Islamorada, Village of Islands LANDSCAPE MANUAL

More documents

Recommendations

Info

The Director of Planning and Development Services may reduce the height requirement 50 percent for applicants using rare native plant species (i.e., listed as Threatened, Endangered, or Regionally Important). Do I have to use native vegetation? Seventy-five (75) percent of the required vegetation must be native to the Florida Keys as listed in this manual. The applicant may determine the variety and species of required vegetation unless otherwise specified by the Director of Planning and Development Services. Existing developments are not required to meet the required 75% native species ratio for required landscaping if mature non-invasive vegetation exists on the parcel sufficient to meet the standards of Article VII, Division 4 of the LDR. Plant species identified as a Category I or II invasive exotic species shall not be planted (See list below). Can I use the same species for all of my required vegetation? No one species shall exceed 50 percent, per category (e.g., canopy, understory, shrub), of the vegetation required. Neither existing vegetation nor vegetation in excess of the minimum number required shall be subject to this limitation. PRUNING AND TREE REMOVAL STANDARDS Is a permit required for minor pruning or the removal of dead portions of a tree, such as palm fronds? The removal of diseased or dead portions (such as palm fronds) of a tree or the removal of an interfering, obstructing or weak branch such that the tree will not be a threat to public safety or to adjacent property, does not require a permit. Pruning to reduce or eliminate interference with or obstruction of streetlights, stop signs or traffic signals is an example of an allowed pruning activity. All pruning shall adhere to practices and principles set by the National Arborists Association. Is a permit required for major pruning or tree removal? Major pruning is defined as partial removal of a tree for any purpose other than detailed above for minor pruning. A development permit is required for major pruning or tree removal as follows: Removal or major pruning of any native or non-invasive tree greater than the listed dbh below, requires a development permit. Class I Undisturbed Wetlands – any tree Mangrove wetlands and submerged lands – any tree Saltmarsh and/or buttonwood association wetlands – 3½" dbh High quality tropical hardwood hammock - 3½" dbh Moderate quality tropical hardwood hammock - 3½" dbh Low quality tropical hardwood hammock - 3½" dbh Beach or berm - 3½" dbh Class II Disturbed beach or berm – 6” dbh Disturbed with salt marsh and/or buttonwood association wetlands - 6" dbh Disturbed with tropical hardwood hammock - 6" dbh Class III Distubed - 6" dbh Disturbed with exotics - 6" dbh 12
All specimen and champion trees shall be preserved in their natural condition. Specimen tree means any tree with a diameter at breast height that is 75% of the record tree of the same species for the state. Champion tree means any tree listed by the National Register for Big Trees as the record tree for the state. Non-native palms, such as coconut, do not require a permit for relocation or removal provided they are not part of any required landscaping. Removal of any vegetation in required open space areas, buffer yards, hammocks, wetlands, or beach berm habitats require a development permit subject to Article VII, Division 4 of the LDR. If you do not know how to identify these habitats please call Planning and Development Services and a staff member will assist you. The removal of up to five (5) invasive exotic trees or shrubs within a 90-day period does not require a development permit. Removal of more than five (5) invasive plant species or removal that would result in clearing and grubbing shall require a development permit and shall be accompanied by a vegetation survey unless waived or limited by the Director of Planning and Development Services. In hammock areas, a certified arborist or County licensed landscaper shall be used for the removal or planting of more than five trees. Are there any standards that must be met when pruning trees? All pruning must comply with the practices and principles set by the National Arborists Association and trees must be pruned in accordance with the American National Standards Institute guidelines. When trimming large trees property owners are encouraged to secure the services of a certified arborist or County licensed landscaper. These guidelines include, but are not limited to: All trees shall be trimmed in a manner to maintain the natural form and balance of the tree. No tree shall be reduced by more than one-third of its height and/or head in any one trimming. No trees are to be topped without a permit, and then only in cases to alleviate a hazardous condition. When topping is necessary, attention shall be given to reshaping the trees to maintain a typical tree form for the species. When it is necessary to reduce limb lengths, cut the limb in sections (drop crotch) as much as possible and avoid cutting back the support limbs to laterals less than one-third the diameter of the supporting limbs. When thinning out dense tree canopies, care shall be taken to get the right effect without causing large openings sufficient to cause sunscald problems. Generally, not more than one-third of the total leaf area should be removed from each tree. All cuts shall be made sufficiently close to the trunk or parent limb, without cuffing into the branch collar or leaving a protruding stub, so that closure can readily start under normal conditions. Clean cuts shall be made at all times. It is necessary to precut branches too heavy to handle to prevent splitting or peeling the bark. Where necessary, to prevent tree or property damage, branches shall be lowered to the ground by proper ropes or equipment. Any pruning performed without conformance to the American National Standards Institute as provided above shall be subject to enforcement by the Village. All landscape contractors who provide services in the Village must hold a valid occupational license in Monroe County. Property owners are encouraged to use certified arborists or County licensed landscapers for tree trimming and/or removal as these individuals have the training and expertise to achieve the desired result without damaging the tree. Utility companies shall comply with the Hazard Pruning Standards and the Crown Reduction Standards of the American National Standards Institute, as may be amended from time to time. 13
Page 1 and 2: Islamorada, Village of Islands LAND
Page 3 and 4: INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE Why was th
Page 5 and 6: Is a permit required to remove inva
Page 7 and 8: Class B Buffers Class C Buffers Wid
Page 9 and 10: Class F Buffers Class G Buffers Wid
Page 11: Street Trees All street fronts not
Page 15 and 16: Soldierwood Colubrina elliptica E S
Page 17 and 18: Shrubs (Including Palms) A bushy, w
Page 19 and 20: Purple thistle Cirsium horridulusm
Page 21 and 22: Florida privet Forestiera segregata
Page 23 and 24: Category II - Invasive exotics that
Page 25: Any questions regarding this manual

Islamorada, Village of Islands LANDSCAPE MANUAL

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?