HomeMy WebLinkAboutORD 7226 AUGUSTA RICHMOND COUNTY TREE ORDINANCE 9 id . c ,2 F
AUGUSTA— RICHMOND COUNTY
TREE O
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TREE ORDINANCE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE
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TREE CITY USA.,
REVISED: January 2011
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I AUGUSTA- RICHMOND COUNTY
TREE ORDINANCE
AND
TREE ORDINANCE ILLUSTRATED GUIDE
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1 TREE CM USA.
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I REVISED: January 2011
AUGUSTA - RICHMOND COUNTY
1 TREE COMMISSION
MEMBERS
1 2011
BIRKIE AYER DISTRICT 1
1 ROY SIMKINS DISTRICT 2
HENRY FRISCHKNECHT DISTRICT 3
VAUGHN "TEX" MAXWELL DISTRICT 4
1 JARREL A. GIBSON DISTRICT 5
' CLYDE LESTER DISTRICT 6
ROGER W. DAVIS DISTRICT 7
1 SID MULLIS DISTRICT 8
1 PAULETTE CURRY DISTRICT 9
ANNETTE HARLAN DISTRICT 10
1 DIANE SPRAGUE LEGISLATIVE
CLARA HORNSBY LEGISLATIVE
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1 AUGUSTA - RICHMOND COUNTY TREE
ORDINANCE
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AND
1 TREE ORDINANCE ILLUSTRATED
GUIDE (IGO)
Prepared and adopted by the
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Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission
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I Roy Simkins, Chairman
George A. Patty, Secretary
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1 Adopted by the
Augusta Commission
Deke Copenhaver, Mayor
1 Joe Bowles, Mayor Pro Tem
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1 These documents provide standards for the protection of public trees, for the designation
of landmark trees, and landscaping, tree protection and tree establishment standards for
the development of private property in Augusta, GA. Included are Chapter 8 -4 of the
Augusta - Richmond County Code entitled "Trees" (Ordinance No. 6095) and
amendments thereto, and the "Illustrated Guide to Implementing the Augusta - Richmond
County Tree Ordinance" (Ordinance No. 94 -1, adopted December 7, 1993).
Updated January 2011
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I TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TREE ORDINANCE Page
1 Purpose 1
Definitions 1
1 Establishment of Tree Commission 3
Administration 4
1 Public Tree Protection 4
Tree Protection Zone; Official Tree List 5
1 Planting and Maintenance Standards 6
Moving Buildings or Other Large Objects 8
I Landmark Trees 8
Nuisance Trees and Shrubs 8
1 Greenspace Requirements for Private and Public Development 8
I Compliance 18
Landscape Establishment Bond 18
1 Appeals and Variances 19
Abrogation and Greater Restrictions 20
I Severability 20
Enforcement, Violation, and Penalty 20
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1 Chapter 8 -4 -1. PURPOSE.
I This Chapter provides standards for the protection of public trees, and for the
designation of landmark trees, and further provides landscaping, tree protection and tree
establishment standards for the development of private property in Augusta, Georgia. It
I is the purpose of this Chapter to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of
provisions designed to:
I (a) Aid in stabilizing the environment's ecological balance by contributing to the
processes of air purification, oxygen regeneration, wildlife habitat, groundwater
recharge, and storm water runoff retardation, while concurrently facilitating noise,
1 glare, and heat abatement;
(b) Encourage the preservation of existing trees and vegetation;
I (c) Prevent soil erosion;
(d) Protect and enhance the aesthetic qualities of the community;
(e) Prevent structural and pavement saturation;
(f) Safeguard and enhance p p p Y p p rivate ro ert values and rotect rivate and p ublic
investments;
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Conserve energy.
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' Chapter 8 DEFINITIONS.
(a) Administrator. The Executive Director of the Augusta - Richmond County
I Planning Commission.
(b) Caliper. The diameter or thickness of the main stem of a young tree or sapling as
I measured at six (6) inches above ground level. This measurement is used for
nursery -grown trees having a diameter of four (4) inches or less.
I (c) Commission. The Augusta Commission.
(d) Diameter breast height (DBH). The diameter or width of the main stem of a
I tree as measured four and one -half (4.5) feet above the natural grade at the base of
a tree. Whenever a branch, limb, defect, or abnormal swelling of the trunk occurs
at this height, the DBH shall be measured at the nearest point above or below four
I and one -half (4.5) feet at which a normal diameter occurs.
(e) Dripline. An imaginary circuitous line of the ground that designates the
1 outermost point to which the tree branches extend.
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1 (f) Executive Director. Executive Director of Augusta - Richmond County Planning
Commission.
(g) Greenspace. Any area retained as permeable unpaved ground and dedicated to
1 supporting vegetation.
' (h) Greenspace Plan. A topographic survey map and supporting documentation
which describes for a particular site where vegetation (green space) is to be
retained or planted in compliance with these regulations. The Greenspace Plan
' shall include a tree establishment element, a tree protection element, and a
landscaping element.
1 (i) IGO. (Illustrated Guide to Implementing the Augusta - Richmond County Tree
Ordinance) A document providing standards and specifications for tree protection
and tree establishment per Section VIII (c) of the Augusta - Richmond County Tree
1 Ordinance.
(j) Landmark tree. Any tree determined by the Tree Commission and the Augusta
' Commission, to be of notable historic interest, high aesthetic value, or of unique
character because of species, type, age, or size and therefore designated as a
public landmark.
' (k) Land clearing. The removal of all vegetation two (2) inches DBH or greater.
' (1) Landscape Establishment Bond. A two year bond that shall be posted prior to
the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy and released after two years upon a
determination that required trees and landscaping are healthy and have a
1 reasonable chance of surviving to maturity.
(m) Official street tree planting plan and program. A plan and program adopted
1 for the planting of trees along public streets, parks and other public places.
(n) Official Tree List. A listing of various tree species, classified by size grouping,
to be used to determine the quality rating of trees to be preserved or planted as
well as the Quality Points (Section III of the IGO).
(o) Planting Island. An unpaved landscaped area located within a vehicle parking
area that is defined physically by curbing or otherwise in such a way that it cannot
be driven over or parked upon and which must contain a medium or large tree.
' (p) Park. All public land set aside for open space and recreation purposes.
1 (q) Public property. Any property owned by Augusta, Georgia.
(r) Public tree. Any tree located on public property.
' (s) Quality points factor. A decimal fraction that is assigned to each tree species in
the Official Tree List and is used as a multiplier in calculating the tree quality
1 points for any tree retained on a site.
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(t) Right - of - way. A strip of land over which Augusta, Georgia has the right, by
1 ownership or otherwise to construct a public street, sidewalk, or use for public
utilities.
1 (u) Street yard. A greenspace parallel to the street right -of -way whose total area is
equal to at a minimum ten (10) times the length of the right -of -way in square feet.
(v) Tree Commission. An appointed board of twelve (12) members with designated
duties as outlined herein.
1 (w) Tree establishment element. A topographic survey map and supporting
documentation which describes for a particular site where trees are to be planted
in compliance with the requirements of these regulations, the types of trees and
their corresponding tree quality points.
1 (x) Tree protection element. A topographic survey map and supporting
documentation which describes for a particular site where existing trees are to be
retained in compliance with the requirements of these regulations, the types of
1 trees and their corresponding tree quality points.
(y) Tree protection zone. The area surrounding a preserved or planted tree that is
1 essential to that tree's health and survival, and is protected within the guidelines of
this chapter.
1 (z) Tree quality point (TQP). A unit of measurement which quantifies the relative
value of trees that are planted or retained on a given site. Tree quality points
quantitatively express the desirable qualities of the species with regard to size for
1 each tree that is retained on a site. For planted trees the tree quality points are an
expression of species desirability and the expected mature size of each tree.
(aa) Vehicle display area. Areas where vehicles are displayed for sale or lease.
(bb) Vehicular service area. Any paved or unpaved area utilized by vehicles.
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1 Chapter 8 -4 -3. ESTABLISHMENT OF TREE COMMISSION.
(a) There is hereby created the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission which
1 shall consist of ten (10) members appointed by the Augusta Commission plus an
additional two (2) members appointed by the Richmond County Legislative
Delegation. All appointments shall be for four (4) year terms. The role of the
1 Tree Commissioners will be to define problems, suggest solutions, and provide
support; review any appeals or variances and recommend acceptance or rejection
to the Administrator; annually review the Illustrated Guide to Implementing the
1 Augusta - Richmond County Tree Ordinance (IGO) and update it as needed; and
review petitions for landmark trees. The Tree Commission shall meet no less than
quarterly. All members shall be residents of Augusta, Georgia. All vacancies
1 shall be filled for the unexpired terms.
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(b) All Tree Commissioners shall serve without compensation. The Augusta
' Commission and the Richmond County Legislative Delegation, when appointing
members to the Tree Commission, shall appoint persons from the following fields
of association: registered landscape architect; realtor / developer of commercial
' property (licensed broker who is member of board of realtors); urban forester; an
agricultural extension agent; architect; engineer; an appointee from the Garden
Council of Augusta; a master gardener; and citizens at large who have knowledge
' of, and interest in trees and the urban forest. The Georgia Forestry Commission
Urban Forester may serve as an ex- officio member.
' (c) All terms shall expire on March 30 of the applicable year, and new terms shall
begin on April 1 of the applicable year.
' (d) Members shall not receive a salary, although they may be reimbursed for
authorized expenses.
Chapter 8 - 4 - 4. ADMINISTRATION.
The Augusta - Richmond County Planning Commission shall have the
responsibility for administering all provisions of this Chapter that relate to the
development of private lands. The Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission shall
have the responsibility of administering all provisions that relate to the development of
' public lands.
' Chapter 8 - 4 - 5. PUBLIC TREE PROTECTION.
(a) Any request for the severing from the stump and removal of a tree on a public
right -of -way shall be directed to the Augusta - Richmond County Tree
Commission for approval. In the event approval is given, Augusta - Richmond
County shall notify the local neighborhood association, if any, and shall post on
such tree for a period of fourteen (14) days a notice of their intent to remove said
tree. Decisions of the Tree Commission shall be final, and there shall be no
' appeal to the Augusta Commission.
(b) Trees deemed a danger to the public or the adjoining property by the Tree
Commission or the appropriate City Department shall be exempt from the
restrictions of this section and can be removed for the safety of the public and/or
adjacent properties.
' (c) Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the cutting and/or removal of a
tree or trees incidental to a road improvement project, a drainage project, or a
water and sewerage project of Augusta, Georgia or the Georgia Department of
Transportation.
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(d) All other projects causing disturbance within rights -of -way which may cause
extensive damage to trees therein shall likewise be reviewed by the Augusta -
Richmond County Tree Commission for recommendations.
(e) No person or organization shall do any of the following acts to any public tree
without first obtaining the proper permission from the Augusta - Richmond County
Tree Commission:
I 1 Cut, prune, break, damage, kill killed.
, p amage, remove, k 11 or cause to be k lied.
(2) Cut, disturb, or interfere, in any way, with the soil or any root within the
dripline.
(3) Place, spray, or apply any chemical that is known to be toxic to trees in a
location that may be absorbed by any part of the tree.
(4) Fasten any rope, wire, sign or other device whether invasive to the tree or
not.
(5) Remove or damage any guard devices placed to protect any tree.
' (6) Conduct razing, removal, demolition, expansion, or renovation of any
structure if deemed by Augusta - Richmond County to be damaging to
neighboring public trees.
(7) Maintain a stationary fire or device which vaporizes noxious fumes
deleterious to tree health.
(8) Pave with concrete, asphalt, or other impervious material within the
dripline of any public tree unless approved construction techniques are
' followed as prescribed. (Ord. 5933, June 17, 1997)
Chapter 8 - 4 - 6. TREE PROTECTION ZONE; OFFICIAL TREE LIST.
(a) There is hereby established a tree protection zone which shall include all public
rights -of -way and all public lands of Augusta, Georgia.
' (b) The Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission is hereby charged with the
duty of determining the types of species of trees suitable for planting, as well as
those prohibited, and the conditions under which such trees shall be planted along
' streets, in parks, and in public places within Augusta, Georgia. When completed,
the list shall be presented to the Augusta Commission for its approval. When
approved, the said report shall be known as the Official Tree List. Revisions in
' the Official Tree List may be made from time to time by the Augusta - Richmond
County Tree Commission. All trees hereafter planted on public property of
Augusta, Georgia must be on the Official Tree List, unless otherwise specifically
' approved by the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission.
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Chapter 8 -4 -7. PLANTING AND MAINTENANCE STANDARDS.
1 (a) The Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission shall have the authority to
insist that all property owners treat or else allow the City to treat trees suffering
from transmittable diseases or insect infestations which are on private property
but are affecting the health of public trees on public property. If the disease
infestation warrants drastic action to curb its spread to healthy public trees, at the
direction of the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission, the property owner
shall remove and dispose of said trees or else allow Augusta, Georgia to do so.
(b) In case of emergencies, such as windstorms, or other disasters, the removal of
' broken limbs or uprooted trees, using proper BMP practices, shall be allowed
during the emergency period so that the requirements of this Chapter would in no
way hamper private or public work to restore order to Augusta, Georgia. This
' work is to be done in accordance with the emergency standards as outlined by
Augusta, Georgia.
(c) All pruning on any tree required by this Ordinance shall be performed in strict
compliance with the "American National Standards" as set forth in the ANSI
A300 (Part 1) — 2008 Pruning, or current ANSI standards. A copy of the
' standards are available at the Augusta - Richmond County Planning Commission
for review or can be purchased at ANSI.org.
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Examples:
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Second
Gut
1 First
Gut Branch
Bark
Final Cut `'.• Ridge
1 Branch
Collar
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cut that removes a branch at its
1 point of origin. (See Annex A — Pruning cut
guideline).
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Q Sa[fold branches
.Codomieant branches N Iki
1 O =Pvrent branch
01.tateral branches
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Standard branch definitions.
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1 topping: Reduction of tree size using
internodal cuts without regard to tree health or
1 structural integrity. Topping is not an acceptable
pruning practice
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Chapter 8 -4 -8. MOVING BUILDINGS OR OTHER LARGE OBJECTS
No person shall move any building or other large objects which may injure any
public tree or parts thereof along any street without first having obtained written
1 permission from the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission and then having
obtained a permit from the License and Inspections Department.
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1 Chapter 8 -4 -9. LANDMARK TREES
The Augusta Commission may, upon petition by the property owner, designate a
1 tree as a landmark tree, as defined herein. All nominations for landmark trees shall be
reviewed by the Tree Commission which shall make a recommendation on such
nomination to the Augusta Commission. Trees so designated shall thereafter be
1 considered public landmarks and shall not be destroyed nor endangered except as
recommended by the Tree Commission. The designation of a Landmark Tree shall be
based upon an evaluation of the tree in relation to the criteria set forth in the IGO.
1 Upon designation as a Landmark Tree, the tree shall be protected as provided in
this Chapter, and the tree quality points assignment shall be based upon a quality points
factor of 200 percent of the tree quality points for a preferred tree of equal DBH.
1 Chapter 8 - 4 - 10. NUISANCE TREES AND SHRUBS
1 Any tree or shrub or parts thereof growing on public or private property which
interferes with or endangers the use of the public streets or obscures sight distance or
creates a traffic hazard on intersections or endangers the life, health, safety or property of
1 the public, shall in the opinion of the Tree Commission be declared a public nuisance.
The owner shall be notified in writing of the existence of the nuisance and be given a
fifteen -day (15) period of time for instigating its correction or removal. If not corrected
1 or removed within thirty (30) days, the Tree Commission shall cause the nuisance to be
corrected or removed and the cost shall be assessed to the owner as provided by this
Chapter.
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1 Chapter 8 -4 -11. GREENSPACE REQUIREMENTS FOR PRIVATE AND
PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT
1 (a) Application. The regulations set forth in this Chapter shall apply to all properties
affected by development proposals requiring site plans pursuant to Section 30 -2
of the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for Augusta, Georgia. Permits for
1 clearing land and grading of land shall not be granted until plans as required by
this Chapter have been approved.
1 (b) Exemptions. The following types of developments are exempt from compliance
with any and all provisions of this Chapter:
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1 (1) Construction (including clearing) of single - family residential structures on
individual lots; and
1 (2) The development of streets within a subdivision is exempt from all of the
provisions of the Tree Ordinance except 8- 4- 11- (e) -(5).
1 (3) Site Plans that require grading only (no construction of improvements)
may be exempt from providing 1000 Tree Quality Points per acre of
1 development at the discretion of the Administrator; however a streetyard
must be installed per 8- 4- 11- (e) -(5).
(4) Telecommunication facilities in LI or HI zoning unless the site is in view
of a residential use in a residential zone, as viewed from the base of the
tower.
1 (5) Federal, State and local government infrastructure (water, sanitary sewer
and stormsewer) projects.
1 (c) Greenspace Plan required. Except as herein provided, there shall be a Greenspace
Plan for every applicable development. Such plan shall include a landscape
' element, a tree protection element, and a tree establishment element.
(d) Landscape element. Such element shall include a topographic survey map
illustrating compliance with the design principles and standards included in the
following section.
1 (e) Landscape element design principles and standards.
(1) A minimum of ten (10) percent of the total land area of any development
1 shall be devoted to greenspace.
(2) No artificial plants, trees, or like materials shall be counted toward
meeting the standards of these regulations.
(3) All retained or planted trees shall be protected or situated so as to prevent
damage from environmental changes (such as a lowered water table) or
land disturbance resulting from any building or facility construction.
(4) Sidewalks, curbing, or any other paved or impermeable surfaces within the
greenspace area shall not count towards the ten (10) percent minimum
greenspace or street yard requirement.
(5) A street yard area shall be provided along any existing or proposed public
street right -of -way or private right -of -way adjacent to or adjoining the
1 property except for those portions of the lot used for driveways. Detention
or retention ponds at the front of the property near the right -of -way do not
relieve the developer from installing the required street yard.
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For site plans that include fewer than one hundred (100) total parking and
1 loading spaces, the minimum width of the streetyard shall be 10' and the
streetyard shall be that area immediately adjacent to the right -of -way.
' Street yards shall be landscaped and properly maintained by the owner and
shall have live vegetation including groundcover, grass, trees, shrubs and
may, unless otherwise prohibited, include fences and walls and plantings
for parking areas. Each street yard shall have at least one (1) large tree for
each forty (40) linear feet on center of street frontage, with a large tree
being located within 20' of each side property line. All planted trees must
' be at least three (3) inches in caliper, have a single trunk, and be
unbranched to six (6) feet.
In zoning districts where zero setbacks are permitted by the
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance for structures adjoining public street
rights -of -way, the street yard and its plantings may be located upon the
' public property if approved by the Department of Public Works. In all
other cases, the street yard must be located on private property.
1 For site plans that include one hundred (100) or more total parking and
loading spaces, the minimum width of the streetyard shall be 15' and the
streetyard shall be that area immediately adjacent to the right -of -way.
When a use of land is intensified or expanded in such a way that the
required parking must be increased more than twenty (20) percent (except
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for parking areas where a twenty (20) percent increase would be less than
5 new spaces) then the entire site including the already developed area
must be provided with a street yard. The minimum width of the streetyard
' shall be 5' and the streetyard shall be that area immediately adjacent to the
right -of -way.
Where a property adjoins a right -of -way such as gas, power, railroad, etc.,
that is adjacent to and parallel with a public or private street, the subject
property shall be deemed to front on the public or private street and
streetyard requirements shall be adhered to.
When a major subdivision (10 lots or more) of property occurs along an
1 existing or proposed public street, a streetyard 10' in width , adjacent to
the right -of -way, shall be installed and have at least one (1) large tree for
each forty (40) linear feet on center of street frontage, with a large tree
1 being located within 20' of each side property line. All planted trees must
be at least three 3 inches in caliper, have a single trunk, and be unbranched
to six (6) feet. Streetyards shall be landscaped and properly maintained by
1 the owner and shall have live vegetation, groundcover, grass, trees, shrubs,
and may, unless otherwise prohibited, include fences and walls and
plantings for parking areas.
As of January 2003, any existing streetyard tree may not be cut or
removed without permission of the Tree Commission.
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' (6) Parking lots providing over five (5) spaces shall contain interior
landscaped areas. This section shall apply to any surface parking lot or
loading area or vehicular service area or portions thereof built after the
' adoption of this Chapter. The number, size, and shape of interior
landscaped areas shall be at the discretion of the owner subject to the
following provisions:
j (a) A minimum of five (5) percent of the total interior area of parking
lots, loading areas, and vehicular use areas shall be devoted to
landscaping. Required street yards may not count toward the five
(5) percent. There shall be no more than twelve (12) consecutive
parking spaces between planting islands, which must contain a
medium or large tree, and which must be at least one hundred
(100) square feet in area with a minimum width of eight (8) feet
measured inside of curb to inside of curb. On such site plans one
1 of every five (5) required planting islands must be a minimum of
37.5 feet in length and eight (8) feet in width, inside of curbing,
unless all parking spaces are arranged around the perimeter of the
parking lot. When row parking is utilized, the end of each row of
parking must be a double planting island with a minimum of one
medium or large tree per row of parking.
When a use of land is intensified or expanded in such a way that
the required parking must be increased more than fifty (50) percent
(except for where such an increase would be less than twenty (20)
spaces), the new parking area must conform to the requirements of
this subsection and the already developed parking area must be
retrofitted with planting islands at a rate of one for every twelve
(12) which is no less than one hundred (100) square feet in area
and with a minimum width of eight (8) feet.
All internal planting areas shall be landscaped with approved plant
materials compatible with accepted arboricultural practices as set
forth in the IGO. The area devoted to interior planting islands may
be deducted from the required parking area pursuant to Section 4 -2
of the Zoning Ordinance at a rate of one (1) space per two hundred
(200) square feet of planting island except that the requirement of
spaces shall not be reduced over ten (10) percent.
' For the purposes of calculating consecutive parking spaces,
handicapped parking spaces shall equal one and one -half (1 -1/2)
parking spaces.
As of January 1, 2003, any existing parking lot tree may not be cut
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or removed without permission of the Tree Commission.
(b) No parking space shall be further than 65 feet from the trunk of a
1 medium or large tree with no intervening building.
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(c) Within existing parking areas, all new curbing around landscaped
1 islands shall match existing curbing within the site. If no curbing
is present within the site, then concrete curb and gutter, per City of
Augusta standards and specifications, shall be used around
landscaped islands.
In new parking areas, all curbing around landscaped islands shall
be concrete curb and gutter, as approved by the City Engineer.
(7) Lighting serving to illuminate a parking area shall not be located within a
1 required planting island. Further, no light pole taller than 12' shall be
within 20' of a large or medium tree.
1 As of December 31, 2008, all light pole locations shall be indicated on the
Landscape Plan.
1 (a) No flag poles shall be located within a required landscaped island nor
within 20' of a large or medium tree.
' (b) No signs, except for directional signs, shall be located within a
required landscaped island, nor within 20' of a large or medium tree
provided that no such directional sign shall exceed 30 inches in height
' nor more than 4 square feet in area.
(c) No utility boxes, fire hydrants, transformers or other site
appurtenances shall be located in a required landscaped island.
(8) A permanent water source shall be provided not more than one hundred
(100) feet from any planted tree.
(9) Where the rear property line in a multiple - family residential, professional,
commercial or industrial zone abuts an R (Residential) zone or single -
family residence, a buffer strip not less than twenty (20) feet in width shall
be provided. Further, where the rear property line in a commercial zone
abuts an A (Agricultural), R -MH (Residential Manufactured Home), R -2
(Two - family Residential), or R -3 (Multi - family Residential) zone or
single - family residence within one of these zones, a buffer strip not less
than twenty (20) feet in width shall be provided_ This buffer strip shall be
designed to provide a year -round visual screen that is at least eight (8) feet
in height and completely blocks the view of the subject property by a
person standing just across the property line on the adjoining residential
property. It shall consist of six (6) foot solid board or 'shadowbox' style
fence or masonry wall that has two finished sides and is approved by the
Tree Commission, unless a fence already exists on the adjoining property
that meets the requirements of this Ordinance. The buffer strip shall be
planted with medium or large trees spaced on 40 foot centers with
interplanted evergreen plant material, berms, mounds or combinations
thereof to achieve the objective within a maximum three (3) year period.
No buildings, structures, storage of materials, or parking shall be
1 permitted within this buffer area. Buffer areas shall be maintained and
kept free of all debris, rubbish and weeds.
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As of January 2003, any existing rear bufferyard tree may not be cut or
removed without permission of the Tree Commission.
' (10) Where the side property line in a multiple - family, professional,
commercial, or industrial zone abuts an R (Residential) zone or single -
family residence, a planted buffer strip not less than ten (10) feet in width
shall be provided. Further, where the side property line in a commercial
zone abuts an A (Agricultural), R -MH (Residential Manufactured Home),
R -2 (Two - family Residential), or R -3 (Multi - family Residential) zone or
' single - family residence within one of these zones, a buffer strip not less
than twenty (20) feet in width shall be provided. This buffer strip shall be
designed to provide a year -round visual screen that is at least eight (8) feet
' in height and completely blocks the view of the subject property by a
person standing just across the property line on the adjoining residential
property.
Said buffer strip shall begin at the front setback line and extend along the
' entire remaining side boundary. It shall consist of a six (6) foot solid
board or shadowbox" style fence or masonry wall that has two finished
sides and is approved by the Tree Commission, unless a fence already
' exists on the adjoining property that meets the requirements of this
Ordinance. The buffer strip shall be planted with medium or large trees
spaced on 40 foot centers with interplanted evergreen plant material,
berms, mounds or combinations thereof to achieve the objective within a
maximum three (3) year period. Buffer areas shall be maintained and kept
free of all debris, rubbish and weeds. No buildings, structures, storage of
' materials, or parking shall be permitted within this area.
