(a) Quality. Plant materials shall be of generally acceptable varieties and species, free from harmful insects and diseases, and hardy to Calhoun County, Michigan. The American Standard for Nursery Stock should be used as a reference to meet this requirement.
(b) Composition. A mixture of plant material, such as evergreens, and deciduous trees, and shrubs are recommended as a protective measure against insect and disease infestation. A limited mixture of hardy species is recommended rather than a large quantity of different species to produce a more aesthetic, cohesive design and avoid a disorderly appearing arrangement. No more than 50% of landscape plant materials shall consist of any one species. This requirement may be waived by the Zoning Administrator if written documentation is received from a professional botanist, horticulturist, or other applicable professional outlining justification of why this requirement should be waived for a specific property.
(c) Existing Trees. Where existing trees are used to satisfy the requirements of this chapter, the following requirements shall apply:
(1) Paving or other site improvements shall not encroach upon the dripline of the existing tree(s) to be preserved.
(2) If existing plant material is labeled “to remain” on the site plan, protective techniques, such as, but not limited to, fencing or barriers placed at the dripline around the perimeter of the plant material shall be installed during construction. No materials, vehicle or other construction equipment shall be parked or stored within the dripline of any plant material intended to be saved. Other protective techniques may be used provided such methods are approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(3) In the event that healthy trees which are used to meet the minimum requirements of this Zoning Code or those labeled “to remain” are cut down, destroyed, damaged, or excavated at the dripline, as determined by the Zoning Administrator, the contractor shall replace them with trees at a one-to-one ratio: for example, for every inch in diameter of tree that is removed, one inch diameter of new tree shall be planted; or, if one twenty-inch diameter tree is removed: it shall be replaced with ten two-inch diameter trees, or replaced with five four-inch diameter trees, as approved by the Zoning Administrator.
(d) Installation, Maintenance and Completion.
(1) All landscaping required by this chapter shall be planted before obtaining a certificate of occupancy or the appropriate financial guarantee may be placed in escrow in the amount of the cost of landscaping to be released only after landscaping is completed. A temporary certificate of occupancy may be issued for projects needing additional time planting the approved landscaping elements based on seasonal limitations.
(2) All landscaping and landscape elements shall be planted in a sound workmanlike manner in accordance with accepted planting procedures.
(3) The owner of property required to be landscaped by this chapter shall maintain such landscaping in a strong and healthy condition, free from refuse, debris, and harmful insects. All materials used to satisfy the requirements of this chapter which becomes unhealthy, diseased, damaged, or dead, shall be replaced within one year (or the next appropriate planting period, whichever comes first) of the onset of the unhealthy condition, disease, damage, or death. All landscaped areas shall be provided with a readily available and acceptable water supply as needed.
(4) Any plants, trees, shrubs or vegetation identified as an invasive species by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory list of invasive species are prohibited.
(Ord. 10-2020.Passed 11-24-20.)