Dense tree barriers to cut air pollution are coming to West Oakland

"The Prescott Greening project - which has been in the works for over a decade - is finally breaking ground, answering the calls of generations of residents asking for more trees and other barriers to reduce pollution and prevent health complications. The project will add dozens of 10 to 12-foot-tall trees along Frontage Road, near the I-880 freeway. The trees will eventually grow up to 40 feet."

"Art Garden Design, the landscape designer that will oversee the planting, will, for the next few weeks, remove old trees, upgrade irrigation, and regrade the site. In March, workers will start planting trees. The project is expected to be completed within five months. According to Alana Corpuz, the owner of Art Garden Design, Frontage Road is an example of broken infrastructure caused by neglected maintenance. All kinds of activities nearby cause air pollution."

Prescott Greening breaks ground next month with dense plantings along Frontage Road near I-880 in West Oakland. The project will add dozens of 10-to-12-foot trees that will grow to about 40 feet. Art Garden Design will remove old trees, upgrade irrigation, and regrade the site before planting begins in March, with completion expected within five months. Hyphae Design engineered a ground-up planting to create a canopy and foliage depth that traps particulate pollution. Selected species include Fern Pines, Long Leafed Yellowwoods, Japanese Blueberry trees, California Lilacs, Manzanitas, and Bottlebrushes. Dense planting patterns can reduce 20–40% of roadside pollution.

Read at The Oaklandside