Probability of damage to sidewalks and curbs by street trees in the tropics

Abstract

For 75 trees each of 12 species growing along streets in San Juan, Puerto Rico and Mérida, Mexico, diameter at breast height and distance to sidewalk or curb was measured and damage (cracking or raising) was evaluated. Logistic analysis was used to construct a model to predict probability of damage to sidewalk or curb. Distance to the pavement, diameter of the tree, and species were all found to contribute significantly to the probability of damage. Predictive models are presented for each species and numerical trials are used to illustrate the relationship of the independent variables to probability of damage.