The long-anticipated opening of the Blue Line Extension is The Big Thing happening this spring. So, in the interest of making sure you know everything about it, let us tell you a bit about the trees you’ll see on your light rail journey.
Like most civic projects, the Blue Line Extension came with a landscaping plan. But this plan had some challenges, including:
Ensuring the trees didn’t pose a danger to the tracks, namely by dropping leaves on the rails and creating “slippery rail”
Incorporating any art commissioned for the route
Creating an identity, especially at stations
Beautifying the route, stations and parking lots
TREES YOU CAN SEE ALONG THE BLUE LINE
Along Tryon Street, from Old Concord Road to University City Boulevard:
Multi-stem Muskogee Crape Myrtle
Tulip Poplar (City Side Street)
Jane Saucer Magnolia (City Side Street)
Chinese Pistache
Nuttall Oak (City Side Street)
Forest Pansy Redbud – will be installed in 2018
Aeryn Trident Maple
Main Street Shantung Maple
Along Tryon Street, from University City Boulevard to the UNC Charlotte campus: