(A) Street trees.
(1) Within and abutting all land developments and major subdivisions, along any existing or proposed street, or any access drive serving more than one commercial, industrial or institutional principal use or any access drive serving five or more dwelling units, street trees are required to be planted.
(2) However, street trees shall not be required:
(a) Along a single-family detached residential lot or agricultural lot with a lot area of greater than three acres; or
(b) Where the township determines that existing healthy trees proposed to be preserved will serve the same function.
(3) The Board of Supervisors may approve other species of trees than those listed below if the applicant proves to the satisfaction of the Supervisors that the trees would be sturdy, attractive and resistant to disease and road salt.
(4) A tree required by this section shall be of the following species. This list shall not regulate types of trees that are not required to be planted by this chapter.
Acer rubrum - American Red Maple |
Acer saccharum - Sugar Maple |
Carpinus - Hornbeam |
Celtis occidentalis - Common Hackberry |
Fagus sylvatica - European Beech |
Fraxinus americana - White Ash |
Fraxinus Pennsylvania - Green Ash |
Ginko biloba fastigiata - Maiden Hair Tree (male only) |
Gleditsia triacanthos - Thornless Locust or Honey Locust |
Liriodendron tulipifera - Tulip Poplar |
Prunus sargentii - Sargent Cherry |
Quercus - all varieties of Oak |
Sophora japonica - Scholar Tree/Pagoda Tree |
Tilia americana - American Linden |
Tilia cordata - Little Leaf Linden |
Tilia euchlora - Crimean Linden |
Tilia petiolaris - Silver Linden |
Ulmus - hybrids: Homestead or Sapporo Autumn Gold Elms |
Ulmus parviflora - Chinese or Lacebark Elm, not including Siberian Elm |
Zelkova serrata - Zelkova |
(5) (a) In certain cases where evergreen trees would provide a buffer between a street and dwellings, or be more consistent with native vegetation, then the township may permit the planting of evergreen trees instead of deciduous trees. In such case, the trees are intended to be planted immediately outside of the right-of-way. Such trees shall be of one of the following species:
Ilex opaca - American Holly |
Picea - all varieties of Spruce |
Pinus - all varieties of Pine |
Pseudotsuga taxifolia - Douglas Fir |
(b) If more than ten trees are required to be planted, then no more than 50% shall be of one species.
(6) Quality of trees.
(a) Trees shall be of symmetrical growth, free of insect pests and disease and durable under the maintenance contemplated.
(b) Trees which have died or have become diseased or pest-ridden within 18 months from the time of planting shall be replaced by the developer.
(7) Minimum sizes and standards: the trunk diameter (measured at a height of four and one-half feet above the finished grade level) of deciduous shade trees required by this chapter shall be a minimum of two and one-half inches. The minimum height above the ground level at the time of planting of evergreen trees required by this chapter shall be six feet.
(8) Planting and maintenance.
(a) Trees shall be planted in conformance with good landscaping practices.
(b) Trees adjacent to or within parking areas shall be properly protected from damage by vehicles by raised curbs, raised earth, protective devices and/or sufficient setback.
(c) Required trees shall be properly maintained and shall not be removed without being replaced by another tree that meets the requirements of this section.
(9) Required number and spacing of street trees.
(a) Along streets and access drives where street trees are required, an average of one street tree shall be required for every 50 feet of distance along the street right-of-way line on each affected side of the street. Where a right-of-way does not exist, an average of one street tree shall be required for every 50 feet of length of cartway.
(b) Spacing: the trees required under this section shall be spaced throughout the development along the street, but are not required to be planted at exact intervals and may be clustered following an approved plan. Trees shall be located so that they do not restrict sight distance at driveway and street intersections.
(10) Location of street trees: the trunks of required street trees shall be planted outside of the street right-of-way, but within the front yard area unless an alternative location is specifically approved by the township or required by PennDOT. Where trees are not allowed in a location because of a sight distance issue, the trees shall be planted at other locations on the tract.
(11) Other requirements: the street trees required under this section shall be in addition to any trees required under other township regulations. The planting of street trees shall follow good nursery practices, and may be required to include staking. Trees shall be properly watered and fertilized.
(B) Buffer yards. See the requirements in the township zoning ordinance.
(Ord. 127, passed 3-18-2010)