Knoxville Street Tree Master Plan

Short-Term Planting and Conservation Strategies
Tree planting and conservation strategies vary, depending upon the type of street or highway, the adjoining land uses and the character of the neighborhood. Various strategies are outlined below and were used in the plan proposals that are presented in the following chapters.

Conserving trees and woodlands Many roads are lined by pockets of forested areas that should be conserved. Hillsides particularly need to be protected to avoid erosion and other problems. Occasionally, invasive plants such as privet, honeysuckle, mimosas or kudzu blemish these wooded areas and should be removed.
Planting within the outside limit of rights-of-way The width of rights-of-way varies along Knoxville’s streets. Where there is ample right-of-way, however, such space is an asset for tree planting.
Planting trees in the yards of adjoining property where right-of-way is limited Yard trees accentuate the streetscape. Cooperative programs, including neighborhoods, businesses and the city, can be used to plant a variety of trees in adjoining yards.
Creating planting space within rights-of-way or adjoining property In older commercial settings, it is difficult to discern where the pavement of a highway ends and the beginning of a parking lot emerges. Although these are harsh conditions for tree planting, concerted effort should be made to create planting spaces and enhance the landscape of these areas.
Planting small native trees near utility lines Such trees as dogwood and redbud are good candidates to be planted under or nearly under utility lines because they will not grow large enough to compete with electrical lines. By planting such trees, the appearance of the street can be improved and costs associated with pruning can be avoided.
Planting/conserving trees in median strips This has been the basic strategy in improving Knoxville’s appearance in recent years. The mixture of deciduous trees in the medians of Middlebrook Pike and North Broadway are good examples.
Planting small or medium native trees in narrow planting strips (2-4 feet) These spaces are clearly within the public right-of-way. Tree species selection should be made in concert with the Tree Board for these areas. Neighborhoods, which desire such plantings, should create an overall plan so there is consistency in the design.
Planting medium and large native trees in wide planting strips (4 or more feet) These are also within the public right-of-way. Such spaces are found along some minor thoroughfares but more commonly along the streets of older neighborhoods. These are classic spaces for tree planting. A mix of species should be selected for such areas. Neighborhoods should prepare plans in concert with the city and the Tree Board to conserve, maintain and plant trees in these spaces.
Replacing concrete-filled medians with trees and ground cover There are many instances, particularly where thoroughfares approach freeways, where concrete was used to fill medians. Such spaces have potential to be transformed into landscaped islands, adding beauty to those corridors.
Gateway planting and landscaping Some neighborhoods and business areas have enhanced their identity by gateway landscaping and boulevard treatments. There are other opportunities to create such spaces and beautify the road system.