(A) If installation of plantings is not completed in a planting season, then landscaping must be installed during the next planting season. All hardscape preparations for the landscape must be complete before the buildings are occupied. In no case shall any plant material interfere with or cause damage to utility lines, public roadways or other works. Species of trees whose roots are known to cause damage to pavements or other public works shall not be planted closer than 15 feet to such public works. A list of appropriate species to plant in this situation is maintained by the Planning and Zoning Administrator. Trees planted must come from a state certified nursery.
(B) Required landscaping layouts as well as associated tree plantings shall have bond surety deposit on file with the town.
(C) Landscaping layouts to be avoided include; plantings resulting in the monotonous view of a long straight hedge consisting of only one or two types of shrubs that are not properly integrated as a part of a design theme.
(D) Trees selected for installation across all applications shall contain a caliper size of at least two and one-half inches in diameter, measured four and one-half feet (about chest height) above ground level.
(E) Evergreen trees shall not be used as street trees. A list of potential street trees is maintained by the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
(F) Tree spacing:
(1) Where there is a building of more than one story, trees shall be planted at least 20 feet from such buildings.
(2) Tall sized deciduous trees must be planted 40 to 50 feet apart and from any lesser sized trees. Columnar species of tall trees must be planted 20 to 30 feet apart and from any lesser sized trees.
(3) Medium sized deciduous trees must be planted 20 to 35 feet apart and from any lesser sized trees, depending on spread.
(4) Low sized deciduous trees must be planted 15 to 30 feet apart, depending on spread.
(5) Tall sized evergreen trees must be planted 25 to 35 feet apart, and from any lesser sized trees, depending on spread.
(6) Medium sized evergreen trees must be planted 25 to 35 feet apart, and from any lesser sized trees, depending on spread.
(7) Low sized evergreen trees must be planted ten to 25 feet apart, depending on spread.
(8) Healthy trees preserved during site preparation may be counted toward fulfilling the tree requirements.
(G) Existing invasive plants shall be properly removed and the use of such plants for landscaping shall be prohibited. A list of known area invasive plant species is maintained by the Planning and Zoning Administrator.
(H) The owner of landscaping required by this section shall maintain such landscaping in good condition so as to present a healthy condition, free from refuse and debris. The owner shall make provisions for the adequate watering of live plant material. If landscape plantings die, they must be replaced at the owner's expense.
(I) All retention and detention ponds/basins shall be seeded with wet-mesic prairie seed mix vegetative edge to establish a filter of sediment from entering and filling the pond/basin.
(J) No person shall plant, prune, move, or remove any tree or shrub on any public area of the town without first obtaining permission from the Planning and Zoning Administrator, whose permission shall be given in writing.
(K) No tree over three inches in diameter, measured four and one half feet above grade, except within ten feet from a foundation, shall be removed without good cause. Good cause shall include, but not be limited to, those trees which are necessary to build any primary structure, drive, garage, or other permitted structure; or those trees which have been found to be dead, dying, diseased, or pose a hazard to life, limb, or property, as attested by a qualified tree surgeon or arborist. No tree, regardless of size, located within 15 feet of any property line shall be removed without good cause. More emphasis shall be given to preserving trees in front and rear yards, rather than side yards.
(Ord. 255, passed 12-10-2015; Am. Ord. 283, passed 3-13-2018)