Ozark to plant trees on 231 corridor

Yellow markers stand Tuesday morning as placeholders for new trees that will be planted along US Highway 231 in Ozark.

By: Ebony Horton | Dothan Eagle
Published: January 24, 2012

OZARK—The bright yellow ribbons dangling in the U.S. Highway 231 medians in Ozark may soon be the home of hundreds of crape myrtle trees.

Ozark Public Works Director Steve Price said around 200 Tonto crape myrtle trees have been ordered for about a 3.5 to four-mile stretch along the highway.

Price said the trees, mulch and equipment – estimated around $20,000 – are among the city’s capital improvements. Planning for the beautification began more than a decade ago.

According to the U.S. National Arboretum, Tonto crape myrtles are globe-shaped, multi-stemmed large shrubs that range between four and 11 feet tall and produce fuchsia flowers. Their trunk color is anywhere from cream to taupe and they are maroon in the fall, according to the department.

Price said the trees were expected to be part of a 2006 Alabama Department of Transportation beautification and lighting project in the city, but were pulled because of funding.

Ozark Mayor Billy Blackwell said the state department has since visited with city officials to determine where the trees can be planted and in what proximity they can be to other portions of the highway.

Price said the state department turned down an idea for shrubbery in the corridor, but he believed the trees alone would make the city more memorable as passersby drove through the area.

“We wanted to beautify what people see of Ozark and the main part they see is when they travel 231. We believe that this will be something special as it progresses,” he said.

Price said the trees were ordered Tuesday and could be delivered within the next couple weeks.