 Re: Rubber Sidewalks
I am familiar with Dr. Gilman's study on cement sidewalks, and the different products that are being used to prevent structural damage to the concrete. Half way through the study it was pretty obvious that research will have to continue.
I think the rubber sidewalks are the least invasive to mature trees. Elevated walkways would be great also, however there are cost issues to this plan. I am a little concerned at the number Treelore put forward, of 15 years. There are huge trees in our urban centres that are 5-6 times that age. I believe, because of a statement that Dr. Coder made, that the welfare of a tree is proportionate to the resources available to it. There are soil, water and light issues with every street tree.
Lets think about this for a few seconds. What would happen to a street tree if we tore up the cement sidewalks, corrected the grade to allow for soil compaction (or divits), and layed a rubber sidewalk down. If the sheet of rubber was impervious to water and air, the only benefit would be to the users of the sidewalk. What if we layed a sheet of rubber down that had a pattern of holes manufactured into it. We accomplish the benefit to the users of the walkway, AND we give the tree a bit more recourse area to utilize the old impermiable area, and can now capture air AND water from under the sidewalk? |