New trees planted on 5th Street in Meridian [Video]

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK)- A downtown drainage and street project is the root of a beautification project in Meridian.

In 2012, Meridian began a green infrastructure project that would improve drainage and the roadways on 5th Street. As a part of the project, the city said it would add trees to beautify the area. Now, it is doing just that.

Many people think when adding trees next to a sidewalk, the roots of the tree could tear them up. But the drainage system that was put in place is very unique. It provides an immediate source of water for the trees, allowing the roots to stay close without breaking any sidewalks or pavement.

“Well, this is the first project with this type of underground drainage and allowing the routes to reach the underground drainage, and the first in the state of Mississippi with a system like this. So we’re very proud …