Tips For Planting Trees Near Sidewalks

Nowadays, numerous property owners are taking advantage of the little terrace areas in their landscape, between the sidewalk and street for other plantings. While shrubs, annuals, and perennials are superb plants for these little places, not all trees are right. Trees planted on terraces can ultimately create issues with power lines and sidewalks. Keep reading to find out more regarding planting trees near sidewalks.

Trees typically have one of two root types, fibrous, lateral roots or taproots. Trees with taproots move their roots deep in the ground seeking out nutrients and water. Trees with lateral, fibrous roots expand their roots near the soil surface to soak up rain runoff from the canopy of the tree.

Planting Area Along Sidewalks
These lateral roots can develop very large and lift weighty cement sidewalks. From another perspective, having concrete over these roots can hinder the roots from getting nutrients, rainwater, and oxygen that trees require for survival. So, it’s not an excellent idea from either perspective to put shallow root trees near sidewalks.

The height at maturity of trees also plays a role in on what type of roots a tree will have and how much space the roots require to grow correctly. Trees that grow under 50 feet make excellent terrace trees since they have little root zones and won’t obstruct overhead power lines.

The Distance From the Sidewalk to Plant a Tree
The general rule is trees that grow 30 feet should be planted between 3-4 feet away from concrete area or walkways. Any tree that develops over 30 feet high has to be planted at least 5-6 feet from a sidewalk. If the tree grows over 50 feet, it has to be at least 8 feet from a sidewalk. Get in touch with an arborist to be sure that the tree is planted the right distance.

Planting Trees Near Sidewalks

Trees that can be planted near sidewalks:

• Hickory
• Japanese lilac tree
• White oak
• Walnut
• Linden
• Ginkgo
• Hornbeam
• Dogwoods
• Many pear trees
• Cherry trees

 
Trees that must not be planted near sidewalks:

• Red maple
• Ash
• Norway maple
• Sugar maple
• Bradford pear
• Tulip tree
• American elm
• Willow
• Poplar
• Pin oak

Sweetgum
​

---