SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — The city of Sioux Falls has a plan to grow trees on the sidewalks of downtown.

City officials say there are 481 spaces to plant trees in the downtown area, but those trees typically last less than 10 years because of the compacted soil and heat radiating from buildings and pavement.

The proposal calls for metal grates to be installed over the soil and decorative pavers to rest on the grates so they don't compact the soil around the tree roots.

The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports that the city will replace 70 planters where the trees have died with the new design.

Downtown Sioux Falls Inc. president Jason Dennison says good-looking streets will add to the success of downtown.

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