06/09/2010 P&Z Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Search

• • Attachment 2: Landscaping and Tree Preservation Standards - REVISED May 26, 2010 Page 13 Stem girdling roots are often fatal for trees that have been planted too deep or have mulch or soil built up around the trunk. All trees shall be planted so that the root flare (where the trunk widens out just above the roots) is visible above the ground level and the highest large root is within 1/2" of the ground surface. All adventitious roots should be cut away at the time of planting to avoid the formation of stem girdling roots. 2) Maintenance: The property owner or if applicable, the homeowners association, shall be responsible for maintenance of landscape elements (plants, structures, pavement, etc.) so as to present a neat and aesthetically pleasing appearance free of any unhealthy or potentially unsafe conditions. Landscaping shall be maintained to be weed -free, healthy, trimmed, mown, edged, reseeded, pruned, and replaced with similar plant species if necessary. Specific requirements for watering and pruning follow: i. Watering: All plantings require regular watering for at least the first three years to get established. Once the root system has developed, many hardy plants, especially native plants, may only need supplemental watering in drought conditions. Cultured turf areas and landscape berms shall be permanently irrigated. The City may allow low maintenance turf to be non - irrigated if a method for supplemental watering, such as a spigot or rain barrel, is provided. For landscape beds ongoing irrigation may be provided through a permanent or temporary system, or by hand. (Note: typical installed irrigation systems do not provide adequate water for new trees.) Permanent irrigation systems with an automatic controller shall utilize rain sensing technology. Overspray should not fall outside of the landscaped area. Water efficient drip or underground irrigation is required in shrub and groundcover landscape beds for permanent systems. Temporary systems may use spray irrigation for shrubs or plugs. See Water Conservation Ordinance for additional watering requirements. ii. Pruning: Plants shall be pruned to avoid conflict with other structures, remove dead or diseased limbs and for optimum shaping. The City recommends that trees be pruned by a certified arborist every 4 -7 years, which can help reduce maintenance costs. Topping or extreme crown reduction is prohibited unless the tree is a safety hazard or such measures are approved by the City. Trees overhanging walkways should be pruned up to 7' when mature. Trees overhanging streets should be pruned up to 10' when mature. Smaller trees should receive limited pruning appropriate to the size and age of the tree. Branches that are hazardous for any reason shall be removed immediately. The City may direct pruning. The property owner or if applicable, the homeowners association, shall be responsible for removing any trees or shrubs or parts thereof that are dead, diseased or overhang or interfere with traffic control devices, public sidewalks, or rights -of -way.