The City of Toledo's Urban Beautification Division has selected opportunities around the city to test new sidewalk repair problems. This pilot is part of our broader effort to improve Toledo’s sidewalks while preserving the trees that make our neighborhoods beautiful, walkable, and shaded.

Engineers and arborists will work together to preserve mature trees and improve damaged sidewalks. What we learn through this pilot will directly inform how we intend to repair sidewalks beginning with the 2026 Sidewalk Repair Program.

The city has selected 9 blocks throughout the city with reported tree-related sidewalk damage, and will use one of 5 new sidewalk repair options. Work will begin in late June and end in mid-August 2025.

BlockDistrictTrees
1700 Duncan*

1

2

2200 Rosehill

23
600 White31
800 Geneva39
1300 N. Ontario*45
600 Elm*41
3100 Aldringham51
2600 Latonia55
2800-2900 116th67
Total37

* Consideration for RE-TREE Toledo coordination

We will be:

Patching Sidewalks

Instead of removing and replacing a full panel, in some cases we will patch the existing sidewalk to repair the damage.

Best for: minor damage and cracks
Benefits: fast, inexpensive, minimal disruption

Shaving or Slicing Sidewalk Panels

To fix the uneven sidewalk, we can shave the raised portion or slice a section of the sidewalk to smooth the transition between panels.

Best for: slight bumps and unevenness
Benefits: fast, inexpensive, minimal disruption

Shaving Tree Roots

With the help of certified arborists, we can remove a sidewalk panel, shave the tree roots to reduce the disruption, and replace the sidewalk panel.

Best for: specific cases where the tree tolerates disturbance
Benefits: new sidewalk panel and root management for tree preservation

Re-routing Sidewalks

We will remove the existing sidewalk and pour new panels that route around the tree base.

Best for: areas with large, mature trees
Benefits:
prevents future sidewalk damage, preserves mature trees and neighborhood character

Installing Addapave, Flexipave, or similar alternative material

These concrete alternatives are flexible and can bond with the existing concrete. It allows the sidewalk to move with the tree roots, and is less likely to crack or raise like concrete does.

Best for: areas where re-routing is not an option
Benefits:
helps with stormwater management, lasts about 15 years

Evaluating Pilot Options

  1. Cost
  2. Ease of implementation and installation
  3. Tree preservation
  4. Resident feedback
  5. Annual condition reviews