Special Districts

Downtown:
Given the intensity of development, the constraints of relatively narrow streets and sidewalks, and underground vaults (as is the case with much of Gay Street), downtown street tree planting is complex. While there are areas of great beauty, for instance, the maples around the federal courthouse and the willow oaks near the library and federal building, there is a need for greater balance in streetscape design, particularly with complementary planting along each side of a street and with a greater variety of species. In the future, elongated wells should be used for sidewalks, better assuring tree longevity. “Bulb-outs” should be used where sidewalk space is limited and on-street parking is needed. During the next year, an urban design plan will be created for downtown Knoxville. Development of that plan will be an opportune time to address a street tree-planting program on a comprehensive basis.

However, the conservation of trees along specific streets is needed, including:

• Native trees along Main Street, including those around the courthouse
• Maple trees along Hill Avenue
• Native trees along Summit Hill Avenue
• Willow oaks around the Federal building and library
• Trees along Gay Street between Cumberland Avenue and the Gay Street bridge
• The native trees along Union Avenue and Walnut Avenue (between the north side of Church Avenue and Neyland Drive)