The purpose of this study is to understand the street tree root damage in the urban area and its causes. A total of 24 common street tree species in Chiayi City were investigated. We studied the roots growth characteristics, the damage to pavements by different street species, and their relations to tree height, DBH and tree pit size. Of the 24 street tree species investigated, 4 species (Machilus zuihoensis Hay, Acer serrulatum, Plumeria acutifolia, Palaquium formosanum Hay) caused little or no pavement damage, 3 species (Alstonia scholaris, Cassia fistula Linn., Ficus religiosa Linn.) caused pavement damage. Different street tree species also caused different levels of damages. The DHB of different street tree species and the level of pavement damage showed positive correlation.