As of January 2003, any existing side bufferyard tree may not be cut or
removed without permission of the Tree Commission.
(11) The mature or ultimate spread of planted trees shall be shown on the
Greenspace Plan. Planted trees shall be diagramed according to the
following minimum standards in order to qualify for tree quality points:
' *large trees - thirty -five (35) foot spread
*medium trees - twenty -five (25) foot spread
*small trees - fifteen (15) foot spread
(12) No new utilities (overhead or underground) shall be located directly above
or below existing or proposed tree locations. (Proposed utilities must be
' routed away from all trees.)
(0 Tree protection and tree establishment elements. Land cleared for development or
' land being proposed for development shall have, after development, not less than
one thousand (1,000) tree quality points (TQP) per acre on a given site. Tree
quality points shall only be calculated on the acreage of the site that is being
developed. Undeveloped portions of the site shall not be required to provide tree
quality points (including street yard requirements) nor shall tree quality points for
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existing trees be counted toward the requirements of the developed portion of the
1 site. Tree protection and tree establishment elements may be provided separately
or collectively depending on the nature, complexity, and scale of the
development. Such elements shall include a topographic survey map showing:
'
(1) Existin g tree cover and tree cover that is to be removed.
1 (2) The location and species of all trees to be retained on the developed
portion of the site for which tree quality points are to be claimed,
' including their DBH, tree quality points, and their tree protection zones.
Where a grouping or cluster of twenty (20) or more trees is located within
a proposed tree protection zone, the location of individual trees within
such cluster is not required to be spotted on the plan, provided the number
of trees for each species within the cluster is given and the average DBH is
identified for each species. Existing trees on undeveloped portions of the
site (i.e. future development) or trees within the right -of- way(s) cannot be
counted toward Tree Quality Points.
(3) The location, species, and DBH of all trees located on adjacent rights -of-
way.
' (4) A listing of all trees to be planted on the site for which tree quality points
are to be claimed, giving their respective species, caliper, and tree quality
points.
1 (5) A description of tree planting specifications if different from those listed
in the Illustrated Guide to Implementing the Augusta - Richmond County
1 Tree Ordinance (IGO).
IGO and any amendments thereto are hereby adopted by reference. The
guide will be reviewed annually by the Tree Commission with the updated
version being adopted by reference and each time made a part hereof. All
Greenspace Plans shall be provided in a manner consistent with provisions
contained therein.
As of January 2003, any existing tree that would count toward the overall
requirement for tree quality points (TQP) may not be cut or removed
without permission of the Tree Commission.
1 (g) Tree protection and tree establishment standards. Tree protection zones shall be
established and maintained for all trees preserved or planted on a site for which
tree quality points are to be claimed. The following provisions apply to such
1 zones and the trees within them.
(1) The tree protection zone shall have a dimension of not less than one -half
1 (1/2) the distance to the dripline of the preserved tree, or the minimum tree
protection zones for planted trees set forth in Table 1; whichever is
greater. Tree protection zones shall be barricaded prior to the
1 commencement of construction and until the Certificate of Occupancy has
been issued.
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1 (2) The area within any tree protection zone must remain open and unpaved.
The use of perforated pavement may be allowed subject to the approval of
' the Administrator.
(3) Deleted
1 (4) No vehicles shall be parked, construction material stored, substances
poured, disposed of, or placed, within any tree protection zone at any time
during clearing or construction of the project.
(5) No change in grade within the tree protection zone shall be allowed except
1 for a maximum addition of two (2) inches of sandy loam topsoil covered
with mulch.
(6) Tree wells or tree walls (islands) shall be constructed as needed to protect
the preserved trees from grade changes which result in changes of water
supply to the tree protection zone. Adequate means for drainage of excess
moisture from the tree protection zone shall be provided if tree wells or
tree walls are constructed.
' (7) For planted trees, the minimum size Tree Protection Zone centered upon
the planted tree shall be as specified in Table 1.
' (8) The ground elevation where trees are to be planted in a street yard shall be
within five (5) feet of the ground elevation of the street right -of -way.
1 Table 1
Minimum Tree Protection Zone for Planted Trees
Mature Minimum Area * *
1 Tree Size Square Feet Protection Zone
small * 16 2.0' radius
medium * 66 3.0' radius
large * 200 4.0' radius
1 * A listing of small, medium, and large trees is found in IGO.
* * Protection Zone = Minimum distance from tree trunk to edge of
dripline.
1
(h) Tree standards.
1 (1) All required trees shall be grown within one climatic zone of Augusta,
GA.
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1 (2) All required trees shall be nursery grown, typical of their species or
variety, with normal, densely developed branches and vigorous, fibrous
' root systems. Trees shall be sound, healthy, vigorous, free from defects,
free from disfiguring knots, free from sun scald injuries, frost cracks
and/or abrasions of the bark, and be free from plant diseases, insect eggs,
borers, and all forms of infestation. All trees shall have a fully developed
form without voids and open space. Trees shall not be loose in the
container or root ball. It is recommended that dug trees shall have been
root pruned at least once.
(3) All required trees shall have straight, single central leaders. Trees that
' have the main trunk forming a "Y" shape are not acceptable. Trees that
are not fully branched will not be accepted. Trees shall have no bark
damage and shall not be leaning or have significant sweep, crook or bend.
I Trees shall have a minimum 3" caliper and shall have no branch more than
%2 the diameter of the main leader and shall have a straight unbranched
trunk to 6'. Trees specified as "multi- stemmed" shall have a minimum of
I 3 and a maximum of 5 separate canes a minimum of 1" caliper each
coming from the root ball and pruned into tree form with no branches on
the lower half of the tree. Multiple plants shall not be used as a "multi-
, stemmed" plant.
(4) All required trees shall be set in the planting pit to proper grade and
alignment, and shall be set upright, plumb and faced to give the best
appearance or relationship to other trees. Each tree shall be set 1 -2" above
the finish grade and backfill shall be brought even with the top of the root
' ball. No fill shall be permitted atop the root ball.
(5) All burlap, ropes, straps and wires shall be removed from the root ball. If
it is not possible to remove the burlap and wire from the bottom of the root
ball, the burlap and wire shall be cut away from the sides and removed
from the hole.
(6) After required trees are set, the backfill shall be muddled around the base
of the root ball and all voids shall be filled.
' (7) All required trees shall have their planting pits mulched with approved
mulching material immediately after planting. The mulched areas shall be
thoroughly water. Note: Mulch shall be placed to a maximum thickness of
3" except at the trunk, where it shall be no more than 1".
' (8) If staking and supports have been installed on the required tree(s), all
staking and supports shall be removed after one growing season.
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(i) Tree quality points.
I Tree quality points shall be assigned to preserved or
( ) q Y planted trees as p g p p
described in the Illustrated Guide to Implementing the Augusta - Richmond
1 County Tree Ordinance (IGO).
I a. Deleted
b. Deleted
1 Table 2
I Tree Quality Points for Planted Trees
Mature
1 Size Acceptable Recommended Preferred
small * 5 5,10,15,20,30 10,15,20,30,40
1 medium *
large * 5 15,30
40 30,40,60,90
15 40,90
I * A listing of small, medium, and large trees is found in the IGO.
(2) Tree quality points for preserved trees. Quality points for trees preserved
on the site are directly related to the tree species quality and the tree
protection zone that must be provided for the tree. For preserved trees,
tree quality points are calculated by squaring the tree's DBH (diameter at
I breast height) and multiplying this number by the applicable quality points
factor. If the calculated tree quality points is less than that given for
planted trees in Table 2, then the greater number will apply.
1 (DBH) X (Quality Points Factor) = Tree Quality Points
1
Table 3
I Tree Quality Points Factor
1 Tree Quality Rating Quality Points Factor *
Acceptable 0.2
1 Recommended 0.6
Preferred 1.4
Landmark Trees 2.0
I * The assigned quality points factor is found in the Tree Species List in IGO.
1
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Chapter 8 -4 -12. COMPLIANCE.
1 All improvements shown in the Greenspace Plan shall be constructed and all plant
materials shall be in place and approved by Augusta - Richmond County before a
' Certificate of Occupancy will be issued for any use of land or structure(s) that is not
exempted from this Ordinance. If at the time of request for a Certificate of Occupancy
the required landscaping is not in place and it can be determined Augusta - Richmond
' County personnel that unavailability of plant materials or that weather conditions prohibit
completion of this planting, then the developer may, at the discretion of the Executive
Director, provide an executed contract binding until December 31 of the calendar year in
which the application is made that provides for the completion of such landscaping work,
and also a Performance Bond or an Irrevocable Letter of Credit from a federally insured
lender in an amount to be approved by Augusta - Richmond County commensurate with
' the cost of completing the required landscaping.
