Research on current planting of Istanbul O-1, O-2 highways, and some connection roads

Abstract

Aim of study: Highway landscape design studies are important landscape practices in terms of integrating nature with humans. Therefore, it is highly important that the design of the vegetative arrangements in highways are ecological, functional, aesthetic and also compatible with the environmental landscape. This study aims to examine the recent vegetation projects in highway landscape design, identificate the problems and proposing solutions accordingly.Area of study: The study area were selected between Istanbul O-1 highway Barbaros-Altunizade, O-2 highway Levent-Batı Ataşehir and some connection roads that the current planting works.Material and Methods: Natural and cultural properties of the investigation site and the selected plants, which are planted in this site, are evaluated ecologically, functionally and visually. Furthermore, some suggestions are made by evaluating the opinions of relevant people through a questionnaire accordingly.Main results: As a result of the evaluation, the ecological and functional effects have been assessed. It is found that the majority of participants stated that the plant species and plant arrangements are not suitable for 14 selected areas.Highlights: The use of plant species that require less water in planting works will be a more correct approach in countries which have scarce water sources as in the case of Turkey. For this reason, the list of air pollution resistant and xerophytic plants which grow in the Marmara region are created to be utilized in highway landscape planning.