(a) Plant materials used in conformance with the provisions of these regulations shall conform to the standards of the American Association of Nurserymen. Bare root plants, with the exception of vines, shall be prohibited.
(b) All plants are to be living and be acceptable to the Hardiness Zones applicable to the Upper Sandusky area.
(c) Deciduous trees used shall be of species having an average mature crown spread greater than fifteen (15) feet in northwestern Ohio. When used in areas requiring visibility, only those species which also have trunks which can be maintained with over six (6) feet of clear wood may be used. A minimum caliper (measured six (6) inches above the ground) of at least two and one-half (2 1/2) inches at the time of installation shall be required.
Trees of species whose roots are known to cause damage to public roadways or other works shall not be planted closer than fifteen (15) feet to such public works, unless the tree root system is completely contained within a barrier. The barrier should have a minimum interior being five (5) feet square and five (5) feet deep and for which the construction requirements shall be four (4) inches thick reinforced concrete. (A listing of acceptable deciduous trees can be found in the Appendix following this chapter.)
(d) Evergreen trees used shall be a minimum of six (6) feet in height with a minimum caliper of two inches at the time of installation.
(e) Shrubs and hedges used shall be at least two (2) feet in average height when planted.
(f) Grass or ground cover shall be planted on all portions of a landscaping area not occupied by other landscape material. Grass of the fescue or bluegrass family shall be planted in species normally grown as permanent lawns in Northern Ohio. They may be sodded or seeded, except in swales or other areas subject to erosion, where solid sod, erosion reducing net, or suitable mulch shall be used.
(Ord. 113-9. Passed 1-17-94.)