Chinese white poplars are the main trees in 'Bird's Nest' area.

Illustration of 'Bird's Nest' greening

To meet the requirements of the 'Green Olympics' concept, the Bird's Nest area will be planted with native Chinese trees -- Chinese scholar trees and female Chinese white poplars.

Trees are localized.

According to the plan, the southern part of the stadium will be mainly planted with Chinese scholar trees, while the northern part will mainly have Chinese white poplars. In the joint area between the northern part and the center, ginkgoes will be planted for decoration.

The local trees will complement one another both in color and shape and formulate a typical ecological community of northern China while enhancing the prevention of tree insects and disease," said Li Li, the architect. In the south of the stadium, some trees were preserved from the beginning of construction, including chinars, Chinese white poplars, deodar cedars and willows.

Trees allocated according to 3D image.

The exact location of each tree is noted on the sketch. During planting, workers will plant trees in exact spots according to the sketch.

"Our team designed the 3D imitation image first and then drew the sketch. Every street is illustrated on the 3D image, in order to achieve the best result," said Li Li.

Hedge plants will be planted from inside to outside.

The hedge plants in the "Bird's Nest" area are mainly Amur honeysuckles and cloves, while the ground cover is Buchloe dactyloides and ophiopogon roots.

Tall trees and hedge plants will be planted at the crossing to better identify the space. At the entrances and edges, hedge plants will be planted to for variety.

Tall trees will be planted in the surrounding area, along with underbrush and grass in the middle, to embrace "Bird's Nest" in the center.

Rain and reclaimed water will be used for watering.

Local trees are adopted for better insect disease prevention and lower the costs for maintenance.

In addition, the watering system of the "Bird's Nest" will use rain and reclaimed water. Plants will be watered via a sprinkler irrigation system.

Chinese silvergrass complements "Bird's Nest".

Next year, visitors to the "Bird's Nest" will encounter an ornamental plant -- Chinese silvergrass. The leaves of this grass are soft like hair. "This kind of grass was chosen because it best coordinates with the temperament of the "Bird's Nest," said Li Li. "Thanks to the support from specialists and the construction unit, we are able to realize our design."