Sidewalk Plantings

Review Benefits of Plantings in the ROW

Review Key Considerations

Review considerations for Tree Bed

• Adequate access from the street and to building entrances must be maintained
• Consider environmental and physical stresses plants must withstand, including drought/inundation, sun/shade, heat/cold, wind, compaction, garbage, and animal damage
• Excluding trees, sidewalk plantings not covered under the Parks-DOT Greenstreets agreement require a maintenance agreement
• Stormwater Management Practices not covered under the agreement between Parks, DEP, and DOT require a maintenance agreement

Maintenance

• Excluding trees and planting strips where required by zoning, sidewalk plantings not covered under the Parks-DOT Greenstreets agreement require a maintenance agreement
• Planted Stormwater Management Practices not covered under the agreement between Parks, DEP, and DOT require a maintenance agreement
• The adjacent property owner is responsible for maintenance of planting strips (typically grass) as required by zoning in certain residential districts
   

• Any planting within a Full Sidewalk. May include street trees, ornamental plantings, stormwater plantings, or other types of vegetation. Street trees should be planted wherever possible. While Parks is responsible for the maintenance of the city’s street trees, other ornamental plantings, such as tree bed plantings, are encouraged but will require a maintenance agreement
• Sidewalk Stormwater Management Practices are generally installed on sidewalks to capture stormwater runoff from the roadway where conditions are appropriate
• Ribbon Sidewalks allow for planting along the curb and are required in certain residential areas per zoning. The planting strip generally consists of trees and turf grass but can also provide an opportunity for enhanced ornamental plantings
• The New York City Zoning Resolution requires that one tree be provided for every 25 feet of curb frontage for new developments and major alterations
• A Curb Extension that is planted rather than paved. A Stormwater Greenstreet may be a planted curb extension that captures water from the roadway
• Plantings may be installed on Step Streets where feasible and maintenance can be provided. Special consideration must be given to the severity of slopes as well as access to sunlight and drainage when selecting plants for a Step Street condition. Review Step Street
• Permanent Planters may be placed on sidewalks and provide an opportunity for plantings where site conditions prevent In-Ground Plantings or Raised Plantings. Review Container Plantings

Review design guidance for Full Sidewalk, Sidewalk Expansion, and Curb Extension

Where planting trees, review design guidance for Tree Bed

Review Planted Stormwater Management Practices, specifically Sidewalk Stormwater Management Practices and Stormwater Greenstreet where appropriate

• In-Ground Plantings are preferred. Raised Plantings may be considered where below-grade constraints prevent in-ground planting; design to the minimum height necessary to accommodate necessary soil depth and ensure positive drainage beneath the planted area is provided. Review guidance for Container Plantings where site constraints prevent other planting conditions

Siting

• A minimum 8-foot clear path must generally be maintained. DOT may require a lesser or greater clear path on specific corridors based on the Pedestrian Mobility Plan. Exceptions may be approved by DOT on a case-by-case basis.
• If located at a corner, maintain clear access to the crosswalk and the pedestrian ramp

Soil and Stormwater

• Maximize available soil volume and select plants with appropriate shape, form, and ultimate size to allow proper sight lines for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicular traffic. Review Soils
• Where possible, pitch sidewalks to direct water into the planting beds. Additionally, consider the capture of stormwater from the roadway. Review Planted Stormwater Management Practices

Planting

• Review the Plant Finder for plants that perform well in the right-of-way. Plant selection must always be made based on site-specific conditions
• Consider planting fewer understory species to provide continuity and reduce overall maintenance needs; select plants that will provide year-round ornamental interest
• Space shrubs and other plants so as to encourage dense, full growth, and deter weeds, however, do not overcrowd, which can lead to poor air circulation and encourage the spread of pest and disease problems
• Consider height and width of shrubs, grasses, and perennials at maturity, especially with Raised Plantings, and, if necessary, keep taller plants towards the interior and use shorter plants along the exterior of plant beds. Choose dwarf species where visibility is a concern and do not block sight lines
• Use drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant species that require little to no pruning or deadheading to maintain their shape, size, vitality, and ornamental interest. Review Plant Selection
• In planting areas with trees, consider understory species that will tolerate varying light conditions as tree species mature and provide more shade
• For Ribbon Sidewalks, groundcover other than turf grass is encouraged as long as adequate access every 20 feet via walkable vegetation or another accessible surface is provided from the roadway
• Consider the use of Tree Guards or Plant Fencing around planted areas