(A) Design and installation.
(1) National standards. All landscape elements shall be installed in accordance with the practices and procedures established by AmericanHort. Landscape materials shall be healthy and hardy upon installation, and installed with appropriate soils to ensure sustained growth.
(2) Plant size requirements. Landscape materials shall be installed at or above the minimum sizes specified in Table 1250.02-A. Required Landscape Material Size at Installation, unless otherwise noted in this Code.
(3) Native species. Tree and plant species that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois, as well as drought- and salt-tolerant plant materials, are preferred. Refer to the list of preferred plant and tree species, available from the Public Works Department.
(4) Tree species diversity. Trees that are native or naturalized to northeastern Illinois shall be used as follows for sites of 0.5 acres or more.
(a) One family shall not comprise more than 70% of trees planted on a site.
(b) One genus shall not comprise more than 50% of trees planted on a site.
(c) One species shall not comprise more than 30% of trees planted on a site.
(5) Irrigation. Permanent irrigation systems are not required but may be installed as recommended by a landscape architect or the Zoning Administrator. All irrigation systems shall be designed to minimize the use of water, and require submittal of certification that the system is water efficient (e.g. EPA WaterSense certified).
Table 1250.02-A. Required Landscape Material Size at Installation | |
Landscape Material Type | Minimum Size |
Table 1250.02-A. Required Landscape Material Size at Installation | |
Landscape Material Type | Minimum Size |
Deciduous Shade Tree, Single Trunk | 2.5 in caliper |
Deciduous Shade Tree, Multiple Trunks | 10 ft height |
Evergreen Tree | 4 ft height |
Ornamental Tree, Single Trunk | 2 in caliper |
Ornamental Tree, Multiple Trunks | 6 ft height |
Shrubs | 18 in height |
(B) Maintenance. All landscape elements shall be maintained in good condition at all times to ensure healthy vegetation and an orderly appearance.
(1) Maintenance responsibility. Landscape elements, such as vegetation and trees, irrigation systems, fences, walls, and stormwater management facilities shall be maintained with the same care and attention as buildings, parking, and other site improvements. The owner of record shall be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of landscape elements to keep them in good condition for the lifespan of the development and/or parking lot.
(2) Surety. A letter of credit, escrow, performance bond, or other surety as approved by the Zoning Administrator equal to 125% of the value of the landscaping shall remain in place for one year after installation to ensure proper maintenance in accordance with this chapter.
(3) Establishment of landscape elements. All installed landscape material shall be watered, fertilized, and replaced as needed until fully established.
(4) Ongoing maintenance. All landscape elements shall be maintained in good condition and shall have a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance. Any landscape element that is removed due to disease, damage, death, or any other reason shall be replaced within 30 days of the beginning of the growing season in accordance with the requirements of this chapter and the approved landscape plan.
(Ord. 17-31, passed 9-12-2017)