Natural features such as trees, hill tops and views, natural terrain, open waters and natural drainage ridge lines shall be preserved whenever possible in designing any development containing such features.

Natural fertility of the soil shall be preserved and soil on-site shall be disturbed as little as possible. No topsoil shall be removed from the site. Topsoil moved during the course of construction shall be redistributed evenly over the tract so as to provide at least six inches of cover to all areas, where possible, which cover shall be established by approved seeding and/or planting.

During the design, planning and construction of any development, a conscious effort shall be made to preserve the existing vegetation on the site. Additionally, the planting of shade trees shall be provided in all residential developments and in subdivisions of other kinds where deemed appropriate by the Planning Board. Trees shall be planted along both sides of existing and/or new streets at intervals of not more than 50 feet and in types, sizes and locations conducive to healthy growth, and according to any standards adopted by the Governing Body so as not to interfere with street paving and utilities. All planting strips within street rights-of-way shall be finished graded, properly prepared, and seeded or sodded with lawn grass. The proposed location of the trees shall be indicated on the site plan and/or subdivision submission. All newly planted shade trees shall be of nursery stock, shall have a minimum caliper two to 2 1/2 inches and shall be of a species indigenous to the area. All plantings shall be done in conformance with good horticultural practice.

Landscaping provided as part of any development plan should provide for a variety and mixture of plantings. The selection should consider susceptibility to disease, colors, season, textures, shapes, blossoms, and foliage. The site plan shall show the location, specie, size at planting and quantity of each plant.

A five-foot wide shade tree easement shall be provided adjacent to the street line in all subdivisions.