Existing trees or other landscape features as delineated on previously approved Site Plans
and subsequently installed to conform with the minimum standards of this Ordinance
may not be removed or altered without prior approval of the Tree Commission.
' In the event that trees cannot be planted on the site due to hardship, a variance of the Tree
Commission may be applied for. The variance request shall include: the variance fee, as
set forth by the Augusta - Richmond County Planning Commission, a letter explaining the
' need for the variance, a mitigation package at a rate of two trees for every tree not planted
on the site, (trees will be planted at another location on the site or at a location as set forth
by the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission), and a Landscape Establishment
' Bond in the amount of $500 per tree in the mitigation package. If trees are to be planted
offsite, installation of the trees will be the developer's responsibility, and maintenance for
a two year term, from the date that the trees are planted will also be the developer's
responsibility. A Maintenance Agreement will also be required for a term of two years,
unless waived by the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission. In lieu of the
mitigation package, a fee in the amount of $1500 per tree to be mitigated shall be payable
' to Augusta - Richmond County, and deposited in a separate Landscaping Account
(hereinafter referred to as the "Tree Bank "), for placement of or replacement of trees
within the City. A Landscape Establishment Bond nor a Maintenance Agreement will be
1 required if this option is exercised.
Chapter 8 - 4 - 13. LANDSCAPE ESTABLISHMENT BOND.
1 A two -year Landscape Establishment Bond shall be posted with the Administrator
prior to issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. This bond shall be in the amount of the
1 contract award for landscaping or in an amount determined by Augusta - Richmond
County, whichever is higher. After 18 months, the Augusta - Richmond County shall
inspect the site and make a determination as to whether or not the required trees and
1 landscaping have not been removed, the required trees and landscaping are healthy, the
growth and the integrity of the required trees have not been compromised, the canopy of
the required trees have not been reduced in any fashion, and the required trees have a
1 reasonable chance of surviving to maturity. Upon such a finding, the bond shall be
released at the end of the two -year Landscape Establishment Bond period. In absence of
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such a finding, the Landscape Establishment Bond shall not be released and the
owner /developer of the property shall be notified to replace the unhealthy trees and
landscaping or take other appropriate action as required by Augusta - Richmond County.
If the owner /developer fails to comply with the decision of Augusta - Richmond County
1 within sixty (60) days of receiving a written notice, then the City shall use the Landscape
Establishment Bond to the extent necessary to bring the property into compliance with
the provisions of these regulations.
Before release of the Landscape Establishment Bond, documentation (an Agreement reement to ( g
Maintain Required Landscaping) shall be signed by the Owner certifying that the
required trees located on the site will not be removed, the growth and the integrity of the
required trees will not be compromised, nor shall the canopy of the required trees be
reduced without prior approval of the Tree Commission.
Chapter 8 - 4 - 14. APPEALS AND VARIANCES.
(a) Decisions of the Administrator may be appealed to the Augusta - Richmond
County Tree Commission. The Tree Commission shall also hear requests for
variances from the provisions of this Chapter. The variance request must be made
' in writing to the Administrator by the first Monday of any given month for that
month's Tree Commission meeting. The Tree Commission shall review the
appeal or variance and make its recommendations to the Administrator.
1 (b) Variances shall only be granted upon a determination that the variance is the
minimum necessary to afford relief and when in the opinion of the Tree
Commission relief is justified.
(c) Variances shall only be granted upon:
(1) A determination that failure to grant the variance would result in
exceptional hardship; and
(2) A determination that the granting of a variance will not adversely impact
the intent and purpose of these regulations.
(d) The Tree Commission may approve, deny, or approve with conditions a request
for a variance. Conditional approval may be granted where mitigation of the
1 impact is agreed upon by the Tree Commission and the petitioner.
(1) The Tree Commission, at its discretion, may require mitigation plantings in
' City street right -of -ways, in City parks, or on other City -owned property.
(2) The Tree Commission, at its discretion, may require a mitigation fee to be
' paid to the City's Trees and Landscape Department, to be used for plantings in
City Street right -of -ways, in City parks, or on other City -owned property.
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Chapter 8 -4 -15. ABROGATION AND GREATER RESTRICTIONS.
This Chapter is not intended to repeal, abrogate, or impair any existing easements,
covenants, or deed restrictions. However, where this Chapter and another regulation
conflict or overlap, whichever regulation imposes the more stringent restrictions shall
' prevail.
Chapter 8 - 4 - 16. SEVERABILITY.
If any provision of this Chapter is declared to be invalid, such declaration shall
not affect, impair, or invalidate the remaining provisions of this Chapter.
1
Chapter 8 -4 -17. ENFORCEMENT, VIOLATION AND PENALTY.
All violations of the provisions of this Chapter or failure to comply with any of its
' requirements shall be reported to the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission.
Once a violation is evident, the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission, acting on
behalf of the Augusta Commission, shall notify the owner in writing of the apparent
' violation of this Chapter. The written notice shall direct the owner to cease the violation
until such time as the requirements and procedures of this Chapter have been met. Upon
failure of the owner to comply with this notice, the Augusta - Richmond County Tree
' Commission shall notify the Augusta City Attorney of the violation and the Augusta City
Attorney shall immediately begin legal procedures in the Superior Court of Richmond
County to prevent, enjoin, abate, or terminate such violations in addition to injunctive
' relief. All persons, firms or corporations failing to comply with the mandatory provisions
hereof or doing any act prohibited hereby shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be
punished as provided in Chapter 1 -6 -1 of this Code. Each day such violations continue
' shall be considered a separate offense. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the
Augusta Commission from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or
remedy any violations.
1 Any action resulting in the death or destruction of a public tree on City property or within
City right -of -way shall be subject to a fine depending on the size of the tree. Trees of 3 "-
' 10" caliper will be fined $1000 per damaged/destroyed tree toward the replacement of
tree(s) of equal caliper, species to be approved by the Augusta - Richmond County Tree
Commission. Replacement trees must carry a 2 year Landscape Establishment Bond per
the requirements of 8 -4 -13. Trees larger than 10" caliper will be fined $1,000 plus
replacement cost of the tree, as determined by the Augusta - Richmond County Tree
Commission, up to a maximum of $10,000 per tree. The replacement tree shall be of
' equal caliper or as approved by the Augusta - Richmond County Tree Commission.
Replacement trees must carry a 2 year Landscape Establishment Bond per the
requirements of 8 -4 -13. Nothing herein contained shall prevent the Augusta Commission
from taking such other lawful action as is necessary to prevent or remedy any violations.
1 20
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1
Done in Open Meeting under the Common Seal thereof this / day of
- ,2011.
1 Approved by the Augusta Commission this / day of
, 2011.
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1 Deke Copenhaver, Mayor
1 2 /'f /"
ATTEST
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1 First reading - (�,,, / `1S — ol- 0 /1
Second reading - .! % VD 1/
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AUGUSTA- RICHMOND COUNTY
ILLUSTRATED GUIDE
1
� TREE CITY USA.
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1 REVISED: January 2011
1
1 ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTING
THE AUGUSTA - RICHMOND COUNTY TREE ORDINANCE (IGO)
I.
Purpose 1
1 II. Calculations for Tree Protection and Tree Establishment Elements of a
Greenspace Plan 1
'1 III. Tree Species List 4
IV. Tree and Site Related Disturbances 16
1 V. Methods of Tree Protection 18
VI. Standards for Remedial Tree Care 21
VII. Standards for Selecting Quality Planting Stock 21
1 VIII. Transplanting Standards 21
IX. Criteria for Landmark Trees 22
' Appendix 23
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ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO IMPLEMENTING
THE AUGUSTA - RICHMOND COUNTY TREE ORDINANCE
I. Purpose
This document provides standards and specification for use in determining
whether or not a development project as defined in Section VIII (A) of the Augusta-
"'
Richmond County Tree Ordinance is in compliance with the provisions of that
Ordinance. Specifically the standards and specifications contained herein shall be used to
determine compliance with the tree protection and tree establishment provisions of the
Greenspace Plan as required by Section VIII (C) of the Augusta - Richmond County Tree
Ordinance.
II. Calculations for Tree Protection and Tree Establishment Elements of a
Greenspace Plan
A. Standard — It must be demonstrated that land to be cleared for development or land being
proposed for development shall have, after development, not less than 1,000 tree quality
points per acre on a given site (Ref. Section VIII (F) of Augusta- Richmond County Tree
1 Ordinance). In order to receive tree quality points, any planted tree must be provided
with a minimum Tree Protection Zone based upon its mature size as defined in the tree
list. Trees that are to be preserved on a site must be protected (i.e. tree fences, no
grading, fill or vehicular encroachment) within an area that is defined by a diameter in
feet that is one and one half times the DBH of the tree in inches in order to qualify for
Tree Quality Points. For example:
A tree with a 40 inch DBH must be protected within a radius of 30 feet from the tree. (Refer to
Illustration 1: Tree Protection Zone)
' 40" x 1.5 = 60 foot diameter
Radius = 1 /2 x diameter
= 'hx60 =30 feet
The area of this Tree Protection Zone is calculated as follows:
Area = (pi)(r)
=3.141 (30)
= 2826.9 square feet
Guidelines for tree protection are found in Section V — IX of this guide.
