Maple Trees vs. Sidewalk - how to make the trees win?

 

Hi everyone, just started reading this site, lots of great advice (I
loved the Salted Lawn thread - sorry you had to go through that John
but hope your lawn's doing better!)

We have two lovely old maples in front of our house in the parking
strip. There are several along the street, all probably planted 1907
when the street was done and the homes built. The trees are outgrowing
the strip now, the sidewalk is starting to buckle in places (not as
badly as it is elsewhere on the street).

Our neighbor is a cement contractor and suggested moving the sidewalk
further toward our homes; my initial idea was to build up the earth
under the sidewalk (make the sidewalk taller) to give the roots more
growing space. Has anyone here done anything similar?

I'm also a little concerned since another neighbor's maple was cut
down (disease? age?) about a decade ago. The trees keep our house cool
in summer besides their other aesthetic and ecosystem benefits, so I
want to keep them.

Can anyone here give advice on:
- Urban maple tree expected life span?
- Trees and sidewalks coexisting in peace?

Thanks!
Flores

 


They recently modernized our downtown area (small town) and redid the
sidewalks, streets, and parking.  Part of the work was to install oak
trees in small islands.  Looks pretty, but it is 'temporary' since the
trees will have to be replaced every 15 years.  Trees and sidewalks do
not coexist in peace - one or the other will dominate.
KC

 

EVERY 15 YEARS?? Why? The trees will be too wide for the tiny grates
they put them in?

 

Flores wrote:

I see a city government spending your tax dollars in order to beautify
a street.  I see a city government who feels as if they have an unlimited
supply of tax dollars to spend.    I feel your pain.

 

alvin wrote:


it is all here as it was written.