Introduction

The greenery and environmental sustainability have been the major concerns for the world in the past few decades. To maintain the ecological balance, trees are an important part of urban development. The trees provide shade, maintain air quality, and add to the aesthetic beauty of the surroundings. Besides, they also provide various tangible and intangible benefits. However, before planting trees near the sidewalk, it is essential to know how far they should be planted away for the sidewalk.

Why is it necessary to consider the distance?

Planting trees too close to the sidewalk can create several issues. If they are too close, the roots can grow and come out of the soil, causing unevenness and tripping hazards. Moreover, the roots can also damage the sidewalk, resulting in damaging and expensive repairs. This issue can also cause problems for wheelchairs and strollers who use the sidewalk daily.

What is the recommended distance?

Typically, the recommended distance for planting trees near the sidewalk is 3 to 4 feet away from the edges. The distance can be seen as a healthy gap between the tree roots and the sidewalk, keeping the trees from becoming dangerously close to the pavement. For larger trees that need more breathing room, the recommended distance can be even further. For instance, if the sidewalk is more than 6 feet wide, the tree should be planted no closer than 4 feet from the tree to the sidewalk edge.

Choosing the right tree species:

Before planting, it is essential to choose the right tree species for planting near the sidewalk. Some trees have deep roots and are aggressive, causing damage to the sidewalk, and others have shallow roots and are safer. Some of the common recommended trees species for planting near the sidewalk include Japanese Tree Lilac, Dogwood, Red Maple, and redbud.

How to plant the tree near the sidewalk?

After choosing the right tree species and deciding the distance, it is important to consider how to plant trees. The area must be dug out and cleared of all obstacles. The soil should be checked and verified for water retention, nutrient-rich and aerated. A hole two to three times as wide as the root ball should be dug to allow for good aeration and the adequate growth of roots. Moreover, the planting depth also matters, and the root ball should be set slightly deeper than the surrounding soil level.

Maintenance of the planted trees:

Once the tree is planted and settled, care should be taken to maintain them. The trees should be watered, fertilized, and pruned regularly. Moreover, if the sidewalks are damaged or uprooted by the tree's roots, they need to be repaired to ensure the safety of pedestrians. Periodical checkups are necessary, and if the problems occur, they should be addressed promptly.

Conclusion

Planting trees to the urban setting provides numerous benefits to the environment, public health, and economic aspects. To ensure the safety of pedestrians, considering the recommended distance from the sidewalk, choosing the right tree species, and proper planting and maintenance are necessary. The importance of planting trees in urban development cannot be overstated, and it is time to prioritize environmental sustainability while designing and developing urban spaces.