HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-30 Arborist Comments Julie Hultman
From: K.D. Widin [kdwidin @comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, November 30, 2010 2:25 PM
To: Eric Johnson; Mark Vierling (E- mail); Chris Long (E- mail); Andrew Kegley; Jimmy Butler; Judy
Hoist; Julie Hultman; Scott Richards
Subject: AutoZone Landscape Plan Review
OPH Staff -
I have reviewed the proposed landscape plan for AutoZone and have the following comments:
Overview: The landscape plan will need to be re -done. It is not an attractive plan and changes should be made to improve
the aesthetics.
The current plan and plant list are not feasible given problems with some of the plant types as well as the restricted rooting
area of parts
of the site. It will require more diversity as well as some changes in
plant material:
1. The plant material should be diversified to improve the sustainability of the landscape in terms of tolerance to insect and
disease problems. Some plant substitutions will also be necessary per the comments below.
The bur oak will not work in most areas where it is specified due to the restricted rooting area of the medians to the
east and south of the building. Trees as large as bur oaks require more rooting area to avoid destruction of nearby
infrastructure, such as curbing and paving, and to allow the trees to attain a healthy maturity. Several bur oak could be
planted on the N side of the retention pond, if the trees can be placed at least 15 ft. from any curbing or hardscape. In the
median areas, small - statured trees such as flowering crabs, Jap. tree lilacs, or thornless cockspur hawthorns could be
planted.
The Amur maple are non - native shrubs and have become invasive in native woodland areas beyond where they have
been planted. To minimize this problem, the city discourages the planting of invasive species in new landscaped areas.
Native plants which could be substituted are "Autumn Brilliance" serviceberry or highbush cranberry viburnum.
There are too many mugho pine specified in the plant list. Half of these should be replaced with hardy juniper cultivars.
Mix another type of flowering shrub with the evergreen shrubs in the planting along the E side of the parking lot. The
"Froebel" spirea are fine where currently specified.
2. The following should be added to the "Planting Detail" for both the shrubs and trees (B &B material):
"Remove rungs from top and half -way down sides of wire basket on any B &B material before back - filling ".
Note: The accepted planting detail must be adhered to by the landscape installer.
Please have the developer submit a new landscape plan incorporating these suggestions. Please contact me if you have
any questions.
Kathy Widin
OPH Arborist
cell: 651 - 338 -3651