TREES

GENERAL INFORMATION & REQUIRED DETAILS:

  • Planting:

    • Plant trees minimum 3 feet from any curb or sidewalk and 6 feet from any building or structure.

    • Do not plant trees in an area where it will obstruct visibility to the building, signage, lighting or street traffic.

    • Trees planted in turf areas should install a 5 feet diameter mulch ring to allow for proper turf maintenance without disturbing the tree.

    • Install a minimum 3 inches layer of hardwood bark mulch around all trees and in all planting areas. Create a natural spaded edge where planting beds meet turf areas.

    • Consider size of tree at maturity when planting in relation to structures and pavement.

    • Use a mix of deciduous, semi-evergreen, and coniferous trees.

  • Pruning:

    • For extensive pruning across a property, hire a local arborist.

    • Prune in late winter before any new leaf buds have formed.

    • Never remove more than ¼ of a tree’s canopy in a season.

    • Remove broken, dead, dying, diseased, or damaged branches.

    • Never leave stubs when pruning. Cut along line C when trimming branches. For large branches, make cut A and then cut B to remove the bulk of the branch before making a clean cut at line C.

    • Maintain the following clearances from ground to lowest branches:

      • Trees along streets: 14 feet

      • Trees along sidewalks: 8 feet

      • Trees along parking lots: 12 feet

      • Trees in landscape: no clearance requirements

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  • Leaves:

    • Leaves on lawn/grass: mulch/shred leaves using a mower rather than collecting them and removing them from the property. Mulching the leaves return nutrients back to the soil and helps a healthy lawn return in the spring. If a landscape contractor is hired to conduct the work, mulching should also save on removal fees.

    • Leaves elsewhere: collect leaves and mulch/shred them. Spread mulched leaves in planting areas around the property.