2019-Lexington Tree Committee Recommendations for Tree Planting

Browse Search

Lexington Tree Committee Recommendations for Tree Planting A collaborative effort of the Tree Committee and Department of Public Works Approved December 12,2019 The intent of this document is to promote a set of best practices for the town tree-planting program, and for the monitoring,maintenance and reporting of those trees planted. In any situation possible,there is a preference for planting large native shade trees. TREE SITING • The Tree Warden/ Forestry Division is responsible for o maintaining and updating a list of potential planting sites,including locations where trees have been removed; o identifying planting locations for each season's planting program; o visiting sites and managing the setback planting program; o managing contractors engaged to plant trees; o maintaining a list of planting sites to include size, species,planting date,etc.to be updated and shared with the Tree Committee after the spring/fall plantings and integrated into the Tree Inventory. • The Tree Warden/Forestry Division shall manage relations with homeowners for both public trees planted in the right of way and for trees planted in the setbacks of private property. This will include o Responding to homeowner requests for setback trees to be planted on their property. o Notifying homeowners that a tree will be planted in the public right of way in front of their homes. Homeowners have significant input,with ultimate authority for trees in the public right of way resting with the Tree Warden. • There shall be a bias toward planting even if the physical site is less than ideal. Where there is a need for more shade and planting conditions are not ideal but are feasible,there shall be a willingness to experiment,including the following considerations: o New or replacement trees shall be planted at or near the site of removed trees. o The minimum size planting well will be 3 feet by 6 feet, or 16 square feet with a minimum width of 3 feet. Tree wells less than this may be evaluated on a site-by-site basis. o The tree well should be as wide as possible,so long as minimal ADA requirements for the adjoining sidewalk are met. Where possible,pavement shall be cut to extend the size of the tree well. Tree grates or other technologies can be used to provide walking surfaces while allowing access for snow removal. o Trees of appropriate size and species may be planted under wires. o Minimum distances of the planting site from other trees,underground utilities,fire hydrants, driveways,parking meters,utility poles,etc. should follow industry standards. Less than ideal distances will be evaluated on a site-by- site basis. See Appendix for guidelines. 1