HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-12-18 Arborist Landscape Plan & Tree Protection Comments Page 2 of 3
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< jholst @cityofoakparkheights.com >; "Julie Hultman"
< jhultman @cityofoakparkheights.com >; "Tom Ozzello"
< tozzello @cityofoakparkheights.com >; <michaellueth @buetowarchitects.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 18, 2008 8:27 AM
Subject: OPH City Hall Landscape Plan & Tree Protection
> OPH Staff -
> I have reviewed the site and landscape plans submitted for the
> construction of the new City Hall. I have the following comments.
> most of which I shared at the site review meeting yesterday:
> 1. The site plan shows one large oak in the SW corner of the project
> (N of the entrance road) to be removed and the other to be saved. The
> plan also shows a curb on one side and a trail on the other side, both
> within the branch spread of the tree to be preserved. Having
> excavation and construction activity within the branch spread will
> make it difficult to save the oak. In the meeting, re- routing of the
> trail was discussed. and this would help a lot. Also, any additional
> distance that the curbing can be moved away from the trunk on the NE and E
sides would be good.
> 2. The plant material chosen for the landscaping looks good. Most are
> native or improved cultivars of native plants. One exception is
> 'Little Princess' spirea, but this is an excellent landscape plant, so
> that will work for this project.
> 3. The design overall looks good, and will complement the site and
> building. The use of a rain garden near the building will not only
> help with runoff from the site, but will be a good educational piece
> for residents and others visiting City Hall.
>
> 4. I commend the use of oaks in the landscape plan (Oak Park Hts.),
> but recommend a couple things:
> a. the oaks are currently shown in rows - this would be an issue if
> one of them contracted oak wilt disease, which spreads
> by root grafting underground, as well as by insect transmission
> to fresh wounds in the spring. Alternating the oaks with
> another species would probably be better from the disease
> standpoint. I understand the design concept, and the situation of
> oak wilt in these trees is a long shot, particularly if the
> oaks are not pruned during April 1 -July 1, the most susceptible period
> for insect transmission. I mention this possibility as a plant
> pathologist, and to make the City aware of all issues; however, I
> will not reject the plan if the oaks remain as depicted.
> b. the oaks at the south end of the walkway from the entrance to
> City Hall are shown planted in an area possibly 15 ft. in
> diameter or less. due to infrastructure. This size area is too
12/29/2008
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> confining for the root system of the oaks and smaller
> stature trees, shrubs, or perennials /grasses should be planted
> in these locations instead of large stature trees such as oaks.
> c. the trail on the east side of the City Hall comes down to the
> entrance road and also will constrict the rooting area
> of oaks planted on the east side of the entrance sidewalk,
> especially the southernmost ones mentioned in 4b.
> 5. Planting Detail - this looks o.k. except that I would like to see
> points in the diagram added:
> a. twine should be removed from base of trunk and top of burlap
> pulled back before back - filling
> b. the top of the wire basket (if any) on the root ball of B &B
> material should have the top 1/3 removed before back - filling
> the planting hole
> (planting method will be checked and trees will need to be
> re- planted if 5a & 5b are not completed before planting)
> I have forwarded the Tree Protection Standards for OPH to Mike Lueth.
> These describe the requirements for tree protection during construction.
> If you have any questions regarding this review or report, please
> contact me.
> Kathy Widin
> Arborist
> City of Oak Park Heights
12/29/2008