You see it in parking lots and sidewalks; grating that surrounds the trunk of the tree, keeping debris away from the soil and draining the sidewalk of excess rain. Tree grating is available in limitless designs and styles and can be fabricated to meet the needs of the city or corporation installing it. In an article about Washington DC, David Alpert, explains some benefits and also some concerns that tree grates can hold for a city such as DC.
In order to select the correct style of grating for grate inlets there are several things to consider. Important factors to consider are provided by the Department of Transportation of each state. The Texas Department of Transportation published a manual, Hydraulic Design Manual, that has a section dedicated to gutter flow. This manual provides information on correct procedures, examples and current policies.
Sidewalks are a common piece of transportation infrastructure, and it is important that public entities and city governments observe code requirements to provide a safe walking surface for all. Municipalities are noticing that safe, appealing, tree-lined pedestrian street environments are encouraging healthy living through physical activity and supporting downtown area development. Designing streetscapes to incorporate trees and direct storm water while providing pedestrian safety, can prove to be a challenge.
According to an article entitled “What is Domestic Rubber Flooring” by Kathleen Kally, “Rubber flooring can have an anti-fatigue feature made for people who stand in one place for a long period of time, such as in a production line for manufacturing. Most rubber flooring is both non-slip and flexible.” Although products such as rubber grating, composite grating and even plastic grating may appear to have durable and slip resistant features that are ideal for industrial and commercial applications, these temporary types of grating are unable to withstand the harsh chemicals and elements that many environments have to offer. Metal grating, combined with a non-slip coating, not only provide durability and slip resistance, but ensures a permanent solution in dusty and slippery environments.
