[RP TownTalk] Rubber sidewalks

[Alice Ewen Walker]

RE: rubber sidewalks.  It will be interesting to see how they perform in DC.

As far as some of Rob's tree questions, here are a few points and resources:

-  Yes, tree roots need air.  Most of the tree's roots are in the top
6-12 inches of the soil.  So, there's a lot of reason to believe that
a rubber sidewalk that only requires 2" of digging would minimize
damage to tree roots.
http://www.treesaregood.org/treecare/avoiding_construction.aspx

- Permeable asphalt, permeable pavers, and other materials are also
root-friendly options. In new development projects, many cities now
require a "structural soil" matrix in street situations.  The soil
provides the structural strength to support sidewalks but has space
for roots and air.
http://www.hort.cornell.edu/uhi/outreach/csc/

- When you install a sidewalk or do other such construction, the tree
experiences significant trauma.  People underestimate the impact of
root damage because it is not visible to them. There's also a lag time
between when the damage is inflicted and the visible consequences --
it takes a big tree a few years to show signs.

- Our town tree committee chair, Rebecca Feldberg, is the city
arborist for Baltimore, so she's an expert resource that the town
could tap on these issues.

Alice Ewen Walker