A month ago, Mary Conklin learned that some of the majestic stone pine trees on Greenbriar Avenue — one of the city’s prettiest streets — would have to be removed.
Officials were concerned about the broken sidewalks in the neighborhood, but Conklin researched ways that she could save the trees.
She learned that 200 cities around the country are using or testing a rubber material, made from recycled tires, to replace concrete sidewalks.
In 2000, Santa Monica became one of the first cities to try it. The rubberized panels stretch to accommodate growing tree roots and can be lifted to allow for tree root trimming. The city has since expanded the program.
(READ the full story in the Press Enterprise)
Photo and story by Peter Fischetti – Story tip from Lynn Hildebrand