HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-01-18 Arborist CommentsJulie Hultman
From: kdwidin@comcast.net
Sent: Tuesday, January 18, 2005 9:05 PM
To: Tom Ozzello; Julie Hultman; Dennis Post ler; Eric A. Johnson; Jim Butler; Scott Richards; Mark
Vier ling
Subject: Landscaping - Lowe's
OPH Staff -
I have reviewed the proposed landscape plan for the Lowe's project and have the following comments:
1. The plan is not very interesting, but, given the constraints of a large retail store of this type, it will serve the purpose of
providing some greenspace and screening of the building for the property to the southwest.
2. The plant species are, for the most part, ones which are hardy in Minnesota and relatively free of insect and disease
problems. Most have been planted on other properties in Oak Park Heights and done well. Which cultivars of red maple,
hawthorn and Viburnum are they proposing? Colorado spruce and Concolor fir are species which do not usually do well in
heavy clay soils. Both species are specified to be planted on the southwest side of the site, which will be a hot, dry
location. Both do best in our area in evenly moist, well-drained soils and in sites which are somewhat protected. These
trees will require addition of some organic matter to the native soil at planting, and also re-application of mulch and
supplemental watering during and after the 2-3 year establishment period has passed. I cannot recommend an
alternative evergreen to use on this site, as there have been problems with white spruce across Hwy. 5 by the high school
and pines would not provide as effective a screen as the spruce and fir. With appropriate and continued care, these
species should be able to survive well and provide the desired landscape function.
3. The planting detail shows rubber hose to be used around the trunk of a deciduous tree when applying staking. The
text "Notes" state that 3/4 in. nylon strapping could be used in place of the piece of rubber hose. Current practice advises
nylon strapping of 1.5 to 2 inches width be placed around the trunk of a tree during staking to prevent girdling of the
trunk.
If you have any questions regarding this review, please contact me.
Kathy Widin
OPH Arborist
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