Agenda - Parks and Recreation Commission - 02/08/2007

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PrelTmin rvPlat: Pine Prairie January 26, 2007 Page 4 of 6 installed for density transitionin.g purposes). Additional trees, preferably native species, . must be incorporated into the plan. The current plan only provides 429 square feet of canopy cover as a result of the eleven (11) proposed shrubs. Refer to the Ramsey Tree Book for acceptable and preferred species and canopy cover square footage allotments if needed. • No more than twenty-five percent (ZS%) ofthe required canopy cover square footage may consist of ornamental trees and shrubs. • The compliment of trees fulfilling the landscaping requirements shall not be less than twenty-five percent (25%) coniferous and not less than twenty-five percent (25%) deciduous. ~' • Some type of"foundation plantings should be incorporated into the plan. • ~ Headlight glare from southbound traffic on County Road 5 may be an issue for the three- unitbuilding. Staff is recommending additional landscaping, in the form of trees and tall shrubs, be installed on Outlot A to help reduce this potential nuisance. • -While City Cade only requires a minimum of two evergreens, two overstory trees, and two ornamental trees each per 100 feet of common boundary, Staffbelieves that some additional plantings should be added near the treatrnent pond to provide more of a buffer for the single family home to the west. • As noted on the planting specification, the root flare (root collaz) must be within one (1) inch of finished grade. Any trees planted too deeply will be rejected. • Only prune out dead or damaged branches. Please submit a revised landscaping plan that addresses these concerns. Density Transitioning: The prelTminarv plat proposes to construct townhomes adjacent to _ single-family homes, and requires density transitioning. City Code allows for a variety of measures to satisfy the density transitioning requirements, including landscaping, berming, and holding land in common ownership. If landscaping is proposed, then Level 1 transitioning is required. A minimum of six trees for every 100 feet of adjacent property, including two each of evergreens, overstory trees, and ornamental trees, aze required along-the western boundary of the parcel. A combination.of existing vegetation and additional glantings is proposed. However, as noted in the landscaping section, additional plantings should be added along the treatment pond, preferably with species native to the area. Tree Preservation: A tree inventory and preservation plan, dated December 20, 2006, has been submitted and is generally acceptable. The site is dominated by Siberian Elm and Scotch and Red Pine and there does not appear to be any truly specimen trees or stands of trees on site. The following comments are offered regarding the tree preservation plan: • An effort should be made to preserve the row of shnzbs and undergrowth vegetation along the western border. They provide an immediate buffer to the existing homes to the west, while any new plantings will take time to provide the same benefits. • Siberian Elms are non-native, undesirable, invasive trees. Preservation of this species is neither warranted nor encouraged. • Tree save fencing is required around all trees that are to be preserved. Fencing must be installed at the dripline of trees or groups of trees and must be shown on both the tree 28