Tree Quality Points quantify the relative value of one tree to another based on three
criteria:
1. Species Quality: This is a mixture of objective and subjective measures based
upon maintenance records, scientific research, and the experience of experts in
the field. The relative value of species has been determined specifically for the
Augusta area and environment. Species' quality is ranked in order of increasing
desirability as Acceptable, Recommended, or Preferred.
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1 DRIP 411111111111r.. ''''. --,,..., , ,
LINE
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TREE PROTEC
ZONE
1 .0
1 ILLUSTRATION 1. TREE PROTECTION ZONE
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2. Space Requirement: This factor applies to trees that are retained on a site. Since
1 large diameter trees require proportionately larger areas to be set aside as a Tree
Protection Zone, Tree Quality Points are assigned in proportion to this space
requirement.
1 3. Expected Mature Value: For trees that are planted on a site, Tree Quality Points
assignment is in proportion to the potential size of the tree species and the
1 minimum planting space in which that species can develop in a safe and healthy
manner. The mature size is categorized in terms of small, medium, or large.
1 B. Method: For preserved trees, Tree Quality Points assignment is calculated by
multiplying the (DBH) by the Tree Quality Points Factor. If the calculated Tree Quality Points is
less than that given for planted trees, then the greater number shall apply. The Tree Quality
Points Factors for preserved trees are as follows:
(DBH) x (Quality Points Factor) = Tree Quality Points
Species Rating Quality Points Factor
Acceptable 0.2
Recommended 0.6
1 Preferred 1.4
*Landm 2.1
*Landmark trees must be certified by the Department of Public Works.
For planted trees, Tree Quality Points assignment can be found on the following chart after
checking the tree species for desirability rating:
Mature Size Acce ptable Recommended Preferred
Small 5 5,10,15,20,30 10,15,20,30,40
Medium 5 15,30 30,40,60,90
Large 15 40 40,90
C. Example Calculation: A restaurant is being planned. The number of Tree Quality
' Points required for the site calculated by multiplying the area of the site by 1,000 (1.75 acres x
1,000 =1750 Tree Quality Points). The developer wishes to save six existing trees on the site.
The formula for calculating Tree Quality Points for preserved trees is: (DBH) x (Quality Points
Factor) = Tree Quality Points. The calculation of Tree Quality Points that would accrue to the six
preserved trees is as follows:
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Note that the Quality Points Factor is provided for each species in the tree lists.
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Tree #1 12" DBH Water Oak (12) x 0.6 = 86.4 TQPs
I Tree #2 16" DBH Loblolly Pine (16) x 0.6 = 153.6 TQPs
Tree #3 10" DBH Loblolly Pine (10) x 0.6 = 60.0 TQPs
Tree #4 16" DBH Loblolly Pine (16) x 0.6 = 153.6 TQPs
I Tree #5 8" DBH Red Maple (8) x 0.6 = 38.4 TQPs
Tree #6 4" DBH Dogwood (4) x 1.4 = 22.4 TQPs
I Total 514.40 TQPs
1 *Note that the TQPs are less than what is given for planted trees, so the greater number will
apply.
The Developer must therefore plant enough trees on the site to make up the difference between
I the 1750 required Tree Quality Points and the 514.40 points he will receive for preserved trees, or
1235.6 TQPs. The Tree Protection and Tree Establishment of the Greenspace Plan for the project
show that thirty-one new trees will be planted on the site for the street yard and parking lot
I requirement.
I Tree Symbol Species #Trees TQPs Total TQPs
Planted
I CM Crepe Myrtle 12 x 40 480
WO Willow Oak 2 x 90 180
1 RM Red Maple 7 x 40 280
JM Japanese Maple 2 x 30 60
I H Holly 2 x 30 60
I GR Golden Rain Tree 6 x 30 180
Total TQPS 1240
1
Quality points are assigned to each tree to be planted by comparing the species rating to the size
I at maturity. By adding the individual tree quality points of all thirty-one trees to be planted, it is
determined that the sum is 1240 TQPs. This exceeds the 1235.6 points needed so the Tree
Protection and Tree Establishment Elements of the Greenspace Plan are acceptable.
1 III. Tree Species Lists
The following pages list species by size classifications that shall be used to determine the
I Quality Rating of trees to be preserved or planted as well as the quality points. Tree species or
cultivars not listed will be considered by the Tree Commission upon request and quality points
assigned accordingly.
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SECTION III
I NATIVE TREE SPECIES LIST
LARGE TREES
Quality Points
I Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
1. Ash, Green Preferred 90 1.4
1 Fraxinys pennsylvanica
2. Ash, White Preferred 90 1.4
I Fraxinus, americana
3. Basswood, White Recommended 40 0.6
(Linden)
1 Tilia heterophylla
4. Beech, American Preferred 90 1.4
1 Fagus, grandifolia
5. Birch, River Recommended 40 0.6
Betula nigra
I "Duna -Heat'
6. Cedar, Eastern Red ** Preferred 40 2.0
I Juniperus virginiana
7. Cypres, Bald Preferred 90 1.4
Taxodium distichum
1 8. Cypress, Pond Recommended 40 0.6
Taxodium ascendens
I 9 . Elm, American * Preferred 90 1.4
Ulmus americana
must be "Princeton" or "Jefferson" for new planting
I 10. Elm, Slippery Recommended 40 0.6
Ulmus rubra
I 11. Elm, Winged Recommended 40 0.6
Elmus alata
II 12. Hickory, Mockernut ** * * * Recommended 40 0.6
Carya tomentosa
13. Hickory, Pignut ** * ** Recommended 40 0.6
1 Carya glabra
* ". .., • « • •
I p�
* * Quality points for retention will be rewarded as shown provided tree is a minimum caliper of 4
inches. Less than that will be awarded the factor less 25%
* * * Not recommended for parking lots
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NATIVE TREE SPECIES LIST
I LARGE TREES (Continued)
Quality Points
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
I Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
14. Magnolia, Southern * ** Preferred 90 1.4
Magnolia granifolia
I 15. Maple, Florida Preferred 90 1.4
Acer barbatum
1 16. Maple, Red Species * ** Recommended 40 0.6
Acer rubrum
"Red Sunset"
I "October Glory"
"Autumn Flame"
"Autumn Blaze"
I "Drumondii"
"Summer Red"
17. Maple, Sugar Preferred 90 1.4
I Acer saccharum
"Legacy"
I 18. Mulberry Red Acceptable 15 0.2
Morus rubra
19. Oak, Chestnut Preferred 90 1.4
I Quercus prinus
20. Oak Darlington Recommended 60 0.6
Quercus hemispherica
I 21. Oak, Laurel Recommended 60 0.6
Quercus laurifolia
I 22. Oak, Live * ** Preferred 90 1.4
* Quercus virginiana
I 23. Oak, Northern Red Preferred 90 1.4
Quercus rubra
I 24. Oak, Nuttall Preferred 90 1.4
Quercus nuttallii
25. Oak, Pin Preferred 90 1.4
1 Quercus palustris
26. Oak, Shumard Preferred 90 1.4
I Quercus shumardii
27. Oak, Southern Red Preferred 90 1.4
I Quercus falcata
* * * Not recommended for parking lots
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I NATIVE TREE SPECIES LIST
LARGE TREES (Continued)
Quality Points
I Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
28. Oak, Swamp Chestnut Preferred 90 1.4
I Quercus mechauxii
29. Oak, Scarlet Preferred 90 1.4
I Quercus coccinea
30. Oak, Water Recommended 40 0.6
Quercus Nigra
1 31. Oak, White Preferred 90 1.4
Quercus alba
I 32. Oak, Willow Preferred 90 1.4
Quercus, phellos
I 33. Pine, Loblolly * ** Recommended 40 0.6
Pine taeda
34. Pine, Longleaf * ** Recommended 40 0.6
I Pinus palustris
35. Poplar, Yellow Preferred 90 1.4
I Liriodendron tulipifera
36. Sourwood Recommended 40 0.6
I Oxydendrum arboreum
37. Sugarberry (Hackberry) Recommended 40 0.6
Celtis laevigata
1 38. Sweetgum (seedless) Preferred 90 1.4
Liquidambar styraciflua
(Rotundiloba only for new planting)
I 39. Sycamore, American * ** Recommended 40 0.6
Platanus occidentalis
I 40. Tupelo, Black (Blackgum) Preferred 90 1.4
Nyssa sylvatica'forum'
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* ** Not recommended for parking lots or street yards
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I SECTION III
NATIVE TREE SPECIES LIST
MEDIUM TREES
I Quality Points
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
1 1. Carolina Silverbell Preferred 30 1.4
Halesia caroliniana
1 2. Holly, American Preferred 30 1.4
Ilex opaca
I 3. Hophornbeam, Eastern Preferred 60 1.4
Ostrya virginiana
4. Hornbeam, American Preferred 60 1.4
1
Carpinus caroliniana
5. Persimmon * ** Recommended 15 0.6
1 Diospyros virginiana
6. Pine, Virginia * ** Recommended 30 0.6
Pinus virginiana
I 7. Sassafras Recommended 30 0.6
Sassafras albidum
I 8. Sweetbay * * Preferred 60 1.4
Magnolia virginiana
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1 * * * Not recommended for parking lots or street yards
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I SECTION III
NATIVE TREE SPECIES LIST
SMALL TREES
1 Quality Points
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
I 1. Buckeyes Recommended 10 0.6
Aesculus spp.
