Rubber sidewalks

[OTG BOSTON]

Anyone have any experience dealing with rubber sidewalk panels as a means of root protection?? One of our City Councilors has proposed we start using them to eliminate trip hazards caused by tree roots.

 

[BostonBull]

I have read a few articles onthem and they seem like a great idea! A little costly but when you factor in the non reapirs and the money saved by not having to do as much removal work from uprooting trees, they might be cost effective.

 

[Dadatwins]

I saw a presentation last year about different sidewalk and tree alternatives and rubber sidewalks looked like a nice idea. Using recycled materials the rubber had much more expansion possibility. The cost was higher to install than concrete but it was also easier to form and shape. Also had a longer lifespan than the concrete and when it was replacement time they pulled it up melted it down and back it went somewhere else. Kudos for your city to seek alternatives to the standard flat concrete panels. Here in Richmond they refuse to even consider ramping a sidewalk with concrete, they just remove the tree or backhoe out the roots and wait for it to fall. :bang:

 

[coydog]

seattle has used them in a couple of pilot projects with great success, however the increased short term cost prohibits the long term benefit for the time being.

 

[jomoco]

Rubber sidewalks are a great idea that I hope will gain acceptance both nationally and internationally.

It'd be even better if they can find a way to make them breathe so the roots under them can breathe.

So many times our modern world encroaches on the natural world to the point that neither the trees or the people can breathe well.

I hope the day comes soon when we design our streets and communities for optimum benefit for both trees, people and even wildlife as well.

Rubber sidewalks are a good start in that direction.

Good Post!

jomoco

 

[LightningLoader]

I think they sound like a good idea, but don't know of any cities that are using them. Don't know if you guys know this but you can use your grapple truck to remove sidewalks if you're ever looking to pick up some extra work. Standard sidewalk width is just under 5 ft, so the bucket fits perfectly around it.

 

[Farmer Ferd]

I am a runner and they sound great for your feet, legs, and joints. Concrete is tough on people too.

 

[Doctor Dave]

I think they sound like a good idea, but don't know of any cities that are using them. Don't know if you guys know this but you can use your grapple truck to remove sidewalks if you're ever looking to pick up some extra work. Standard sidewalk width is just under 5 ft, so the bucket fits perfectly around it.

Interesting you mention it, a tree service I refer to is going to grind the stump of a rotton old maple they removed; they're gonna include removal of the heaved sidewalk as part ofthe deal. He rents a Bobcat mini-trackhoe with a grabber (thumb?) for jobs like that.