Needham Public Safety Complex

The purpose of tree grates is to provide more area for pedestrian flow while protecting developing trees and their root system.  The slotted design allows for watering and drainage while also being ADA compliant for inclusion and pedestrian safety.  Tree grates also help prevent litter buildup and suppress weed growth. The Ironsmith Starburst series tree grates, shown here, are cast iron and have a raw finish.  Unfinished cast iron creates a patina of iron oxide which is essentially rust.  Unlike steel, rust on cast iron is not invasive and acts as a coating to prevent deep rusting.  With New England winters, any other finish would be susceptible to the abuse of shovels, sand and salt typically used on our sidewalks and walkways. 

Needham MA

Gallery