Most modern streetscapes, whether new or rehabilitation projects, use trees which require an open tree well in the sidewalk. For safety, ADA compliance and to enhance the project?EUR??,,????'???s design aesthetics, Landscape Architects will specify a tree well cover; usually a tree grate. Tree grates are made of cast iron or aluminum, and properly designed, should last for the lifetime of the project if not damaged by abnormal events such as a heavy vehicle accidentally impinging on the sidewalk. They are available in a wide variety of stock designs and sized to complement the architect?EUR??,,????'???s overall theme. Custom designs or modifications to stock patterns are increasing in use. Ironsmith a nation wide supplier of tree grates offers design service directly to the architect using its own in-house design Auto CAD design department where design ideas can be communicated with the architect by email. Due to the specialized nature of designing for cast products, it is best to communicate custom design intent early in the design process. Start with a rough design concept, a quick sketch is sufficient, with the desired outside dimensions. Our design department will refine the design concept based on the requirements of the casting process and review the design for the most efficient and economical way to proceed. Then suggestions will be made and a design can be transmitted for review. The customer then communicates with the design department to refine the design. Concept drawings or renderings can be provided to help customer communicate design intent. Shop drawings are provided after receipt of order. The overall trend is toward larger tree wells for improved tree health, and irregular shapes to suit a specific purpose. Particular design considerations include: cast-in ribs for added strength and to minimize in-process warping; size of the tree opening and the ability to enlarge it with tree growth; grinding pads for final leveling in the field; and slot width for pedestrian safety. There is no better place to see custom tree grates with the above considerations, than Las Vegas. With space at a premium, more and more casinos are using tree grates as an integral part of their pedestrian traffic areas, pushing their buildings out to the sidewalk, while still retaining their trees. While trees have always played a major part in hotel and casino landscape design, but it wasn?EUR??,,????'???t until the 1990s those major tree grate installations were specified in Las Vegas construction projects. They were first used by the Stratosphere to gain valuable real estate, and now add an essential finishing touch to many Las Vegas and Atlantic City casinos. Areas subject to high foot traffic require the added safety of grates with smaller openings, referred to as "pedestrian proof," wherein canes, wheelchairs, crutches and ladies heels can traverse the decorative grates without incident. In fact, definitive guidelines in this subject established by the National Architectural and Transportation Barriers compliance Board became law in 1990 as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act and require many public and private facilities to come into compliance. "Unguarded tree well and older style grates with larger openings can present serious liability problems, court ordered mandatory changes, plus five and six figure fines," said Ironsmith?EUR??,,????'???s Las Vegas representative, Kathy Steinhauer.