The Best Trees to Plant Along Streets and Sidewalks
A comprehensive guide to selecting street and sidewalk trees that enhance urban landscapes and protect infrastructure.
Introduction: Planting the Right Tree for Urban Streetscapes
Street trees are an integral part of urban design, providing shade, improving air quality, reducing noise, enhancing property values, and making city environments more livable. However, selecting the right trees for streets and sidewalks is crucial: not all species can withstand harsh urban conditions or fit with local infrastructure. This guide examines top-performing street trees, critical selection criteria, and strategies to maximize tree health and minimize damage to sidewalks.
Why Urban Trees Matter
Urban trees are more than aesthetic features: they contribute significantly to city ecosystems.
- Air quality improvement: Trees filter pollutants and dust from the air.
- Temperature regulation: Shade reduces heat islands common in cities.
- Stormwater management: Trees absorb rainwater, reducing runoff and flooding risks.
- Biodiversity: Trees provide habitat and food for birds and insects.
- Community health: Well-landscaped streets promote walkability and reduce stress.
Challenges of Planting Trees by Streets and Sidewalks
Installing trees in urban environments poses unique difficulties:
- Limited root space: Confined planting sites restrict root growth.
- Soil compaction: Frequent foot and vehicular traffic pack down soils, limiting water absorption.
- Exposure to pollution: Vehicle emissions and road salts can harm trees.
- Physical damage: Trees are exposed to pruning, vandalism, or collisions.
To address these challenges, careful species selection and site preparation are vital.
Key Criteria for Selecting Street and Sidewalk Trees
When choosing trees for urban settings, consider these essential characteristics:
- Root system depth: Deep-rooted trees are preferred; they minimize surface rooting, reducing risk to sidewalks and underground utilities.
- Drought tolerance: Hardy trees withstand dry spells and limited irrigation.
- Pest and disease resistance: Urban trees should be resilient against local threats.
- Mature size: Height, canopy spread, and overall bulk must fit the planted location without obstructing lights, signage, or buildings.
- Deciduous vs. evergreen: Consider leaf drop and seasonal appearance.
- Non-invasive roots: Select species unlikely to heave pavements or damage curbs.
| Criteria | Importance | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Deep roots | Prevents surface root spread and sidewalk damage | Ginkgo, Japanese lilac |
| Drought tolerance | Withstands urban dry spells | Honey Locust, Linden |
| Pest/disease resistance | Ensures long lifespan, reduces maintenance | London Planetree, Princeton Elm |
| Mature size/canopy | Fits available space, avoids overhead conflicts | Hornbeam, Cherry tree |
Planning for Urban Plantings: Commercial vs. Residential Streets
The appropriate tree species—and planting style—varies with street type:
- Ceremonial and major streets: Favor large, formal, consistent canopies for visual impact and shade.
- Residential and minor streets: Allow greater diversity. Medium-sized trees, columnar forms, and lighter foliage suit narrower lanes and alleys.
Regardless of street type, strive for mature trees that do not block signage, building fronts, or utility lines. Keep root impact away from underground pipes, sidewalks, and curbs.
Tree Grates: Protecting Urban Trees
Urban trees often grow close to busy thoroughfares. Tree grates—flush metal grids installed around trunks—offer vital protection:
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- Allow air, sunlight, and water to reach roots
- Prevent soil compaction by pedestrian traffic
- Reduce root exposure, promoting healthier growth
- Add a decorative feature to city streetscapes
The Top Trees for Streets and Sidewalks
The following tree species are frequently recommended and proven performers in North American urban landscapes:
1. London Planetree (Platanus × acerifolia)
A hybrid of the American sycamore and English Oriental plane, London planetrees are the quintessential street tree for cities around the world. They are tall, hardy, long-lived, and highly tolerant of pollution, with large leaves providing valuable shade and effective filtration of airborne pollutants.
- Best for: Major avenues, formal streets
- Height at maturity: 70–100 feet
- Features: Large canopy, pollution tolerant, distinctive bark
2. American Elm (Ulmus americana)
Once the most common street tree in America, the American elm lost ground to Dutch elm disease. Disease-resistant cultivars like ‘Princeton Elm’ are making a comeback and are now seen in many city plantings. Elms have a classic vase-shaped crown and provide excellent shade.
- Best for: Historic neighborhoods, wide boulevards
- Height at maturity: 60–80 feet
- Features: Elegant silhouette, tolerant of urban soil
3. Linden Trees (Tilia americana and Tilia cordata)
With fragrant June flowers, lindens are beloved for their beauty. American and littleleaf lindens have dense, attractive foliage and are quite hardy in urban settings, withstanding pollution and soil compaction.
- Best for: Streets, parks
- Height at maturity: 50–70 feet
- Features: Fragrant blooms, strong shade provider
4. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra)
Northern red oaks thrive in city landscapes, showcasing brilliant red foliage in the fall. Their strong limbs and deep roots allow them to tolerate harsh conditions and resist drought, making them suitable for parkways and large streets.
