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Trees near sidewalks
The space between a street curb and the sidewalk is call a treelawn, streetscape, or parkway, depending on the region of the country. Small trees are best suited for planting in narrow treelawns because their roots do not grow large.
Save large-maturing trees like oaks for bigger spaces greater than 8 feet wide because their roots can raise the sidewalk and pavement if planted too close. (See: Planting area guidelines).
Even when these guidelines are followed, roots often grow just under the sidewalk slab and lift up (see below). Root barriers or specially designed sidewalk subbases may help prevent this in certain circumstances.
See: more on trees near sidewalks
