctes = detail::make_joined_set_t<required_ctes_of<Expressions>...>; // with provides common table expressions
+			using _parameters = detail::make_parameter_tuple_t<parameters_of<Expressions>...>;
 
 			using _is_dynamic = is_database<Database>;
 
@@ -116,7 +108,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct no_with_t
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<no_value_t, tag::is_with>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		// Data
 		using _data_t = no_data_t;
diff --git a/include/sqlpp11/wrap_operand.h b/include/sqlpp11/wrap_operand.h
index 8728197d..7cbdcb9f 100644
--- a/include/sqlpp11/wrap_operand.h
+++ b/include/sqlpp11/wrap_operand.h
@@ -43,7 +43,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct boolean_operand: public alias_operators<boolean_operand>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<boolean, tag::is_expression, tag::is_wrapped_value>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		using _value_t = bool;
 
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct integral_operand: public alias_operators<integral_operand>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<integral, tag::is_expression, tag::is_wrapped_value>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		using _value_t = int64_t;
 
@@ -122,7 +122,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct floating_point_operand: public alias_operators<floating_point_operand>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<floating_point, tag::is_expression, tag::is_wrapped_value>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		using _value_t = double;
 
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ namespace sqlpp
 	struct text_operand: public alias_operators<text_operand>
 	{
 		using _traits = make_traits<text, tag::is_expression, tag::is_wrapped_value>;
-		using _recursive_traits = make_recursive_traits<>;
+		using _nodes = std::tuple<>;
 
 		using _value_t = std::string;