All portions of the lot not covered by permitted structures, impervious, or pervious surfaces shall be landscaped with grass, trees, shrubbery and/or other appropriate ground cover or landscaping material, which at all times shall be maintained in accordance with the City's adopted property maintenance standards.
(a) Selection. All planting materials used must be of good quality and meet the "American Standard for Nursery Stock," latest edition, as published by AmericanHort, 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. Plant material must be selected for its form, texture, color, pattern of growth and suitability to local conditions. All trees and vegetation planted shall be common to northern Ohio or similar climates. All trees and vegetation must be in good condition, free of cultural or mechanical injury, insect eggs or their larvae, and plant diseases.
(b) Installation. All landscaping materials must be installed in accordance with the current planting procedures established by AmericanHort. Planting material should be grown in a climate similar to or more severe than that of Huron and be typical of its species in branch structure. All plant material must be installed so that soil is of sufficient volume, composition and nutrient balance to sustain healthy growth. All new trees shall be staked and mulched upon installation.
(c) Planting Arrangement. Trees, shrubs and other materials shall be arranged to create varied and attractive views and plant material should provide a variety of color displayed throughout the year.
(d) Drought Tolerant Plant and Water-Efficient Landscape Requirements. Plant selection should incorporate drought-tolerant species wherever possible.
(e) Maintenance. 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 applicant, property owner, and/or subsequent or successor owner, and their agents, including tenants, shall be jointly and severally 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. If any of the above are found to be in disrepair according to the standards of the City's adopted property maintenance standards, the City will undertake enforcement initiatives in line with the City's nuisance and abatement procedures. (Ord. 2015-9. Passed 8-25-15.)