- Best for: Boulevards, squares
- Height at maturity: 60–75 feet
- Features: Striking autumn color, deep root system
5. Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua)
This tree brings vibrant fall color ranging from yellow to deep red and purple. Sweetgums are valued for their ornamental appeal and symmetrical shape.
- Best for: Urban parks, broad sidewalks
- Height at maturity: 60–75 feet
- Features: Showy autumn foliage, spiky seed pods
6. Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthos)
Honey locusts have tiny, compound leaves that allow dappled sunlight through, creating a light, airy shade in summer and golden foliage in autumn. Their open branch structure suits sites with limited sun.
- Best for: Tree lawns, narrow strips
- Height at maturity: 40–70 feet
- Features: Tolerant of varied soil, low maintenance, minimal root disturbance
7. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
Pin oaks are among the most prolific urban oaks, notable for a strong central leader and ability to thrive from the Midwest to the East Coast. Their root systems tend to be less destructive to sidewalks than other oaks.
- Best for: Streetscapes, suburban lawns
- Height at maturity: 60–70 feet
- Features: Consistent form, strong urban tolerance
8. Cherry Trees (Prunus spp.)
Both ornamental and fruiting cherry trees are valued for their spring blossoms. While smaller than most shade trees, they bring color and charm to residential streets and pedestrian zones.
- Best for: Walkways, plazas
- Height at maturity: 20–40 feet
- Features: Beautiful flowers, compact size
9. Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
The ancient ginkgo tree is known for its fan-shaped leaves, brilliant yellow autumn color, and remarkable tolerance for pollution, drought, and poor soils. Male cultivars are widely used to avoid smelly seeds.
- Best for: Busy urban centers, polluted areas
- Height at maturity: 50–80 feet
- Features: Pollution resistance, distinctive foliage
10. Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
Hornbeams feature columnar forms and compact size, making them ideal for narrow streets and tight plantings. Their tough wood stands up to city conditions and frequent pruning.
- Best for: Narrow sidewalks, urban borders
- Height at maturity: 30–50 feet
- Features: Upright shape, dense foliage
Additional Recommended Trees for Urban Planting
- Japanese Lilac Tree (Syringa reticulata): Compact, fragrant, fits small spaces.
- Hickory (Carya spp.): Deep-rooted, resilient, excellent for broad grassy strips.
- Pear Tree (Ornamental varieties): Glossy leaves, spring flowers, minimal root problems.
- Walnut (Juglans spp.): Tolerates drought, provides shade, fits less formal landscapes.
- White Oak (Quercus alba): Majestic, sturdy, suitable for large parks and commercial streets.
Best Practices for Planting Urban Street Trees
- Site preparation: Remove old roots, improve soil, add compost as needed.
- Root containment: Use root barriers and grates to guide root growth downward.
- Watering schedule: Young trees need regular watering until established.
- Pruning: Regular, careful trimming helps trees fit available space and remain healthy.
- Diversity: Mix species to reduce risk from pests and diseases, and vary appearance.
Ensuring Healthy Lifespans: Maintenance Matters
Even the ideal tree species needs care to thrive in a city. Urban foresters, property owners, and municipalities should coordinate to monitor tree health and ensure regular:
- Mulching and fertilizing
- Watering during drought
- Pest and disease checks
- Prompt removal of damaged trees and replanting
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What trees have the least damaging roots for sidewalks?
Deep-rooted species like Ginkgo, Japanese Lilac, and Honey Locust are far less likely to heave sidewalks compared to shallow-rooted maples or willows.
How can I prevent tree roots from damaging pavement?
Plant trees recommended for urban use, install root barriers, and maintain adequate watering. Use tree grates and choose locations away from established sidewalks or utilities.
Are there any flowering trees suitable for streetscapes?
Cherry trees, pear trees, and Japanese lilacs are excellent for adding color and seasonal interest to sidewalks. Most are compact and have non-invasive roots.
Should street trees be evergreen or deciduous?
Deciduous trees are most common because they provide shade in summer and allow sun in winter, but evergreens can be used for screening or consistent greenery.
How close should I plant a tree to sidewalks or streets?
Aim for a planting distance that matches the tree’s mature spread and root system. For medium trees, leave at least 4–5 feet from pavement edges. Use compact forms for narrow strips.
Conclusion: Making Smart Choices for Greener Cities
Careful selection and maintenance of street and sidewalk trees not only beautify cities but also provide lasting ecological, economic, and health benefits. By focusing on trees with deep roots, hardiness, and adaptability, urban areas can reduce infrastructure problems and foster vibrant landscapes for future generations.
References
- https://www.reliance-foundry.com/blog/best-trees-for-streets-and-tree-grates
- https://caseytrees.org/2017/07/proud-10-best-street-trees/
- https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=865461
- https://sfpublicworks.org/services/recommended-street-tree-and-plant-lists
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHuBW_IVP4o
- https://www.houzz.com/discussions/1652472/best-tree-for-between-street-and-sidewalk
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