Sidewalks Vs. Trees: Integrating PROWAG, ADA, and Urban Trees

Thanks to Bartlett Tree Experts – our Exclusive Learning Series Partner!

As communities invest in safer and more accessible streets, urban foresters are increasingly challenged to preserve and expand tree canopy while meeting evolving accessibility requirements. The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) adopted by the U.S. Department of Transportation, went effect in 2025 and establishes the national accessibility standards for sidewalks, curb ramps, street crossings, shared-use paths, and other pedestrian facilities within the public right-of-way. These updated requirements come on top of already challenging infrastructure and tree conflicts that urban foresters navigate each day. As agencies implement PROWAG, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and critical sidewalk installation projects, urban forestry professionals have an important opportunity to shape projects that enhance accessibility while protecting the long-term health and benefits of the urban forest.

Sidewalks Vs. Trees: Integrating PROWAG, ADA, and Urban Trees explores practical strategies for integrating trees into accessible streetscapes through thoughtful planning, design, and long-term management. Using real-world examples, this webinar will:

• Examine tree planting design solutions that support healthy tree growth that maintain accessible pedestrian routes.
• Review approaches to preserve mature trees during sidewalk and infrastructure improvements and reduce future conflicts between trees and the built environment.
• Explore strategies for effective collaboration with engineers, landscape architects, planners, public works staff, and disability advocates to form strong partnerships that develop shared solutions.

Join us and discover how integrated and strategic design and collaborations can create streetscapes that achieve pedestrian safety while supporting long-term canopy. You’ll come away with practical tools and collaborative strategies that help you navigate PROWAG and ADA requirements with confidence.

Together we can create safer, greener, and more inclusive communities with both accessible infrastructure and thriving urban forests.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Explain how the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) influence sidewalk design, tree preservation, and urban forestry practices within the public right-of-way.
2. Evaluate tree planting and preservation strategies to support accessible pedestrian facilities while promoting long-term tree health and canopy growth.
3. Develop collaborative strategies for engaging a wide range of stakeholders to balance accessibility requirements, infrastructure investments, and urban canopy goals throughout project planning, implementation, and maintenance.

This webinar is approved for one ISA CEU.

The webinar subject matter supports the following:
UCFS Accreditation Program: Standard 2
ISA Urban Forest Professional: Domain 4

Register here!