SYLMAR : Tree-Planting Project for Freeway Is Praised
Hundreds of trees, wildflowers and flowering bushes will be planted along 4.7 miles of the Foothill Freeway in Sylmar next year, according to state officials.
The state Department of Transportation will spend $250,000 to plant 700 cedar and pine trees, native wildflowers and oleander bushes along freeway banks and shoulders, said Laura Leganza Reynolds, a field representative for Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar).
Reynolds said the landscaping will be watered by drip-irrigation meters to conserve water.
“You will really see a difference once the trees and plants go in,” she said.
Katz, who has pushed for the landscape improvements for nearly six years, called the plan long overdue. “Discretionary money has been tight. I’m glad they’re finally doing it,” he said.
Sylmar residents have complained for years about barren stretches of freeway, and the Sylmar Coordinating Council has long pushed for beautification.
Irma Goodman, a coordinating council member, said members are pleased with the announcement.
“It’s going to be very attractive and not waste water,” Goodman said.
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