Raised Planting Area

See Benefits of Plantings in the ROW in the Introduction and In-Ground Planting Area

• Above-ground planting structures allow the integration of other design elements such as seating and lighting
• Raising planters creates opportunities for planting where there are underground constraints
• Raised planters create more substantial barriers from vehicles
• Raised planters provide protection from winter salt spray

See General Guidelines

See considerations for In-Ground Planting Area

• Plant selection should be sensitive to the limited amount of soil available for root growth in a raised planter. Due to the limited soil volume, plants should be more drought-tolerant and will need to be watered more often
• Soil is less insulated in raised planting beds; freeze/thaw cycles will be more extreme in winter; select plants that are one to two USDA zones hardier to survive these conditions
• Any plantings not maintained by DOT, DEP, or Parks will require a maintenance agreement

See design guidance for In-Ground Planting Area

• Consider the type of soil that will be used. Specify a soil with good water and nutrient holding capacity. See Soils in General Guidelines
• Positive drainage below the planting soil is essential. Any impermeable layers of concrete or asphalt must be removed or appropriately designed weep holes must be included
• Raised structures allow for greater variation in topography and a larger variety of seating options
• Planting beds, as a general rule, should be limited in height and maintain visual and physical openness
• Additional seating can be provided by utilizing the raised structure as a seat wall; avoid creating long walls that impede pedestrian circulation and take into consideration potential maintenance issues such as skateboard use
• Raised planting areas can be designed to creatively accommodate or incorporate required security measures; consider impacts of security infrastructure (foundations, spacing requirements, etc.) on species selection

See Plant Finder