Forsyth County › Ordinance 98 — Tree Protection and Replacement

Draftnot the jurisdiction's published text

Forsyth County supplies this ordinance only as a track-changes draft. The text here is the ordinance as amended by that draft, which county staff are applying to live projects, but the amendment is not confirmed as adopted. Confirm with the Forsyth County Arborist before relying on any figure.

Article 3

current as of 2022-03-03currency checked manuallyview the source document ↗4 sections · full chapter

§ 3.1

Construction Standards for Tree Protection Devices

the draft cuts 12 passages here and adds 10

Tree protection devices are necessary to eliminate activities detrimental to trees including but not limited to:

Soil compaction in the critical root zone from heavy equipment, vehicular or excessive pedestrian traffic, or storage of equipment or materials;

Root disturbance due to cuts, fills or trenching;

Wounds to exposed roots, trunks or limbs;

Other activities such as chemical storage, cement truck cleaning, fire, etc.

A.Location and Types of Tree Protection Devices Tree protection devices are to be installed as shown on the Tree Protection and Replacement Plans or otherwise completely surrounding the critical root zone of all trees to be preserved. Active protection is required where tree save areas are located in proximity to construction activity. Passive protection may be used in more remote locations and in all tree protection areas not designated as tree save areas as determined by the County Arborist. Once tree protection areas are established and approved, any changes are subject to Department of Planning and Community Development review.

B.Materials

1.Active tree protection shall consist of chain link, orange laminated plastic, wooden post, rail fencing or other equivalent restraining material of at least four feet in height.

2.Passive protection shall consist of heavy mill plastic flagging of a bright color or equivalent signage on a continuous, durable restraint sufficient to delineate the bounds of any tree protection or save areas.

C.Sequence of Installation and Removal All tree protection devices shall be installed prior to any land-disturbing activity. The Department of Planning and Community Development will inspect the installation of tree protection devices. It shall be the sole responsibility of the property owner and/or developer to ensure that all tree protection devices remain in functioning condition throughout all phases of development and until all certificates of occupancy are issued, including for residential properties. In the event passive tree protection is not kept in functioning condition, active tree protection may be required throughout the project.

When fencing is required to remain in place following land-disturbing activities, it is the responsibility of the property owner and/or developer to ensure compliance. Each individual lot within a residential development may remove tree protection fencing once the certificate of occupancy for that specific lot is issued.

D.Other Specifications

1.Where clearing has been approved, trees shall be removed in a manner that does not adversely impact the trees to be preserved. Avoid felling trees into tree protection areas or disturbing roots inside the tree protection areas.

2.All erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be installed so that sediment will not accumulate within the tree protection areas.

3.All tree protection areas shall be designated as such with "Tree Protection Area"

signs posted visibly on all sides of the fenced-in area. These signs are intended to inform subcontractors of the tree protection process. Signs requesting subcontractor cooperation and compliance with the tree protection standards are recommended for Site entrances.

§ 3.2

Standards for Transplanting

the draft cuts 6 passages here and adds 9

Standards for transplanting shall be in keeping with those established in the International Society of Arboriculture publication, "Tree and Shrub Transplanting Manual" or similar publication. Reference the American Association of Nurserymen publication "American Standard for Nursery Stock" (ANSI Z60,l) for plant material quality specifications.

Reference the "Manual for Woody Landscape Plants" (Michael A. Dirr) or similar publication for information on tree species site requirements.

A.Tree planting standards.

1.Always pick a tree up by the container or root ball, never by the trunk.

2.The hole shall be a minimum of two times the width of the root ball with sloped sides, and backfilled with native soil.

3.The depth of the hole shall be no deeper than the height between the bottom of the root ball and the trunk flare.

4.Once the tree is placed in the hole, a minimum of the top one-half of the burlap and wire basket must be removed.

5.The trunk flare shall be set one to two inches above finished grade to allow for settling.

6.Backfill soil shall not be amended.

7.Stake only if necessary for stability.

§ 3.3

Standards for Pruning

the draft cuts 2 passages here and adds 3

All pruning shall be done in accordance with the most current best management practices for tree care issued by the American National Standards Institute. Tree topping is not allowed. Crown reduction pruning must be used instead.

§ 3.4

Standards for Tree Placement and Maintenance

the draft cuts 2 passages here and adds 1

Proper tree placement and appropriate maintenance are critical components to the establishment and maintenance of healthy trees. The following requirements must be met with respect to plantings conducted pursuant to the requirements of this Ordinance in order to enhance longevity of installed trees as they mature in the landscape so that they may continue to provide environmental and visual benefits.

A.In order to provide adequate growing area and soil volume for planted trees, the following minimum criteria must be observed unless trees are to be located within parking lot landscape islands or as otherwise approved by the County Arborist to improve the viability of the planted trees:

1.Minimum open soil surface area with average soil depths greater than or equal to three feet:

Overstory Trees: 400 square feet.

Understory Trees: 100 square feet.

2.Minimum setbacks from exterior of trunk to buildings:

Overstory Trees: 20 feet Understory Trees: 10 feet

3.Minimum setbacks from exterior of trunk to sidewalks, driveways, and other impervious surfaces:

Overstory Trees: 8 feet Understory Trees: 4 feet

B.In some situations, certain conditions or constraints, such as but not limited to existing or proposed utilities, infrastructure, streams, wetlands or other environmental factors, may limit the ability of a site to support the minimum number of required trees. The County Arborist may require alternative planting locations or other means of compliance for fulfilling the planting requirement for any tree required by the Tree Ordinance, Unified Development Code, or other development regulations. Such decisions shall be based on established principles and practices of arboriculture and with consideration to maximizing the tree’s health and contribution to the landscape and environment in order to fulfill the purpose and intent of this Article.

C.Plant trees in locations where limbs will not impede access for delivery or emergency vehicles.

D.Street trees should be pruned to provide at least eight feet of vertical clearance under branches to avoid hazards created by low branches. Prune tree regularly to maintain pedestrian and vehicular clearances and reduce the potential for damage or vandalism.

E.Use a variety of species to reduce susceptibility to disease.

F.Consider the use of pervious pavements and soil systems such as silva cells or structural soil to increase soil volumes and moisture penetration

G.Consider the installation of root barriers along curbs, sidewalks, and tree wells to reduce potential damage to the pavement.

H.Where possible, locate trees such that conflicts with utilities are minimized, including both underground utilities and overhead power lines.

I.Consider providing irrigation or methods to provide regular watering to tree planting areas during the plant establishment period to ensure the survival of new trees and improve overall tree health and longevity.

ARTICLE 4 ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES