(a) Selection. All planting materials used must be of good quality and meet the "American Standard for Nursery Stock," latest edition, as published by the American Nursery and Landscape Association, hereafter referred to as ANLA, for sizes, grading, root spread, dimension of root ball, and quality. The use of native species is encouraged. Size and density of plant material, both at the time of planting and at maturity, are additional criteria to be considered when selecting plant material.
(b) Installation. All landscaping materials must be installed in accordance with the current planting procedures established by ANLA. Planting material should be grown in a climate similar to or more severe than that of Cleveland Heights, typical of its species in branch structure, free of cultural or mechanical injury, insect eggs or their larvae and plant diseases, and is accompanied by certification of inspection from authorities having jurisdiction over use and shipment. All plant material must be installed so that soil is of sufficient volume, composition and nutrient balance to sustain healthy growth.
(c) Native Plant Requirements and Prohibited Species. All landscape plans must incorporate at least thirty percent (30%) of native trees, shrubs and grasses into the required plant materials to provide habitat for local flora and fauna and reduce irrigation needs. No landscape plan may include species that are included on the list of prohibited species that is maintained by and on file with the Zoning Administrator and posted on the City’s website.
(d) Drought Tolerant Plant and Water-Efficient Landscape Requirements. Plant selection should incorporate drought-tolerant species wherever possible and must be grouped by common water needs. Landscape areas having plants with similar water needs must be grouped together and irrigated by a dedicated irrigation controller station. All plants listed in the landscape plan must be classified and grouped by category of water use calculations. Water use calculations must be grouped as low, medium and high.
(e) Protection of Existing Vegetation. All construction projects are subject to Section 917.08 (Protecting Trees During Building Operations) requirements of the Codified Ordinances.
(f) Maintenance. All landscaping materials must be maintained in good condition, present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, and kept free of weeds, refuse and debris. Fences, steps, retaining walls and similar landscaping elements must be maintained in good repair. The owner of the premises is responsible for the maintenance, repair and replacement of all landscape materials, fences, steps, retaining walls and similar landscaping elements, and refuse disposal areas. Irrigation systems, when provided, must be maintained in good operating condition to promote the health of the plant material and the conservation of water.
(Ord. 025-2023. Passed 6-5-23.)