Home > Urban/suburban design > Sidewalk and hardscape solutions > Cutouts in sidewalks
Cutouts in sidewalks
Cutouts in the sidewalk should be appropriately sized to minimize damage to the sidewalk as the tree trunk and root flare grows in diameter. The table shows suggested minimum dimensions for the opening in the sidewalk. These suggestions are not meant to indicate that this represents enough soil for root growth. It does not. This is simply a guideline for the dimensions of the opening in the walk to accommodate root flare.
Minimum dimensions for cutouts in sidewalks to accommodate root flare on trees of various sizes:
- large maturing trees - 8 x 8 feet
- medium sized trees - 6 x 6 feet
- small stature trees - 4 x 4 feet
Allow more space than indicated if most roots are expected to remain shallow.
