Can You Plant Trees around Interchanges?

Interchanges are vital road infrastructures that provide efficient transportation for vehicles and people. They serve as strategic connection points on highways where people can get on and off, and where different routes converge. While they are essential for mobility, interchanges are often associated with environmental degradation due to their massive size, noise pollution, and the absence of greenery.

However, planting trees around interchanges is possible and can offer several benefits. Apart from enhancing the aesthetic appearance of the road, planting trees can also improve air quality, reduce heat island effect, and provide wildlife habitats. Nevertheless, planting trees around interchanges requires careful consideration of several factors as follows:

Soil Quality

The soil around interchanges may have poor quality due to its exposure to vehicular exhaust fumes, oil, and other contaminants. Thus, before planting trees around interchanges, site evaluations should be conducted, and soil testing should be done to determine the suitability of the soil for vegetative growth. If the soil quality is poor, remediation measures such as introducing organic matter, adding nutrients, or removing contaminated soil might be necessary.

Drainage

Interchanges and highways are notorious water collectors, and planting trees around them may exacerbate the issue of water accumulation. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that proper drainage systems are installed to prevent waterlogging around the planted trees. Drainage systems such as trenches, permeable pavement, or bio-retention basins can be used to manage stormwater and enhance the survival of the planted trees.

Species Selection

The choice of tree species is critical for planting trees around interchanges. Species with shallow root systems like willow, silver maple, and green ash are unsuitable options, as they may interfere with the pavement or cause infrastructure damage. Instead, species such as oak, shagbark hickory, or ginkgo are better suited due to their deep root systems and less aggressive nature.

Maintenance

Planting and maintaining trees around interchanges require specialized expertise and resources. Regular maintenance activities such as pruning, mulching, fertilizing, and watering are essential to ensure the healthy growth of the planted trees. Additionally, the trees' survival rate may be enhanced through the installation of support structures such as stakes and ties, which prevent them from being uprooted by heavy winds.

Furthermore, the trees' location around interchanges should be chosen in a way that ensures their safety and reduces the risk of potential accidents. For example, they should be planted at a safe distance away from the road, pedestrian walkways, and other infrastructures.

Conclusion

Planting trees around interchanges may offer several benefits, and it's essential to consider several factors such as soil quality, drainage, species selection, and maintenance before proceeding. Appropriate planning, careful site evaluation, and expert guidance are necessary to ensure the success of the planting efforts. When done correctly, trees can provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution that enhances the environment, reduces pollution, and provides scenic beauty for generations to come.