HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-16 Arborist Landscape Comments Julie Hultman
From: K.D. Widin [kdwidin @comcast.net]
Sent: Wednesday, June 16, 2010 9:40 PM
To: Eric Johnson; Mark Vierling (E- mail); Chris Long (E- mail); Andrew Kegley; Jimmy Butler;
Judy Holst; Julie Hultman
Subject: White Castle Landscape Plan
OPH Staff -
I have reviewed the landscape plan dated 5/4/10 for the proposed White Castle restaurant. I have the following
comments and recommendations:
1. Plant Species: the plants chosen are generally acceptable, being hardy, disease and pest resistant. Many are native,
or near native, and are relatively low maintenance. The only change I would recommend would be to replace the non-
native Scots pine with red pine, which has better form and is longer lived.
2. Landscape Design - the plan is not very attractive. Was it designed by a landscape architect or landscape designer?
Plants are not grouped, but lined up in rows. Even though some of the medians are narrow, the shrubs could still be
grouped in beds for easier maintenance and a more attractive look. The plantings should complement the building and
site, even though green space is limited. Please submit a better design.
3. Plant Location: in the southwest corner there is a Scots pine specified for that location and it is at a corner cars will
drive around. A standard conifer will get much too large for that location and could be a problem for sight lines. A
smaller tree should be planted in that location, far enough back to not be a barrier to sight lines at maturity.
4. Planting Detail: please add the language, " remove top two rungs of any wire basket on root balls of B &B planting
stock after tree has been set in planting hole ". An inspection will be made after installation, and any material not planted
according to the approved planting detail will have to be re -done.
Please forward my comments to the developer. Contact me if you have any questions about this review.
Kathy Widin
Arborist
City of Oak Park Heights
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