(A)    Section 153.253 provides for the retention and protection of regulated trees when land is developed.

   (B)   To improve the chances of survival of existing trees, the following guidelines have been established:

      (1)   Protect trees with fencing and armoring during the entire construction period in accordance with § 153.290;

      (2)   Avoid compaction of the soil around existing trees due to heavy equipment. Do not pile dirt or other building materials and equipment in the critical root zone of the tree;

      (3)   Keep fires or other sources of extreme heat well clear of existing trees; and

      (4)   Injured trees must be thoroughly watered during the ensuing growing year.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

   (A)   Trees planted in compliance with the requirements of §§ 153.255 and 153.256 shall have most or all of the following qualities.

   (B)   The trees recommended in § 153.290 represent the best combinations of these characteristics:

      (1)   Hardiness;

      (2)   Resistance to extreme temperatures;

      (3)   Resistance to drought;

      (4)   Resistance to storm damage;

      (5)   Resistance to air pollution;

      (6)   Resistance to insects and disease;

      (7)   Ability to survive physical damage from human activity;

      (8)   Foliage and branching;

      (9)   Wide-spreading habit; and

      (10)   Relatively dense foliage for maximum shading.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

   (A)   The trees recommended in § 153.290 have minimal maintenance requirements. However, all trees must receive a certain degree of care, especially during and immediately after planting.

   (B)   To protect an investment in new trees, the developer should ensure that the following guidelines are followed when planting:

      (1)   The best times for planting are early spring and early fall. Trees planted in the summer run the risk of dehydration.

      (2)   Plant all trees at least three and one-half feet from the end of head-in parking spaces to prevent damage from car overhangs.

      (3)   Provide a no work zone around the tree to prevent damage to the plant and compaction of the soil.

      (4)   In digging a tree pit, excavate to a depth that approximates the height of the root ball. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above grade.

      (5)   The width of the tree pit should be no less than twice the diameter of the root ball.

      (6)   The bottom of the tree pit should be undisturbed soil.

      (7)   Spread at least three inches of mulch over the entire excavation in order to retain moisture and keep down weeds. This layer of mulch should be pulled away from the trunk of the tree to prevent rot.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

   (A)   Shrubs planted for screening purposes should be given a proper culture and sufficient room in which to grow. Many of the guidelines for tree planting listed in § 153.288 also apply to shrubs. However, because specific requirements vary considerably between shrub types, this subchapter does not attempt to generalize the needs of all shrubs.

   (B)   For detailed information on individual plant species refer to:

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

      (1)   The following lists indicate plantings which will meet the screening and shading requirements of §§ 153.230 through 153.236 and 153.250 through 153.257. The lists are by no means comprehensive and are intended merely to suggest the types of flora which would be appropriate for screening and shading purposes. Plants were selected for inclusion on these lists according to four principal criteria:

         (a)   General suitability for the climate and soil conditions of this area;

         (b)   Ease of maintenance;

         (c)   Tolerance of town conditions; and

         (d)   Availability from area nurseries.

      (2)   When selecting new plants for a particular site, a developer should first consider the types of plants which are thriving on or near the site. However, if an introduced species has proven highly effective for screening or shading in this area, it too may be a proper selection.

      (1)   Trident maple;

      (2)   Flowering dogwood;

      (3)   Saucer magnolia;

      (4)   Camellia sasanqua;

      (5)   Carolina cherry-laurel;

      (6)   Assorted holly species;

      (7)   Eastern redbud;

      (8)   Crepe-myrtle;

      (9)   River birch;

      (10)   Yaupon;

      (11)   Pistache;

      (12)   Sweet bay magnolia; and

      (13)   Vitex.

      (1)   Southern magnolia;

      (2)   Loblolly pine;

      (3)   Live oak; and

      (4)   Deodara cedar.

      (1)   Assorted maple species;

      (2)   Assorted oak species;

      (3)   Zelkova;

      (4)   Honey locust;

      (5)   Sweet gum;

      (6)   Sycamore;

      (7)   Bald cypress;

      (8)   Pecan;

      (9)   Beech; and

      (10)   Ginko (male).

      (1)   Azalea;

      (2)   Dwarf holly;

      (3)   Assorted camellia;

      (4)   Eleagnus;

      (6)   Dwarf yaupon;

      (7)   Boxwood;

      (8)   Juniper; and

      (9)   Nandina.

      (1)   Red tip photinia;

      (2)   Wax-myrtle;

      (3)   Yaupon;

      (4)   Privet;

      (5)   Formosa azalea;

      (6)   Euonymus;

      (7)   Eleagnus;

      (8)   Osmanthus; and

      (9)   Assorted holly species.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)