Trees are not the Root of Sidewalk Problems

Locations of defective sidewalk blocks in Cincinnati, Ohio, were compared to various soil complexes in the city. Soils with a percentage of repair record greater than the percentage of soil coverage were identified. The Urban-Stonelick soil complex had a low frequency of repair history. The Switzerland-Urban soil complex had a moderate record, while the Rossmoyne-Urban soil complex and the Urban-Martinsville soil complex had high frequencies of repair when compared to the records of other soil series and complexes in the city. Soil surveys categorized the Switzerland-Urban soil complex with moderate limitations for road construction and the remaining soil complexes with severe limitations. The 4 soil series were selected, and associated sidewalks were randomly surveyed to determine sidewalk failure rates. Sidewalks did not fail at higher rates where trees were present. Sidewalks greater than 20 years old failed at a higher overall percentage rate. Sidewalks less than 20 years old on the Switzerland-Urban soil complex and the Urban-Martinsville soil complex appeared more stable and less prone to failure than the Rossmoyne-Urban and Urban-Stonelick soil complexes. Sidewalks less than 5 years old were not affected by trees in any soil. A variety of problems were identified as being involved in the failure of sidewalks. It appears that trees play a minor role in sidewalk service life. Extending service life of sidewalks will require the cooperation of urban foresters, landscape architects, and engineers.