All required landscape areas shall be landscaped in accordance with this Section of the zoning ordinance. Refer to required landscape areas as defined with each district identified in this zoning ordinance.

A minimum of 70 acquired diameter inches of trees per acre shall be required for all landscape areas. Tree diameters of less than or equal to six inches are measured 12 inches above the ground (caliper measurement) and tree diameters of greater than or equal to six inches are measured as diameter at breast height (DBH). For the purpose of this document, a tree is defined as a woody plant with a minimum diameter of two inches as measured 12 inches from the ground that normally achieves an overall height at maturity of greater than 15 feet. Each tree shall receive a minimum score of eight acquired diameter inches. Refer to the list of appropriate and detrimental landscape trees at the end of this section. In addition to required trees, owners shall make every effort to maximize plantings in permeable areas. Use of groundcover, shrubs and trees shall be maximized, with moderate use of turf, and a minimum amount of mulch, gravel, or bare soil.

In some extreme cases, strict adherence to the requirements within this section may be impractical or impossible depending on the lot size and intended use. In such extreme cases, the design review commission or planning commission may grant an alternative solution which could include mitigation efforts requiring landscape dedication of another similar property located in the town.

The owner shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of all landscaping materials and barriers as may be required by the provisions of this section. All plant material shall be tended and maintained in a healthy growing condition, replaced when necessary and kept free of refuse and debris. Fences and walls shall be maintained in good repair. The practice of "topping" trees or excessive removal of limbs shall not be permitted as a normal practice of maintenance of trees. Topping is defined as the excessive and arbitrary removal of limbs with no regard to the structure of the tree. Excessive removal of limbs is removal of more than 20 percent of viable limbs as stated in the ANSI standards for pruning. Trees severely damaged by storms or other causes may be exempted from this requirement at the determination of the town planner.

(1)

Herbaceous clipping required. All herbaceous (non-woody) vegetation (e.g. grass) must be routinely clipped during the growing season. No herbaceous vegetation, other than flowers, ornamentals, garden crops, or agricultural crops, may exceed 12 inches in height at any time. If any lot is planted and maintained as an agricultural crop, a buffer of 100 feet of clipped area with vegetation kept below 12 inches of height must be maintained adjacent to all public roads and adjacent lots with residential dwellings, public areas, or businesses. Any agriculture area in existence at the time of enactment of this zoning ordinance may continue to be cultivated within its historical bounds as a nonconforming use.