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Site Planning | 17 <br />LANDSCAPING AND GREEN SPACE <br />Site design and landscaping should be designed <br />to work with the existing topography of the <br />area, wooded areas, wetlands and natural view- <br />sheds and corridors. Sustainability, in terms of <br />the landscape, is the ability of plant species to <br />maintain healthy growth with minimal human <br />assistance. Selecting plants suited for a specific <br />condition is key to their sustainability over time. <br />Benefits of utilizing sustainable plant species <br />include less time spent towards maintenance, less <br />maintenance costs, and positive contributions to <br />the larger environment and its ability to perpetuate <br />itself. <br />Development landscaping shall include a full <br />complement of overstory and understory trees, <br />shrubbery and ground covers which are hardy and <br />appropriate for the locations in which they are <br />planted and provide year-long color and interest. <br />A list of prohibited species of trees and shrubs <br />can be found in Section 90-236 of the City Code. <br />Developments should promote native plants that <br />add to the wildlife and pollinator habitats found in <br />Hugo. <br />All land area not occupied by buildings, parking, <br />driveways, sidewalks or other hard surfaces <br />shall be sodded or mulched and landscaped with <br />approved ground cover, flowers, shrubbery and <br />trees. Native prairie plantings and bee lawns, <br />which includes low growing flowers and turf <br />grasses, are viable options to traditional lawns in <br />Hugo. The plant composition of these alternatives <br />are widely varied and can be tailored to suit <br />specific conditions and aesthetics. The overriding <br />concept is that they provide habitat, food and <br />shelter for a variety of animals, birds and insects and they are sustainable with minimal intervention. <br />An overlooked benefit of prairies and bee lawns is that they visually change with the seasons, <br />providing a changing view throughout the year. The City supports the use of these ground covers <br />when a maintenance plan is provided for review and approval by the City. <br />Rain gardens and colorful year-round plantings should be found throughout <br />Pollinator gardens and native plants are encouraged throughout a development