A review of tree root conflicts with sidewalks, curbs, and roads.

Randrup, T. B., McPherson, E. G., & Costello, L. R. (2001).

Urban Ecosystems, 5(3), 209-225.

The paper examines the impact of constructed sidewalks, curbs and other built infrastructure on the survival rate of trees planted along them. It also examines the damage caused to trees at different stages. Potential for conflicts between trees and sidewalks/curbs are high when one or more of these factors are present: tree species that are large at maturity, fast-growing trees, trees planted in restricted soil volumes, shallow top soil (hard-pan underneath top-soil), shallow foundations underneath the sidewalk (limited or no base materials), shallow irrigation, distances between the tree and sidewalk of less than 2.0–3.0 m., trees greater than 15 to 20 years old. Due to a lack of planning in this domain, the replacement costs are higher for the trees which constantly get damaged due to the constructed infrastructure.

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Tags: Urban trees, infrastructure, urban soils, finances