I 2. Devilwood Preferred 15 1.4
Osmanthus americanus
I 3. Dogwood, Flowering Preferred 20 1.4
Cornus florida
I 4. Downy Serviceberry Preferred 20 1.4
Amelanchier arborea
5. Hawthorn Preferred 20 1.4
I Crataegus spp.
6. Loblolly Bay Recommended 5 0.6
Gordonia lasianthus
I
7. Maple, Chalkbark Preferred 20 1.4
Acer leucoderme
1 8. Redbay Recommended 5 0.6
Persia borbonia
I 9. Redbud, Eastern Preferred 20 1.4
Cercis canadensis
I 10. Red Cedar Preferred 40 1.4
Juniperus virginiana
"Burkii" or "Brodie"
I 11. Waxmyrtle Recommended 5 0.6
Myrica cerifera
I 12. Yaupon Holly Recommended 10 0.6
Ilex vomitoria
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SECTION III
ORNAMENTAL AND EXOTIC SPECIES LIST
1 LARGE TREES
Quality Points
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
1 Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
1. Chinese Elm Preferred 90 1.4
1 Ulmus parvifolia
(all cultivers except "Drake ")
2. Cryptomeria * * * Preferred 90 1.4
1 Cryptomeria japonica
3. Dawn Redwood Preferred 90 1.4
1 Metasequoia
glyptostroboides
4. Ginko Preferred 90 1.4
Ginko biloba
(male only)
' 5. Japanese Zelkova * * * Recommended 40 0.6
Zelkova serrata
6. Pistacio Preferred 90 1.4
1 Pistacio chinensis
7. Deodora Cedar Preferred 40 1.4
(Cedrus Deodora)
* ** Not recommended for landscape islands in parking lots
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I SECTION III
ORNAMENTAL AND EXOTIC SPECIES LIST
MEDIUM TREES
1 Quality Points
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
I 1. American Yellowood 60 1.4
Cladrastis Kentukea Preferred
1 2. Callery Pear Recommended 30 0.6
Pyrus calleryana
"Aristocrat"
1 3. Callery Pear Recommended 30 0.6
Pyrus calleryana
" Cleveland Select"
4. Chinese Evergreen Oak Preferred 40 1.4
Quercus myrsinifolia
I 5. Foster Holly * ** Preferred 30 1.4
Ilex opaca "fosteri"
1 6. Japanese Evergreen Oak Recommended 15 0.6
Quercus acuta
I 7. Savannah Holly * ** Preferred 30 1.4
Ilex Opaca "Savannah"
I 8. Trident Maple Preferred 90 1.4
Acer buergeranum
10. Green Giant Aborvitae * * * Preferred 90 1.4
1 (Thuja)
11. Parrotia Preferred 90 1.4
111 * * * Not recommended for parking lots or streetyards
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I SECTION III
ORNAMENTAL AND EXOTIC TREE SPECIES LIST
SMALL TREES
1 Quality Points
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
I 1. Blue Japanese Oak Recommended 5 0.6
Quercus glauca
1 2. Callaway Crabapple Recommended 5 0.6
Malus prunifolium
"Callaway" only
1 3. Cherry Plum Recommended 5 0.6
Prunus cerasifera
I "Newport"
4. Chinese Fringetree Preferred 30 1.4
Chionanthsu retusus
I 5. Chinese Redbud Preferred 10 1.4
Cercis chinensis
1 6. Crepe Myrtle Preferred 40 1.4
Lagerstroemia
"Natchez"
1 "Tuscarom"
"Fantasy"
"Muscogee"
"Dynamite"
1
"Sioux"
7. Fragrant Tea Olive Recommended 15 0.6
I Osmanthus fragrans
8. Golden Raintree * Preferred 30 1.4
Koelreuteria
1 paniculata or bipinata
9. Higan Cherry Recommended 5 0.6
I 10. Japanese Dogwood gwood Preferred 30 1.4
Cornus Kousa
I 11. Japanese Maple Recommended 30 0.6
Acer palmatum
I various cultivers
12. Lilac Chaste Spikenard Recommended 15 0.6
Vitex agnus - castus
I * Not in parking lots
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I SECTION III
ORNAMENTAL AND EXOTIC TREE SPECIES LIST
SMALL TREES
I Quality Points
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
1
13. Nellie R. Stevens Holly Recommended 10 0.6
I Ilex aquifolium X cornuta
14. Okame Cherry * Preferred 15 1.4
PrunuJ
1 "X Okame"
15. Oriental Arborvitae Acceptable 5 0.2
Thuja orientalis
I 16. Sasanqua Camellia Recommended 10 0.6
Camellis sasanqua
I 17. Silky Stewartia Recommended 5 0.6
Stewartia malacodendron
I 18. Star Magnolia Recommended 10 0.6
Magnolia stellata
I 19. Taiwan Cherry Recommended 15 0.6
20. Tea Olive Preferred 15 1.4
1 Osmanthus X fortunei
21. Tulip Tree Preferred 15 1.4
I Magnolia X soulangiana
• ocommended 10 0.6
I * „ Not in arkin lots
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I SECTION III
TREES TO BE PLACED UNDER POWER LINES
Quality Points
I
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
I 1. American Hophornbeam Preferred 90 1.4
Ostrya Virginians
2. American Hornbeam Preferred 90 1.4
1 Carpinus Carolinians
3. American Yellowood Preferred 90 1.4
I Cladrastis Kentukea
4. Carolina Silverbell Preferred 90 1.4
Halesia Carolina
I 5. Chinese Fringe "Free Preferred 90 2.0
1 6. Chinese Pistache Preferred 90 1.4
Pistacia Chinensis
I 7. Fringe Tree Preferred 90 2.0
Chionanthus Virginicus
I 8. Goldenrain Tree Preferred 90 1.4
Koelreuteria Paniculata
9. Hawthorn Preferred 90 1.4
1 Crataegus Species
10. Japanese Dogwood Preferred 90 1.4
I Corms Kousa
11. Trident Maple Preferred 90 1.4
Acer Buergerianus
I 12. Crepe Myrtle Preferred 40 1.4
(except "Natchez"
1 or "Fantasy ")
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SECTION III
1 TREES TO BE PLACED UNDER HIGH TRAMSMISSION POWER LINES
Quality Points
Common Name Quality Points Factor for
Scientific Name Quality Rating For Planting Retention
1. Corpus Florida Recommended 40 0.6
1 Dogwood
2. Lagerstroemia Indica Preferred 90 1.4
' (Except Natchez or Fantasy)
3. Ilex Vomitoria Preferred 40 1.4
Shadow's Female
Yaupon Holly
4. Ilex Fosteri Preferred 40 1.4
Foster Holley
* * * Not recommended for parking lots or streetyards
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IV. TREE AND SITE RELATED DISTURBANCES
' A. Trees protection zones, exceptional trees or stands of trees designated to be saved must
be protected from the following damages during all phases of land disturbances and
1 construction processes, in order to qualify for Tree Quality Points.
1. Direct physical root damage.
1 2. Indirect root damage.
' 3. Trunk and crown disturbances.
B. Direct physical root damage most frequently occurs during site clearing and grading
' operations where transport or feeder roots are cut, torn, or removed.
1. Transport and absorptive roots tend to tangle and fuse among the roots of adjacent
trees, The removal of trees with heavy machinery along the outer periphery of a tree
1 save area can result in considerable damage within the tree save area.
2. The most substantial form of physical root damage for all root types occurs in the
form of cut roots. Roots are cut in grade reduction, or from trenching for
underground utilities, sanitary sewer, or storm sewer lines.
