Plaza Plantings

Review Benefits of Plantings in the ROW
•    Plants add character to a plaza and provide secondary environmental benefits
•    Plazas provide more room for planting and allow for a greater diversity of plants

Review Key Considerations
Circulation

• Account for existing and proposed pedestrian circulation, especially major desire lines to crosswalks, building entrances, and pedestrian generators such as transit connections
• Consider visibility in relation to the overall height of mature plantings; especially with Raised Plantings
• Plazas should maintain a feeling of openness; plantings should not block critical sight lines
• Proximity to vehicular traffic and pedestrian circulation will impact the size and shape of the planting areas

Environmental

• Consider environmental and physical stresses plants must withstand, including drought and inundation, sun and shade, heat and cold, wind, compaction, garbage, and animal damage
• Positive drainage must be established in all planting areas

Maintenance

• Consider worker access to the plantings for regular maintenance activities; access to a water source for irrigation should be provided
• Any plantings not maintained by DOT, DEP, or Parks will require an agreement outlining maintenance responsibilities

• Any planting within a designated Plaza or similar open space; may include street trees, ornamental plantings, stormwater plantings, or other types of vegetation. Street trees should be planted wherever possible. Plantings are typically maintained by a third-party partner; DOT may provide maintenance support as part of the Public Space Equity Program

Plantings must be considered in context of the overall plaza or open space design. Review Pedestrian Plaza for design guidance.

Where planting trees, review design guidance for Tree Bed.

Review Planted Stormwater Management Practices.

• In-Ground Plantings are preferred. Raised Plantings may be considered where below-grade constraints prevent in-ground planting; design to the minimum height necessary to accommodate necessary soil depth and ensure positive drainage beneath the planted area is provided. Review guidance for Container Plantings where site constraints prevent other planting conditions.
• Maintain a clear path for any major pedestrian desire lines or defined circulation paths; if the plaza is located in front of a building, provide an additional clear path adjacent to the building.
• Provide adequate soil volume and rooting area for plantings; review Soils.

Planting

• Review the Plant Finder for plants that perform well in the right-of-way. Plant selection must always be made based on site-specific conditions.
• Select plants that provide year-round interest; utilize combinations of plants that have contrasting textures, colors, and forms; review Plant Selection.
• Plant densely to discourage littering, trampling and other improper uses.
• Direct stormwater runoff into plantings wherever possible. Review Planted Stormwater Management Practices.
• In heavily trafficked areas, consider the use of suspended paving systems to maximize circulation while preventing soil compaction. Consider the use of a tree-bed guard or low plant fencing where feasible.
• Design plantings in relation to seating areas or other areas of interest to create or define edges, to add visual interest, to provide shade, and to provide other protection for plaza users.