HomeMy WebLinkAbout2000-12-14 Arborist ReportKris Danielson
From: K.D. Widin [kwidin a@mmmpcc.org]
Sent: Thursday, December 14, 2000 7:26 AM
To: kdanielson@cityofoakparkheights.com
Subject: Pony Express (Costa) Car wash Landscape Plan
Kris -
I have reviewed the revised landscape plan for the car wash and
have the following comments:
1. The plan follows my recommendations in substance but still falls short
of being an attractive landscape plan. Shrubs were not recommended for
planting out in the turf area because of increased maintenance. I still
recommend disease - resistant flowering crabs with persistent fruit rather
than shrubs. Maintenance will be less and the design will be more
attractive. There was an attempt to group plants, and this is the right
idea; however, ornamental trees would be a better choice for those corner
areas.
2. The evergreen species chosen are acceptable; however, the juniper by
the building will be very low Mess than 1 foot) and will simply form a mat
of green on the ground. Adding some perennials such as daylilies in the
planting area by the entrance will improve the appearance of the walkway
plantings.
"Techny" arborvitae are good landscape plants but in the NW
exposure we may see some winter burning.
3. Though burning bush is a good landscape plant, I can't say the same
thing about purple leaf sand cherries. These plants have canker and winter
hardiness problems which limit their usefulness in a landscape planting.
Again, I do not recommend shrubs for planting away from the edge of the
building for this project due to maintenance issues.
4. Trees planted in turf areas will need a ring of wood chip mulch around
them, as well as lower trunk protection with black plastic drain file to
prevent lawnmower injury. We are losing many landscape trees in this and
other communities due to wounding by lawnmowers and weed whips.
Kathy Widin
Municipal Arborist
City of OPH