04/18/2019
Motorists along Hazel Dell Road will notice new foliage on their drive after the Noblesville Tree Board recently planted 129 trees along approximately a 2-mile stretch south of State Road 32 to Noble Crossing Elementary School.
“Enhancing the west gateway corridor by planting trees in the median has been a priority of our organization and we were able to use funds this year to beautify that roadway,” said Vince Baker, Noblesville Urban Forester and tree board member.
Partnering with the Noblesville Street Department, the tree board budgets $100,000 a year for plantings. Typically the money is split evenly between the spring and fall plantings and is used to replace street trees.
“Spring and fall are the best time to plant and the only times we add new trees to the city,” said Baker. “Depending on funding, we will complete the Hazel Dell Road corridor south to 146th Street and north to State Road 38 in the fall or next spring.”
Three different tree species were planted along the corridor – Black Gum, Norway Spruce and Celebration Maple. Each tree was planted 40 feet apart from the next so they have enough space to grow and are not overcrowded.
“The Celebration Maple has a golden yellow leaf in the fall and the Black Gum is red. In addition to providing species diversification, those trees mixed with the Norway Spruce’s green will make it very colorful,” Baker said.
In addition to the spring plantings, the Noblesville Tree Board has two special events planned for Arbor Day observance in the next two weeks.
“The Noblesville Tree Board will be planting a Red Oak Tree at Federal Hill Commons at 3 p.m. Friday, April 26 in honor of Mayor Ditslear’s years of dedication and service to the city,” said Baker. “We also will be at the Noblesville Farmers Market on opening day (May 4) to pass out free Black Gum Tree saplings and other goodies and tree information.”
