9.4.4 The soil surface of all planting areas required by this article shall be stabilized to prevent erosion. In addition to required interior trees and shrubs, the soil surfaces of planting areas shall contain live groundcover (grass), mulch, flowering plants, permeable pedestrian paver blocks, or a combination thereof.
9.4.6 The landowner is responsible for maintaining all required plant materials in good health. Any dead or missing plants must be replaced with new planting which meets the minimum installation dimension standards of this section. Plant replacement shall take place within one month of written notification by the Ordinance Administrator. In the event that plant material is severely damaged due to an unusual weather occurrence or other act of nature, or if replacement plantings are unavailable within one month of written notification, the landowner will have six months from the date of written notification to replace the required plantings. This time limit may be extended by the Ordinance Administrator if the area is under prolonged drought conditions, or if the particular type of plant material has a preferred planting season that would require extending the length of time.
9.4.9 A minimum five foot radius containing no plant materials or structural elements other than groundcover plants shall be maintained around all fire protection equipment, including fire hydrants, post indicator valve, and Siamese connectors. Obvious sight lines to the fire protection equipment shall be maintained at all times.
9.4.10 All plant material used to satisfy the requirements of this article shall be maintained in sound condition by the property owner. Proper maintenance of plant material includes regular mulching, watering, and pruning as well as the replacement of any required plantings which are damaged and/or dying.