' 3. A more subtle form of root damage is the loss of absorptive roots. Absorptive roots
normally occur in the top four inches of soil, and can be damaged by any vehicular
traffic. The stripping of top soil within a tree's critical root zone can totally eliminate
' its feeder root system. Critical root zone is illustrated in illustration 3.
C. Indirect root damage through site modification can result from positive grade changes,
temporary storage of fill materials, the sedimentation of erosion materials, soil
compaction, and soil chemical changes.
1. Grade changes from fill and sedimentation causes a decrease in soil oxygen levels.
' An increase in soil carbon dioxide and other toxic gases can also occur, leading to
large areas of anaerobic conditions. Anaerobic soil conditions cause a decrease in the
root respiration process which is essential for the uptake and transport of minerals
1 and nutrients.
2. Anaerobic soil conditions are also produced soil compaction, the increase in soil bulk
' density with a decrease in soil pore space. Compacted soil is also impervious to root
penetration, and thus inhibits root development. Soil compaction is generally caused
by the weight and vibrations of heavy machinery, vehicle parking, and the storage of
fill and /or construction materials within the critical roots zones of trees.
3. Changes in soil chemistry will adversely affect tree survival. The most frequent
occurrence is the change (decrease) in soil acidity by concrete washout which is
highly basic. The leakage or spillage of toxic material such as fuels or paints can be
fatal to trees.
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•
44,
- •
0
0
„,. .
li RITICAL ROOT RADIUS
CRITICAL ROOT ZONE THIN THE DRIP-LINE
ACTUAL FEEDER ROOT SYSTEM EXTENDS WELL BEYOND THE DRIP-LINE
1
ILLUSTRATION 3. CRITICAL ROOTZONE
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D. Trunk and crown disturbances are generally mechanical in nature and are either caused
directly by clearing and grading machinery, or indirectly by debris being cleared and
falling into trees marked for protection.
' 1. Common forms of damages include stripped bark and cambium, split trunks, and
broken limbs.
1 2. Damage also occurs from the posting of signs such as building permits, or survey
markers on trees.
1 3. Indirect damage can be caused by the placement of burn holes or debris fires too
close to trees. The possible range of damages include scorched trunks with some
cambial dieback, the loss of foliage due to evaporative heat stress (leaf desiccation),
1
and completely burned trunks and crowns.
V. METHODS OF TREE PROTECTION
1 A. Planning considerations. Tree space is the most critical factor in tree protection
throughout the development process. The root systems of trees can easily extend beyond
the drip line of the tree canopy. The root system within the drip line region is generally
1 considered to be the critical root zone. (Illustration 3). Disturbance within this zone can
directly affect a tree's chances for survival. To protect these critical zones, the following
standards shall apply:
1 1. The minimum Tree Protection Zone, shall be an area centered on each tree with a
diameter in feet, equivalent to one and one half times the tree diameter in inches,
1 measured at breast height (Illustration 1). Provided, however, in no case shall the
area be less than the minimum Tree Protection Zone for a planted tree of the same
species found on Table 1, Section VIII (G.7) in the Tree Ordinance for Richmond
County, Georgia.
i 2. If more than one tree is included in one preserved area, the total minimum preserved
area shall include the minimum Tree Protection Zone for each tree in the preserved
1 area.
3. For initial clearing of the site, an additional area of not less than twenty feet (20) in
1 width shall be added to the perimeter of the Tree Protection Zones until approved tree
protection devices are erected.
1 4. Layout of the project site utility and grading plans should accommodate the required
Tree Protection Zones. Utilities must be placed along corridors between Tree
Protection Zones.
1 5. Construction site activities such as parking, materials storage, concrete washout, burn
hole placement, etc... shall be arranged so as to prevent disturbances within the Tree
Protection Zones.
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6. No disturbances shall cover within the Tree Protection Zone of trees or stands of
trees without prior approval by the Department of Public Works.
B. Protective Barriers
1. The minimum tree protection device shall be a fence constructed at and around the
' perimeter of the Tree Protection Zone. Minimum fence height shall be four feet (4)
(Illustration 4). The Administrator shall approve protective fencing which provides
an adequate level of protection.
1 2. Tree protection devices shall be erected as soon as practical prior to the start of
construction and shall remain in place until final inspection and approval of the
project. Broken or dislodged tree protection devices shall be immediately repaired.
3. All Tree Protection Zones should be designated as such with "Tree Protection Zone"
signs posted visibly on all sides of the fenced in areas. These signs are intended to
inform subcontractors of the tree protection process. Signs requesting subcontractor
cooperation compliance with tree protection standards are recommended for site
entrances.
4. All designated Tree Protection Zones must be protected from the sedimentation of
erosion material.
1 a) Silt screening must be placed along the outer uphill edge of the Tree Protection
Zone. Minimum fence height shall be four feet (4) (Illustration 4). The
Administrator shall approve protective fencing which provides an adequate level
of protection.
b) Tree protection devices shall be erected as soon as practical prior to the start of
construction and shall remain in place until final inspection and approval of the
project. Broken or dislodged tree protection devices shall be immediately
repaired.
5. All tree fencing and erosion control barriers must be installed prior to and maintained
throughout the land disturbance process, and should not be removed until
1 landscaping is installed.
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ev+ ed g
.e 'q✓'�,i "yam .""
Z
1 "X4" RAIL
1
2" X4" POST
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ILLUSTRATION 4. PROTECTIVE TREE FENCING
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1 VI. STANDARDS FOR REMEDIAL TREE CARE
' Refer to the following publications for remedial tree care:
1. Shigo, Alex L., Modern Arboriculture, Shigo and Trees, Associates, 1991
2. Tree Establishment and Protection Manual
You can find a copy at the following offices in Augusta, GA:
' a) Georgia Forestry Commission
2615 Tobacco Road
Hephzibah, Georgia 30815
r 706 - 771 -4922
b) Augusta- Richmond County Planning Commission
' 525 Telfair Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
706 - 821 -1796
r c) University of Georgia Extension Service
602 Greene Street
' Augusta, Georgia 30901
706 -821 -2349
VII. STANDARDS FOR SELECTING QUALITY PLANTING STOCK
Refer to the following publication for selection quality planting stock:
American Standard for Nursery Stock, American Association of Nurserymen, Inc., ANSI
Z60.1,1986
VIII. TRANSPLANTING STANDARDS
r Refer to the following publications for transplanting information:
1. Tree and Shrub Transplanting Manual, International Society of Arboriculture, 1990,
' revision.
2. Tree Establishment and Protection Manual
This manual can be found at the referenced offices in Section VI, 2.
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IX. CRITERIA FOR LANDMARK TREES.
1 The designation of a Landmark Tree shall be based upon an evaluation of the tree in relation to
the criteria set forth:
I 1. The tree is demonstrated to have an association with a documented historical event,
or is located on an historic site.
1 2. The tree has unusually high aesthetic value.
1 3. The tree is of unique character because of its age, species, variety, location, or
because of the size and development of its crown, trunk, or main stem.
I 4. The tree is free of contagious diseases, pests and other serious injury.
5. The tree has a life expectancy of more than ten years.
1 6. The tree is free from structural defects which would present a hazard to the public.
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APPENDIX
1 TECHNICAL TERMS
1. Cambium — Tissue within the woody portion of trees and shrubs which gives rise to the
woody water and nutrient conducting system, and the energy substrate transport system
in trees. Cambium growth activity results in a tree's radial development, i.e. increase in
' diameter.
2. Cambial dieback — The irreparable radial or vertical interruption of a tree's cambium,
usually caused by mechanical damage, such as "skinning bark ", or from excessive heat.
1 3. Absorptive roots — A complex system of small annual roots growing outward and
rP P Y gT
predominantly upward from the system of transport roots. These roots branch four or
' more times to form fans or mats of thousands of fine, short, non -woody tips. Many of
these small roots and their multiple tips are 0.2 to 1 mm or less in diameter and less than
2 mm long. These roots constitute the major fraction of a tree's root system surface area,
and are the primary sites of absorption of water and nutrients.
4. Root collar — The point of attachment of major woody roots to the tree trunk, usually at or
1 near the ground line and associated with a marked swelling of the tree trunk.
5. Root respiration — An active process occurring throughout the absorptive root system of
' trees, and involving the consumption of oxygen and sugars with the release of energy and
carbon - dioxide. Root respiration facilitates the uptake and transport of minerals and
nutrients essential for tree survival.
6. Soil compaction — A change in soil physical properties which includes an increase in soil
weight per unit volume, and a decrease in soil pore space. Soil compaction is caused by
repeated vibrations, frequent traffic and weight. As related to tree roots, compacted soil
1 can cause physical damage, a decrease in soil oxygen levels and an increase in toxic
gases, and can be impervious to new root development.
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