06/07/2026
Press Release
Hamilton, Virginia’s Historic Tulip Poplar Trees Saved with Innovative Flexi-Pave Sidewalks
In the heart of Hamilton, Virginia, a pair of 200+ year-old Tulip Poplar trees have long stood as a symbol of the town's rich history. However, over the years, their roots have broken and heaved the concrete sidewalk, creating a hazardous situation and ADA violation. Despite efforts from VDOT, Loudoun County, and other experts, no solution was found that would both repair the sidewalk and protect these historic trees—until 2016, when Urban Forester Noble Atkins and his green infrastructure company, Capitol Flexi-Pave, relocated to Hamilton.
Noble Atkins, a native Texan with a degree in Forestry, has dedicated his career to developing innovative construction methods that save trees from the damaging effects of development. His work spans prestigious locations such as the White House, Arlington Cemetery, the Smithsonian, and universities like Princeton and the University of Virginia.
Capitol Flexi-Pave specializes in solving the long-standing issue of trees and sidewalks coexisting. As the premier manufacturer, trainer, supplier, and installer of CFP Flexi-Pave, a porous, flexible paving material, Capitol Flexi-Pave has partnered with municipalities and universities across the U.S. to complete over 725,000 square feet of installations at more than 1,500 sites over the last 20 years. Recent projects have taken the company as far as Massachusetts, Ohio, Arkansas, Texas, and California.
Made from recycled tires and architectural aggregates, CFP Flexi-Pave is manufactured in hundreds of colors, is 100% permeable to manage stormwater runoff, and does not clog or require vacuuming. It’s a cost-effective, non-invasive solution for tree root zones, making it ideal for areas where roots have damaged sidewalks or trails.
When Mayor Wine of Hamilton reached out to Atkins for a solution, Atkins offered his expertise at no cost, ultimately donating more than $16,000 worth of services to the town. Within just one day, Atkins' team installed a new tree-friendly sidewalk, restoring ADA accessibility after more than 20 years of disrepair, and as promised, the historic Tulip Poplars were preserved.
Next time you encounter a broken sidewalk or trail near a tree, consider suggesting a local solution from Hamilton-based Capitol Flexi-Pave.
For more information, visit http://www.capitolflexipave.com or call 571-383-7000.
