Integrity Lawn and Landscaping, Inc., a contractor for the City of Knoxville will start planting trees in 54 locations throughout the Central Business Improvement District (CBID) starting the week of March 7, 2011. The trees will be planted using funds from the city's downtown improvement fund.

Users and residents of downtown will notice the work, which includes the removal of several existing diseased trees, throughout March. The location and tree species for each location is listed below. Carol R. Johnson and Associates (CRJA) donated technical assistance to the City's Public Service Department in identifying the best species based on each site.

"Trees are assets with both monetary and social value to the built environment. They add to the character of downtown, provide cooling shade, habitat for wildlife and help define our streets and public spaces," said David Brace, deputy director of the City of Knoxville's Public Service Department. "With the assistance of CRJA, we hope to get the most appropriate trees planted in each of these locations."

CRJA, in partnership with Public Service Department and building upon their 2009 and 2010 Legacy Tree Fund donation, volunteered its consultation and technical services by developing a master tree species list and performance specifications.

The City and specifically the CBID have lost a number of large canopy trees in recent years due to a combination of age and a significant drought in 2007-2008. Downtown is also a significantly harsher environment for trees to thrive due to confined tree pits with limited soil volume, pet waste and constant interactions with vehicles.

The Public Service Department has a Horticulture Division that includes a fulltime tree crew responsible for maintenance and care of trees located in the city's right-of-ways, parks and green spaces. The group normally plants between 350 and 425 new trees each year via a contractor.

Knoxville has been designated as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation for 19 consecutive years in recognition of its commitment to urban forestry and its active tree board. The City Tree Board is a volunteer citizen panel that promotes good public tree maintenance, plantings and education. For more information about the City Tree Board please visit: www.knoxvilletn.gov/boards.