§ 152.294 CRITERIA FOR DETERMINING MONUMENTAL TREES AND MONUMENTAL TREE STANDS.

   (A)   Definition of a “monumental tree”. A MONUMENTAL TREE is defined as follows:

      (1)   Any tree in fair or better condition which equals or exceeds the following DBH (diameter breast height) sizes:

         (a)   Sixteen-inch DBH: large hard- woods such as live oaks;

         (b)   Twenty-inch DBH: large softwoods such as pines; and

         (c)   Six-inch DBH: small ornamental trees such as dogwoods.

      (2)   A tree in fair or better condition is one that has a life expectancy of greater than 15 years, a structurally sound trunk which is solid and free of decay, no more than one major and several minor dead limbs (hardwoods only), no major insect infestations and is free of disease.

      (3)   A lesser-sized tree can be considered a monumental tree if it is a rare or unusual species, of exceptional or unique quality, or of historical significance.

   (B)   Monumental tree stands.MONUMENTAL TREE STANDS are defined as a contiguous grouping of trees which has been determined to be of high value to the community by the Planning Board. Such determination is based upon the following criteria:

      (1)   A relatively mature, even-aged stand;

      (2)   A stand with purity of species composition or of a rare or unusual nature;

      (3)   A stand of historical significance; and

      (4)   A stand with exceptional aesthetic quality.

(Ord. passed 3-5-2018)