Regarding planting trees on your curbstrip, this is some information from the Pittsburgh Shade Tree Comission: "They absolutely need to have Forestry Division do a site analysis and plant only recommended species. We're working on getting a list together with new city forester. We're in transition with new dept. head plus trying to catch up with years of neglect of issues such as policy on homeowners planting trees on city property etc. That coupled with the fact we have no staff---well, please urge people to be patient." Part of the reason why it is important to do this is to prevent problems with the species planted: a) being invasive species (invasive species are the #1 cause of loss of biodiversity) b) branches getting into the powerlines c) roots getting into the pipes, as well as damaging sidewalks d) preventing maintanence issues with fruit and leaves falling over the street/sidewalk/sewers Trees last for a LONG time, so it is important to make sure that appropriate ones are planted. Yours, Gudrun Wells.