LITTLE ROCK – As part of the award-winning Creative Corridor design, construction began recently on improved landscaping and water systems along several blocks of North Main Street in Little Rock.  In order to improve the existing tree canopies, some trees along the street will be replaced and other more appropriate trees will be added along with improved landscaping.

According to the original designers, the University of Arkansas Community Design Center, the trees along the north part of Main Street are at the end of their life expectancy and the tree roots in many places are causing the sidewalk to buckle creating a safety hazard.  Moreover, the existing trees’ growth has been stunted because of the conditions in which they were planted.  The City consulted several arborists who believe that many of the existing trees are approaching the end of their life cycle. 

Some existing trees will be kept and new replacement trees, better suited to the new environment will added.  The new trees will be approximately 6 inch caliper, which means 6 inches in diameter at 4 feet from the ground, and 20 to 22 feet tall.  In addition to new trees, other landscaping is planned within each block.

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"Once completed, Main Street will be fashioned with beautiful landscape design along with new, more appropriate trees for urban development," said Mark Webre, Landscaper and Deputy Parks Director, who is supervising the construction project. "Some changes will be seen during construction, but the end product will be beautiful."

Multiple articles have been previously published about this project, two public hearings have been conducted and all the adjacent landowners have been previously consulted and advised of the project.

The following locations will have new trees:

• 100 Block of Main Street, East Side Only:  five (5) new Streetspire Oaks (columnar trees)
• 200 Block of Main Street, East Side Only:  six (6) new Highbeam Overcup Oaks
• 300 Block of Main Street (add to existing trees):  Red Buds, Shumard Oak, Black Gum, Red Maple, and Chinese Pistache for a total of (16) trees.
• 500 Block of Main Street:  (19) Allee Elm trees for the west side of the street and eight (8) Streetspire Oak for the east side.  

No other blocks of Main will have any construction or changes as a result of this project. 

Click here for a link to the full Main Street road drawing. Below are drawings of the planned projects by block:

(100 Block of North Main Street)

(200 Block of North Main Street)

(300 Block of North Main Street)

(500 Block of North Main Street)

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