DOT landscape designers use a variety of planting styles to help the highway visually blend into the surrounding landscape or to improve aesthetics and safety.

Following are some of the more common tree planting styles used by the DOT.

Formal Planting Style This is where the plant materials are planted in evenly spaced, straight lines or rigid geometric shapes. This style is often used in urban areas where the planting aea is very narrow or the designer is trying to define a space or create an image.
Informal Planting Style Informal planting is where plant materials are randomly spaced, either individually or in groups. This style gives a natural, park-like look to the landscape. One of the venefits of this style is that if a plant dies or is removed, it is not obvious to the viewer.
Forestation Style This is where large numbers of trees (often seeldings) are planted tightly together in closely spaced rows. This is a technique used by foresters to establish tree stands with strong, straight trunks. It is a very economical way for planting and early maintenance. The idea is to return to the planting after a number of years and strategically thin the stand by removing selected trees to give it the desired look.