§ 19. Planting trees and shrubs along state highways. The commissioner
of transportation, in his discretion, may plant rows or groups of
suitable trees along the bounds of existing state highways at such
places as he may determine and may also plant on the banks of such cuts
and fills as were made in constructing, reconstructing or improving such
highways such shrubs as are necessary and suitable to prevent or stay
erosion thereof. Upon the construction, reconstruction or improvement of
any state highway the commissioner of transportation shall plant along
such highways rows or groups of suitable trees, except where such
highways pass through wooded sections of country, and shall also plant
on the banks of such cuts and fills as are made in constructing,
reconstructing or improving such highways such shrubs as are necessary
and suitable to prevent or stay erosion thereof. The commissioner of
transportation may, with the consent of the owner of the abutting
premises, enter upon such premises to plant suitable trees or shrubs as
he may determine as desirable for reasons of safety and to maintain such
trees and shrubs for a period not to exceed two years. The commissioner
of transportation is not required to plant shrubs and trees under the
provisions of this section should such plantings already be in
existence, should the soil in any place be too stony for such planting
or should such planting imperil the safety of the public. The work may
be done by forces in the department or by contract let to the lowest
responsible bidder after due advertisement. Moneys appropriated for the
construction and maintenance of state highways shall be available for
any of the work authorized by this section.