Source: City of Plymouth
The first of 169 new trees destined for Armada Way have been planted in the ground as the regeneration continues to progress at pace.
Three silver limes have been anchored today and six cockspur hawthorns and 10 double crimson hawthorns will be arriving in the next few weeks to be planted between existing single rows of trees on both sides of Zone 1a – near the Copthorne Hotel.
A second row is being created on each side to create the avenue of trees that will line either side of this important city centre street.
Tree pits, a metre deep, had already been dug in readiness and ground workers will backfill the planted trees with soil that’s good for tree root growth and topsoil.
Council leader Tudor Evans OBE said: “We wanted to mark this moment – it is a big deal. “Anyone who has been in the city centre recently will know that the scheme is cracking on at an incredible pace. There’s a lot still to do but this marks the start of the re-greening of Armada Way.”
City Centre manager Steve Hughes added: “We know that companies are in conversation about sites in the city centre as a direct result of the recently completed work on Old Town Street.
“We also know that investors are keeping a watching eye on this scheme. We are aware there’s a bit of pain for some traders – but long term there’s a lot to be gained. This project will be transformational.”
Trees are semi mature on arrival and because of their height, will be put into position by mechanical excavators for planting.
A bit more about the trees:
- Silver limes – very suitable for inner city planting near surface infrastructure – 6.5 metres on arrival
- Cockspur hawthorns – good for urban and coastal planting, tolerant of air pollution and does well in very wet and dry soil. Measuring around 4.5 metres when planted
- Double crimson hawthorns – resilient and thrive in nearly all locations, a fantastic flower display in May. Measuring five metres when planted.