More than a dozen trees are expected to be planted along Federal Street in Harrison’s Natrona neighborhood this fall, adjacent to an Allegheny Technologies Inc. lot.
ATI is participating in the effort that will transform the barren stretch of road, along with the township’s Tree Committee and the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and its TreeVitalize program.
Through the program, about 180 trees have been planted in Harrison over the past five years. That includes about 50 that were placed along Broadview Boulevard in March.
At that time, 60 trees were expected to be planted on Federal Street. The number was reduced to 15 after the site was further examined. township Commissioner Chuck Dizard said.
“These trees will provide an inspiring improvement along Federal Street for the residents of the area and help to minimize the dust that blows across the parking lot to the residential area,” Dizard said.
Brian Crooks, a conservancy forester and arborist, has researched what trees would do best there.
The four types recommended — “Princeton Sentry” gingko, thornless honey locust, “White Shield” osage-orange, and “Green Vase” zelkova — are likely to thrive in the alkaline soil and the open, dry and sunny location.
ATI will move the jersey barriers along the street 6 to 7 feet back from the sidewalk to make room for the trees. The conservancy will handle digging the planting beds, 6 feet wide and 4 feet deep, which will be between the barriers and the sidewalk, Dizard said.
“This will provide ample growing space for the new trees until they are fully acclimated to the site,” he said.
The trees are expected to be planted on a weekday in late October.
ATI will send a crew of employee volunteers to help with planting the trees along Federal Street, which borders a truck staging area, spokeswoman Natalie Gillespie said.
“The ATI team is excited to partner with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and support our community through this tree planting,” Gillespie said. “We look forward to volunteering alongside our community leaders. These trees will bring beauty to the area for generations to come.“
Dizard called the company’s involvement important.
“ATI is making a major commitment to collaborate with the Harrison Tree Committee,” he said.
The trees will be spaced 20 feet apart to provide visibility to the parking lot and not interfere with getting in or out, Dizard said.