HomeMy WebLinkAboutBlackwell Park Tree Preservation Plan
1 Blackwell Park Tree Preservation Plan During the site and home construction phases of the Blackwell Park development, the Developer and Builder shall employ and follow the standards
and best management practices (BMPs) published by the City of Carmel’s Department of Community Services Urban Forestry Section for tree protection. The Developer shall endeavor to preserve
existing established trees at the edge of road right-of-ways, common areas, and on a lot-by-lot basis within platted lots through the Site Plan and Design Review (SDR) process that is
required before Improvement Location Permits will be issued by the Carmel Department of Community Services. The following BMPs and site specific strategies will be used during construction
on the site: Tree Expert. The Developer shall engage a Certified Arborist to perform the following work prior to site construction: a) Determine which trees are viable based on proximity
to work. b) Recommend procedures to compensate for loss of roots (if any) and perform initial pruning of branches and stimulation of root growth where removed. c) Inspect all trees at
the completion of construction and perform followup care for any damage incurred. Site Construction. The Developer, the Site Contractor, a Certified Arborist, and the Builder shall meet
on the site to discuss all aspects of tree protection and maintenance prior to the commencement of any work. a) Consideration shall be given when installing utility laterals to avoid
preserved trees. b) The Developer shall work in conjunction with the city engineer to attempt to create a storm water storage facility in the common area that considers preservation
of existing groupings of trees. Tree Preservation Objectives for SDR. The builder/developer, in conjunction with the Certified Arborist, shall review each lot prior to filing the SDR
application and create a site landscape plan labeling each substantial tree or groupings of trees that shall be preserved. The builder will use the BMP’s outlined in this document during
home construction for trees indicated for preservation on the individual lots. The following additional strategies will be implemented: a) Place driveways, sidewalks, patios, and garages
in consideration of existing trees. b) Place house on lot based on location of individual substantial trees or groupings of trees.
2 Protective Fencing. Protective fencing shall be installed to clearly define trees that have been indicated for preservation by the Arborist. Prior to commencing with clearing and grubbing
or erosion and sediment control, install temporary orange construction fence around areas to be left undisturbed. Temporary orange construction fence shall encompass any significant
tree to be saved. Wash-Out Area. Any “wash-out” area for trucks shall be located away from preserved trees, as approved by the Engineer. Tree Roots. The Developer shall protect tree
root systems throughout the life of the project. Tree root systems shall be protected from smothering, flooding, excessive wetting resulting from dewatering operations, off-site runoff,
spillage, and drainage of solutions containing materials that could be hazardous to tree roots. Tree Removal and Damaged Trees. The Developer shall not remove any tree that is designated
for preservation. The Developer shall avoid the following: a) Placing backfill in protected areas. b) Felling trees into protected areas. c) Driving construction equipment into or through
protected areas. d) Burning in or in close proximity to protected areas. e) Stacking or storing supplies in protected areas. f) Conducting unauthorized trenching operation in the vicinity
of tree. Work Near Preserved Trees: Root Pruning. Developer shall use a trenching machine, vibratory knife, or rock saw to a depth of 18 in. along the outside limits of disturbance,
as shown in the Landscape Plan, prior to clearing or grubbing. When a trenching machine is used, the trench shall be immediately backfilled. This root pruning operation shall occur concurrently
with tree pruning and tree fertilization. Some trees that are immediately adjacent to the root pruning may be affected adversely due to their close proximity to the excavation. Removal
of any of these additional trees or any of their limbs shall require the concurrence of the Certified Arborist, the Developer, and the City of Carmel’s Urban Forester. Upon satisfactory
completion of these activities, protective fencing shall be installed along the outside edge of the trench line. Replacing Damaged Trees. Existing trees that have been designated to
remain but are damaged beyond repair due to construction operations or root pruning shall be removed and replaced. Replacement trees shall be the same genus, species, and variety as
the removed tree so long as the tree is a native species. The replacement trees shall have a minimum caliper of 3 in.
3 Repairing Tree Limbs, Branches, and Trunks. The Developer shall repair limbs and branches that have been damaged by construction operations as determined by the Certified Arborist.
Repairing shall be accomplished by cutting damaged limbs and branches to healthy wood in conformance with best management practices. Pruning Trees. All pruning shall be in conformance
with the current edition of the National Arborist Association Standard for Pruning Shade Trees. All pruning tools and methods employed shall be in conformance with accepted arboricultural
practices performed by competent personnel under the direct supervision of the Certified Arborist. Safety ropes shall be used to climb trees to be pruned. Climbing spurs are prohibited.
Existing injuries to bark, trunks, and limbs as designated by the Certified Arborist, shall be repaired by properly cutting, smoothing the wood if necessary, tracing the bark to the
proper shape to ensure rapid healing, and using only approved tools, materials and methods. All pruned material shall be removed and disposed of by means acceptable to the Certified
Arborist. Removal and Clean-up. Removal. After construction has been completed, protective fencing and all surplus construction material shall be removed from the site in a manner that
will not cause damage to preserved trees. Clean-up. a) The Developer shall clean up all work areas. b) Grades shall be restored, stabilized, and blended into the adjacent areas. c) The
Developer shall haul away all debris, excess dirt and construction materials and dispose of off-site. d) The Developer shall seed all disturbed areas according to the instructions from
the Certified Arborist. e) The Developer shall guard and protect the work to prevent vandal damage.