The following sections include specifications for plant materials. Alternatives to these materials, that can be shown by a licensed landscape architect, horticulturist, or Ohio certified nursery technician as appropriate for this region and which meet both the intent and requirements of this Ordinance, may be approved as part of a site plan:
(a) Shrubs: Shrubs shall be at least twenty-four (24) inches average height and spread at the time of planting and, where required for screening, shall form a continuous, year-round, solid visual screen within five (5) years after planting.
(b) Ground Cover and Grass: Ground cover shall be planted a minimum of eight (8) inches on center and shall be planted in such a manner to present a finished appearance and seventy-five (75) percent coverage after one (1) complete growing season. If approved as part of a Site Plan, ground cover may also consist of rocks, pebbles, wood chips, and other material. Grass shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns.
(c) Tree Species: All tree planting shall be consistent with the Street Tree Ordinance for the City of Rossford (Ordinance 1821). Within any required landscaping, trees which produce nuts, seeds, or fruit that can be washed into a storm sewer or create a hazard to pedestrians or vehicles, shall not be planted in such a manner that the natural dripline of an average adult tree of the species planted will be any closer than three (3) feet of a street, pedestrian walkway, or parking lot.
(Ord. 2008-06. Passed 4-14-08.)