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Tree Planting Efforts The NTTA began planting more than 430 trees on the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) between the 121 Tollway and Panther Creek in December as part of the landscape and irrigation improvement project on the northern DNT.
Crews planted Red Buds and Eastern Red Cedar trees, which are native to Texas and able to thrive in the North Texas climate. The Red Cedars are evergreens and maintain a year round hunter green hue. The Red Buds have rose-pink blooms in spring and yellow leaves in the fall.
Use of native and adapted plants is consistent with the NTTA’s policy of installing environmentally-friendly landscape elements that reduce long-term maintenance and irrigation demands.
Workers spent the summer and fall months installing the low volume irrigation system, mow curbs, drainage flumes and preparing the beds for planting.
Tree stock chosen for this project includes Shumard Oaks, Maples, Bur Oaks, Eastern Red Cedars, Blue Point Junipers, Mexican Plums, Red Buds and Desert Willows. These trees are specified in the NTTA’s System Wide Design Guidelines, and are similar to landscape improvements already in place along portions of the President George Bush Turnpike.
The landscape and irrigation improvement installation began in May 2008 and is anticipated to be complete in mid-2009 with shrubs and grasses being planted once the trees are in place.
The NTTA uses landscaping on its roadways to improve air quality, enhance sustainability and aesthetics, and create an overall improved driving experience.
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