New Search
Large - scale, high canopy trees are preferred over smaller -scale trees for street tree use, <br /> whenever they can be used Among the reasons for this are: <br /> * Use of larger trees with high canopies allows fewer trees to be used to achieve a <br /> reasonable amount of shading. <br /> * Large trees provide a canopy over the paved area of the street reducing the air <br /> temperature near the ground Depending on the species of tree planted, research has <br /> shown that the temperature difference can range between 5 to 8 degrees Farenheit. <br /> * <br /> Large-scale trees, because they provide more leaf surface per tree than small trees, are <br /> more effective in removing pollutants from the air. A single, large, free - standing tree <br /> with a height of 75' and a crown width of 45' will absorb the carbon dioxide output of <br /> 800 homes in a year's time. <br /> * When large trees with high canopies are planted along streets serving commercial <br /> uses, conflicts with store signs are minimized because the tree canopy is above the sign. <br /> This plan recommends the adoption of a street tree ordinance to improve the street environment <br /> when new streets are constructed. The ordinance is structured to place the ultimate <br /> responsibility of planting, establishing, and maintaining street trees on the City rather than the <br /> developer. The developer would, however, pay a fee to the city for providing this service. This <br /> approach will allow the City to have greater control over the selection of trees to be planted <br /> within the public right -of -way, will ensure that quality street trees are appropriately planted and <br /> maintained, will permit cost-efficient planting, will insure watering and maintenance during the <br /> critical establishment period, and will enable the city to communicate directly with new <br /> homeowners about their street trees and the City's Urban Forestry program. The new resident <br /> would receive literature and information about the City's street tree program prior to their <br /> planting. <br /> Key provisions of the ordinance are listed below:: <br /> a. Street trees would be required to be planted and established in the public right -of- <br /> way for all new developments. The establishment period is for three years after <br /> the time of planting. Establishment includes watering, initial pruning and <br /> replacement, if needed, for a period of three years. <br /> b. fr Street trees on new streets would be paid for by the developer but would be <br /> installed and established by the City. Street trees would be required on streets <br /> that abut the development as well as on new streets within the development site. <br /> c. ' A deposit would be provided to the City, in an amount equal to the cost of <br /> purchase, installation and establishment of street trees, prior to the approval of the <br /> final plat for subdivisions, planned unit developments, partitions, or approved <br /> development plans. The fee would be calculated based on the standards and <br /> 1 c, <br />