§ 19.12. Tree Preservation Standards During Construction.

In addition to proper utilization of tree protection devices (see section 19.12-1), the following measures are detrimental to the long term health and survivability of trees.

Prevention of the following:

1.

The improper use of machinery on the trees;

2.

The storage of materials in or around the trees;

3.

Altering the natural grade to expose the roots or to cover the tree's root system with more than four inches of soil;

4.

Causing the infection or infestation of the tree by pests, fungus or harmful bacteria;

5.

Pruning judged to be excessive by the arborist or not in accordance with the standard set forth by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA);

6.

Paving with concrete, asphalt or other impervious surface within such proximity as to be harmful to the tree or its root system; and

7.

Application of an herbicide, including pre-emergent herbicides, defoliant, to any tree without first obtaining a permit;

8.

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

9.

Root disturbance due to cuts, fills or trenching;

10.

Wounds to exposed roots, trunks or limbs;

11.

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

19.12-1 Location and Types of Tree Protection Devices. Tree protection devices are to be installed completely surrounding the critical root zone of all trees or group of trees to be preserved. Active protection (see section 19.12-2a) is required where tree save areas are located along the limits of disturbance. Passive protection (see section 19.12-2b) may be used in more remote tree save areas as determined by the arborist. Once tree save areas are established and approved, any changes are subject to review and written approval by the arborist.

19.12-2 Materials.

a.

Active Tree Protection shall consist of chain link, orange laminated plastic, wooden post, rail fencing or other equivalent restraining material.

b.

Passive Tree Protection shall consist of heavy (as determined by arborist) 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. See appendix E.

19.12-3 Sequence of Installation and Removal. All tree protection devices shall be installed prior to any land disturbing activity. The arborist 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 shall not be removed until final landscaping is installed. In the event passive tree protection is not kept in functioning condition, active tree protection may be required throughout the project.

19.12-4 Encroachment. If encroachment into a tree save area occurs, that causes irreparable damage to the trees, the tree preservation and replacement plan shall be revised to compensate for the loss. Under no circumstances shall the developer be relieved of responsibility for compliance with the provisions of this ordinance, nor shall plan revision activities stop the county from instituting action for violation of this ordinance.

19.12-5 Other Specifications. Where clearing has been approved, trees shall be removed in a manner that does not physically impact the trees to be preserved. Felling trees into tree save areas or disturbing roots inside the tree save areas shall be treated as a violation and shall be punishable in accordance with this ordinance. All erosion and sedimentation control measures shall be installed so that sediment will not accumulate within the tree save area. 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.