How to Grow Large Trees in Urban Areas to Reduce CSO Problems: Rethinking Street Trees as Urban Infrastructure

The old model for conveying wastewater and stormwater is broken. The old model for growing urban trees is broken. This paper presents a new model that addresses both problems. Many cities are embarking on huge tree planting programs. Unless a new model is used for these programs, they will fail and waste valuable financial resources in a time when these resources are increasingly scarce. Using innovative techniques, such as suspended pavement, to extend rooting volume under HS-20 load bearing surfaces and create favorable tree growing conditions in urban areas, enables trees to grow to their mature size AND provide the stormwater and ecological benefits commensurate with mature trees. Case studies show the extent of stormwater treatment possible with large urban trees, and a lifecycle cost analysis shows the return on investment.