A tree planting enhancement program of the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the Mississippi Forestry Commission is beautifying Meridian.

The city received a grant to place a total of 130 willow oak trees along Poplar Springs Drive and 23rd Avenue. These areas are considered urban forests.

Officials say Meridian had a lot of overly-mature trees that needed replacing.

"There's a lot of benefits to trees. You know, economical and environmental. So we look at trees as green infrastructure," said Kevin Locke of Meridian's community development department. "Just like your streets and your distribution lines. Except trees are the one infrastructure that actually pays you back for every dollar you put into it you get 4 dollars in benefit out of it."

The tree-planting project has proven popular with residents. Locke said 21 trees were added after the initial planting.
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