“Such a difficult place to plant”

Photos of a tree breaking through concrete have sparked debate on Reddit as users grapple with a conflict between urban greenery and infrastructure.

The post in r/arborists shows a tall, leafy tree Rhaphiolepis bibas (loquat tree) emerging from a tiny square of earth surrounded by pavement. Torn between sentimentality and practicality, the original poster asks for advice on whether to remove the 30-year-old tree that holds precious memories but threatens nearby concrete and possibly underground pipes.

“It reminds me of my late mother (she loved it),” the Redditor shared, while emphasizing the tree’s aesthetic value and its role in cooling the area and shading a nearby skyscraper.

However, a trusted gardener warned the OP of impending damage and advised complete removal without replacement.

The plight of this urban tree touches on a broader issue that many face: balancing green spaces and city life.

Trees in urban environments improve air quality, reduce stress and reduce energy costs through natural cooling. They are important allies in creating more livable cities and combating rising temperatures.

But urban trees often have problems with limited space. When roots collide with infrastructure, it can lead to costly repairs and safety concerns. But before you reach for a chainsaw, it’s often worth looking for creative solutions.

For example, replacing the tree with more space-efficient native plants would provide the same benefits as the tree – plus it would save money and time in maintenance and reduce water bills.

Native plants also create a healthy ecosystem for pollinators, which benefits humans because pollinators protect our food supply.

The OP may want to consider eco-friendly, low-maintenance replacement options such as clover, buffalo grass, and xeriscaping. Even a partial replacement can allow homeowners to reap these benefits.

One commenter suggested another alternative: “Instead of removing the tree to save the concrete, I would try removing the pavers and concrete to save the tree.” This approach could give the tree more room to grow Giving breathing while maintaining its benefits.

Another user, impressed with the tree’s resilience, remarked: “I wouldn’t worry about any damage to pipes, I’m amazed at how well this tree seems to hold up in such a difficult planting location.” However, they cautioned against it , that without intervention, the concrete could eventually suffocate the trunk, potentially leading to the tree’s demise.

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