Do urban planners think of how large trees will be at maturity before planting them?

I've seen many trees in the city and in yards have to be totally cut down because they damaged cement, foundations, pipes, etc.

That brings me to another question -- who planted them in yards of very old houses -- developers, residents ...?

They don't need to be cut down because of pipes. The pipes can be replaced around the trees by cutting out roots, and relocating the pipes, if necessary. Once the cement is damaged, what's the point of cutting down the tree? You need to replace the cement anyway. Even if you have a shallow-rooted tree, it will take 20 years before it heaves the new cement enough to need replacement. Short-sighted people cut down street trees, using flimsy excuses. Two months ago I allowed someone to cut down a rear yard tree because it was cracking the wall of his building. His building is illegally too close to my tree (there needs to be a setback), and I allowed him to cut it down, on the condition that he replace my tree. I still don't have a new tree. Trees are so nice, and it is more work not to have a tree than to have one (they protect from direct sun, for example, making your house more comfortable in summer; they absorb rainwater, cutting back on runoff; they provide wildlife habitat; they absorb carbon dioxide and clean the air, etc.)

Trees and cities's don't really mix well.

Besides sidewalks..

the damage they do to the underground infrastructure..

Sewers, water, gas...


Hence why things like medians and setbacks are so important. (for trees...which are needed...just problematic)

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It's too tall..! it ruins the feel of the city..! It casts massive shadows..! It's an architectural nightmare..! We should stand together and fight this monstrosity that threatens our homes..! ...but amazingly no one tore down the Eiffel Tower.

or.. why we shouldn't always listen to "neighborhood groups" and critics.

Many trees were planted in neighborhoods, then additional housing was built. They were loved for their beauty & summer shade and for their fruits & nuts, though many urbanites today don't know how to harvest and either use or can them. I have a neighbor across the alley from my yard who wants to trim my Mulberry tree so his house will get more sun it never reached his reasoning the purpose for putting the tree there was so it could get the sun. Besides the birds love them & the variety of species has increased every season.
Philadelphia is widely known as the City of Brotherly Love but it also has another nickname, "The Greene Country Towne".

many trees are planted after development by homeowners and landlords who underestimate the size that trees will grow to and don't understand the space needs of trees.

and not all city planners today are well versed in landscape architecture.

i'm also willing to bet that parts of philadelphia were laid out by developers, architects, engineers and planners who also knew little about trees and did not hire landscape architects for their planting schemes.

this is obvious when you see a london plane tree planted within three feet of space.

these days however, i think the growth of trees is better understood.

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My restlessness is my nemesis.

Fact: Trees are nice

Another Fact: Trees grow really tall but take awhile to do it so city planners dont know this cuz they are long gone when the tree gets up so high

Final fact: Trees make a shady time possible

Those things are all true as heck

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One of the burdens of civilization is that it requires vigilant upkeep. Maintaining street trees (and your water and sewar lines) is just one part of that.

that's not entirely correct. the wrong type of tree or those that are poorly planted will cause those kinds of problems or simply die. essentially they either thrive and grow unfettered or actually fail to thrive from the city's pollution, small space to grow, vandalism, damage, etc.

the right type of tree will have the right balance of growth, spread, wood type and ease of maintenance to make for the perfect street tree in the city.

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So what are good street trees?

I like Honey Locust trees because they grow quickly and the foliage still allows some light to penetrate through to the sidewalks and/or house.

I hate that people plant Bradford Pear trees. These things get top heavy very quickly and end up being lobotomized by the utilities who sheer the tops for the utility lines, etc.

Are there others like the Honey Locust that I am missing?

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NUTTER 2007

from my landscape architecture friend...

Platanus acerpalmatum (London Plane)
Sophora Japonica (Japanese Pagoda tree)
Quercus phellos (Willow oak)
Zelcova serrata (Zelcova)

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