(A) Spacing requirements. The following guidelines shall be observed when placing trees along sidewalks or in tree lawns.
(1) Do not plant in front of building entrances in order to permit easy access by the Fire Department.
(2) Minimum distance between trees (center to center) ranges from 20 feet to 30 feet, depending upon the tree species and other local conditions.
(3) Minimum distance from a streetlight is 25 feet (varies with tree species).
(4) Minimum distance from a stop sign is 30 feet.
(5) Minimum distance from other traffic signs is six feet.
(6) Minimum distance from a gas or water valve is two feet.
(7) Minimum distance from a fire hydrant is five feet.
(8) Minimum distance from a curb cut or driveway is seven feet.
(9) Small trees may only be planted under utility lines.
(B) Tree pit configuration. Tree pits should be as large as possible to allow for ample growing space for tree roots and crown. Optimal tree pit size would be four or five feet by ten feet. The overall width of a sidewalk can limit the size of the tree pit.
(C) Grouped plantings.
(1) Grouped plantings are encouraged due to the benefits of trees in close proximity. These benefits include increased shading, less evapotranspiration, less soil compaction, greater shared soil volume, and less reflective heat absorbed by a single tree. A grouped planting can be achieved in several types of sites:
(a) A green street, such as a median or traffic triangle, with the opportunity for a large planting bed.
(b) A continuous tree pit, where two or more trees are planted in a single trench in the sidewalk (at least 30 feet long).
(c) A raised planting bed within a plaza or alongside a pedestrian passageway.
(2) Species selection is very important in grouped plantings. Tolerant species are strongly recommended and monoculture plantings are discouraged. Low maintenance cost and low replacement costs are two advantages of planting tolerant species in grouped configurations.
(D) Species selection. Growing conditions and microclimates can vary from location to location within a village. Final tree variety selection is determined by site conditions. The right tree for the right site is a must.
(Ord. 1577-11, passed 12-13-2011) Penalty, see § 98.99