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VIII.1 ISCAPING PRINCIPLE: This section can assure that trees will be a part of new developments. But planted vegetation can be an asset or a liability — depending on what is planted and how it is done. This part of the ordinance can define a process for having new landscape plans reviewed and approved by the city forester or tree board, with the issuance of building permits only after such a review. Example: In new subdivisions or when the development of commercial property occurs, the city forester shall review landscaping plans and may require street trees to be planted in any of the streets, parking lots, parks and other public places abutting lands henceforth developed and/or subdivided. IX. TREE PLANTING MAINTENANCE, AND REMOVAL PRINCIPLE: Good tree care and management is possible only if people have specific information about practices that result in safe, healthy trees that contribute to a quality environment rather than to creating problems. The purpose of this section is to provide that information in the form of requirements. In many ways, it is the heart of a good ordinance. Actually, the material in this section is best included in a separate standards and specifications chapter; but placing it directly in the ordinance is an option.. Either way, all specifications should be reviewed at least every five years, and should include such specifics as desirable and undesirable tree species, spacing, pruning techniques, hazardous trees, sight obstruction, and vandalism. A good way to clearly specify pruning and other tree work standards is to follow those established by the National Arborist Association. For specifying what is expected in planting stock, consult the American Association of Nurserymen's American Standard for Nursery Stock (See page 8). Examples: Tree Species — The Town Tree Board develops and maintains a list of desirable trees for planting along streets in three size classes; small, medium and large. Spacing —The spacing of street trees will be in accordance with the three species size classes listed in this ordinance, and no trees may be planted closer together than the following: small trees, 30 feet; medium trees, 40 feet; and large trees, 50 feet; except in special plantings designed or approved by a landscape architect. Utilities— No street trees other than those species listed herein as small trees may be planted under or within 10 lateral feet of any overhead utility wire, or over or within 5 lateral feet of any underground water line, sewer line, transmission line or other utility. Distance from Curb and Sidewalk— The distance trees may be planted from curbs or curblines and sidewalks will be in accordance with the three species size classes listed in Section of this ordinance, and no trees may be planted closer to any curb or sidewalk than the following: small trees, 2 feet; medium trees, 3 feet; and large trees, 4 feet. Topping — It shall be unlawful as a normal practice for any person, firm, or city department to top any street tree, park tree, or other tree on public property. Topping is defined as the severe cutting back of limbs to stubs within the tree's crown to such a degree so as to remove the normal canopy and disfigure the tree. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes, or certain trees under utility wires or other obstructions where other pruning practices are impractical may be exempted from this ordinance at the determination of the City Tree Board. Important details of planting and tree care can be placed in the ordinance or in an appendix, or, better, in a separate standards document. Specification examples include... ...suitable species ...a distance from curb and sidewalk ...and acceptable pruning practices. TREE CITY USA BULLETIN No. 9 • National Arbor Day Foundation • 5