City streets are _not_ specifically for cars. Freeways aren't even specifically for cars (buses, trucks), but city streets in particular are definitely not just for cars.
Tree roots are a solved problem. Lots of city master plans and similar documents have a list of trees allowed in the public right-of-way that have root systems compatible with sidewalks and roads. Some trees have roots that buckle concrete, others have roots that don't. Choose wisely.
@Andres4NY@claralistensprechen5th@ECEC Trees were here first. Streets (pavement) are an attempt to tame the world. The arrogance of thinking we (humans) can & should assert our will over the world is the problem; street trees are a solution.
@claralistensprechen5th@rejinl@ECEC She said 'street trees', which are have shown clear benefits to dense cities all over the world. They're incompatible with on-street parking, though.