LANDSCAPE DESIGN STANDARDS

1502 LANDSCAPE DESIGN STANDARDS

A. Selection of Plant Materials All plant materials shall be of good quality and meet American Association of Nurserymen (AAN) standards for minimum acceptable form, quality, and size for species selected, and capable to withstand the seasonal temperature variations of Rhode Island, as well as the individual site microclimate. The use of species native or naturalized to Rhode Island is encouraged. Size and density of plant material, both at the time of planting and at maturity, are additional criteria that shall be considered when selecting plant material. Where appropriate, the use of drought and salt tolerant plant material is preferred.

B. Installation of Plant Materials All landscape materials shall be installed in accordance with the current planting procedures established by the AAN. All plant materials shall be free of disease and installed so that soil of sufficient volume, composition, and nutrient balance are available to sustain healthy growth. Installation of plant materials during the appropriate growing season is encouraged.

C. Minimum Planting Sizes

1. Shade trees shall have a minimum trunk size of two inches in tree caliper at planting.

3. Single stem ornamental trees shall have a minimum trunk size of two inches in tree caliper at planting. Multiple stem ornamental trees shall have a minimum height of eight feet at planting.

4. Large deciduous and evergreen shrubs shall have minimum height of three feet at installation. Small deciduous and evergreen shrubs shall have a minimum height of 18 inches at installation. Large shrubs are those shrubs that reach five or more feet in height at maturity. Small shrubs are those shrubs that may grow up to five feet in height if left unmaintained, but are generally maintained at heights of 18 to 30 inches.

- D. Species Diversity Diversity is required in plant material for visual interest and to reduce the risk of losing a large population of plants due to disease.

- E. Maintenance
  
  1. Landscape material depicted on approved landscape plans is considered a required site element in the same manner as structures, parking, lighting, and other improvements. As such, the property owner is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all landscape material, fences, walls, steps, retaining walls, and similar landscape elements.

2. All landscape material shall be maintained in good condition, present a healthy, neat, and orderly appearance, and kept free of refuse and debris. Any dead, unhealthy, or missing plants shall be replaced within 60 days.

- F. Tree Protection During Development
  
  1. During development, all precautions shall be undertaken to prevent construction damage to existing trees, as described in the City Tree Ordinance of the Providence Code of Ordinances. Protection includes prevention of injury to the trunk, branches, and root systems.

2. No person may create a trench through the root system of an existing tree, expose the roots to the air overnight without a method for maintaining moisture, change the soil grade within the dripline of the tree, or cause soil compaction with the use of vehicles, machinery, or other method. The root systems of trees on adjacent lots shall also be protected.