My sidewalk has tree root issues, and I'm thinking about replacing the concrete with much more attractive brick. (Because basically with trees, I will always have sidewalk issues.)

Has anyone on this blog done this? If so is the cost worth it? Any water issues or tips regarding water? Suggestions on type of brick to use or not use?

Or even if you just don't recommend it, I'd appreciate hearing your opinion.

Thanks!

A properly maintained brick sidewalk is just as effective. Do not try it yourself, as unseen steps must occur before laying in the brick. They tamp the area with layers of sand, then lay the brick, then more sand inbetween the subtle cracks, which absolves any problems with water.

Alesis, thank you for your time. You're just who I was hoping to hear from! Could you discuss a little the "properly maintained?" Do you recommend yearly sealing?

No I wasn't dreaming of doing this myself. I've spoken with a few masons, am willing to wait months for a great job, and could always use another recommendation of a contractor.

Usually, every few years, its good for someone to come out and fill in gaping cracks with sand. The perimeter around the tree should also be checked, and anyloose bricks will be reset into their place.

Sealing is not necessary.

The roots do continue to grow, and as such will move bricks around, causing hills and loose bricks and all sorts of issues. It can be as problematic as concrete. Occasionally, the roots need to be chopped into and leveled so that the bricks sit properly again. You should see the nightmare our pathway is right now, and how sorry I am that we didn't pay that contractor his, as my DH thought at the time, highway robbery rates, since I have nearly killed myself trying to get in and out of the yard on a cast and crutches while dealing with other issues.

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"Censorship is free advertising by the government"--Federico Fellini

"Do you mind if I smoke while you eat?"

Check the brick sidewalk out on the north side of Reed Street between Warnock Street and 11th Street.

Worst sidewalk I have ever seen. Has everything that HG stated.

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"Simply put it is possibe to have convenience if you want to tolerate insecurity, but if you want security, you must be prepared for inconvenience"
General Benjamin W. Chidlaw December 12, 1954

i've seen some sh\tty brick sidewalk jobs. are you allowed to unilaterally decide to replace/repair sidewalks?

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Yes. The City does not pre-approve pavement jobs or styles. I happened to ask a lot of pavement questions during the 1352 Lofts saga.

The City regulates pavement height and dimensions and also whether you may insert a curb cut. You have to have curb cuts approved by the City, so before you install that ramp--you better call L&I and get a permit.

Complaints made to the Streets Dept about broken pavement will float back to you, the registered property owner(s) where the sidewalk runs; not fixing the problem in a timely manner results in a fine. So if you do brick and it starts to break up and people trip up and fall on your pavement--you will get nastygrams from the City.


Not to derail: I am curious when some business here in Philly will start to do the TKTS treatment to their sidewalks like what can be seen near Macy's in NYC... with the chasing blue LED display that runs up the building and down into the pavement, then back to the building, then back on the pavement---which I believe something like that (signage, embedded in the pavement) would have to pass L&I scrutiny. It's an extremely cool effect at night.

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WHYY pays their CEO $750,000 a year. So WHYY should I renew my membership? Seems they have no problems finding money and spending it unwisely.


And this is why you should donate to PACCA, not PETA:

In September, PETA made headlines in Vermont and across the nation for asking Ben & Jerry's ice cream to use human breast milk in their ice cream, instead of cow milk

Never thanks to the f%&^in' "art commission". A couple south street businesses tried similar things on south street only to be told that it violates the law about lights having a "strobe" effect. As usual, the city takes a law, twists it, and uses it to put down any cool idea.

I love how the art commission does absolutely everything they can to deter art-unless they are the ones making a mural to highlight a vacant plot of land.

remind me again where the curb cuts are in front of the Saloon?
sigh, nevermind, i suppose if i knew the right people i'd be able to magically see them
thats ok, i hate babies and the handicapped anyway

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thor must be failing -