?EUR??,,????'??People have been calling the office asking why are there so many holes with yellow caution tape in front of the yards,?EUR??,,????'?? said Kevin Locke, senior planner for the city?EUR??,,????'???s Community Development Department.

Fortunately, the holes aren?EUR??,,????'???t the damaging results of burrowing animals but the markings for an ongoing tree planting project. Throughout the week, Meridian crews will be planting 109 willow oak trees in a portion of the city.

In August 2007, the city of Meridian applied for a Transportation Enhancement Tree Planting Grant from the Mississippi Forestry Commission (MPC).

?EUR??,,????'??This money, which is routed through us, is supplied by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT),?EUR??,,????'?? said Ed Brown, Southeast District public outreach forester for the Mississippi Forestry Commission. ?EUR??,,????'??The state of Mississippi receives from $150,000 to $200,000 each year from the Department of Transportation for this program and that money is distributed statewide.?EUR??,,????'??

The grant is designed to enhance transportation corridors, such as highway intersections and state highways, and the aesthetics of railroad depots or airports.

Willow oak was chosen for the project because it is an excellent shade/street tree that is long-lived and withstands tough urban conditions, officials said. The trees are 10- to 12-feet tall at the time of planting. Locations were based on each site?EUR??,,????'???s specific conditions ?EUR??,,????'??? such as utilities, driveway access and existing trees. Multiple trees will be planted in front of residences that will allow a minimum of 40-feet spacing between trees. There is cost to adjacent property owners where the trees will be planted.

The trees are being planted by Phillips Design Group, a licensed landscape contractor from Starkville, Miss. City crews will be responsible for all future tree maintenance.