Proposed landscape materials should complement existing vegetation, all architectural features and general layout, and should be comprised of indigenous plant material. Landscaping design and materials shall consist of the following.
(A) Plants. All plant materials shall be living plants that conform to the standards of the American Association of Nurserymen and shall have passed any inspections required under state regulations. Artificial plants are prohibited in all landscaped areas in the village required as per this chapter.
(B) Deciduous trees. Deciduous trees shall be species having an average mature crown spread of greater than 15 feet in central Ohio and having trunks which can be maintained with over five feet of clear wood in areas which have visibility requirements, except at vehicular use area intersections where eight foot clear wood requirements will control. Trees having an average mature spread of crown less than 15 feet may be substituted by grouping of the same so as to create the equivalent of a 15-foot crown spread. Appendix E, attached to Ord. 96-152, passed October 7, 1996, contains a list of trees recommended as appropriate for the village environment for landscaping and public places, and such Appendix E is hereby adopted by reference and shall be treated as if set forth in full herein.
(C) Evergreen trees. Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of five feet in height with a minimum caliper of one and one-half inches at planting.
(D) Shrubs and hedges. Shrubs and hedges shall be at least two feet in average height when planted.
(E) Earth mounds. Earth mounds shall be physical barriers which when planted, block or screen the view just as a hedge or low wall would. Mounds shall be constructed of clean fill, top soil, and similar materials, and shall be designed with proper plant material to prevent erosion and facilitate drainage. Earth mounds shall not exceed four feet in height and shall be planted completely by plant material, which may include mulching limited to the immediate base of plantings, of which no greater than 50% shall be turf.
(F) Screening materials. Screening may consist of walls, fences, natural vegetation, or a combination thereof acceptable to the Planning Commission and with an opacity of no less than 75%, except where superseded under § 153.276(F). Only masonry and brick walls or solid wood privacy fencing is permitted for built screening. Such screening shall be between four and six feet in height and shall be maintained in good condition. Landscaping provided in lieu of such wall or fence shall consist of dense evergreen bushes planted no less than four feet in height.
(Ord. 96-152, passed 10-7-1996)