Prepared in Accordance with New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance Section 5.3, Tree Retention and Section 5.4, Landscaping and Buffering TREE AND MATERIALS FOR LANDSCAPING NHC Planning & Land Use, November 2020

CONTENTS

Types of Regulated Trees ...... 2 Documented Trees ...... 2 Significant Trees ...... 2 Specimen Trees ...... 2 Measuring Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) ...... 3 Protection of Existing Trees During Construction ...... 4 Type A: Opaque Buffer, Vegetation Only (Option 1) ...... 5 Type A: Opaque Buffer, Combination Berm and Vegetation (Option 2) ...... 7 Type A: Opaque Buffer, Combination Fencing and Vegetation (Option 3) ...... 8 Permeable Fencing ...... 8 Solid Fencing ...... 8 Type B: Aesthetic Buffer, Vegetation Only (Option 1) ...... 9 Type B: Aesthetic Buffer, Combination Fencing and Vegetation (Option 2) ...... 9 Sight Angles at Road Intersections ...... 10 Example of Commercial Use with Buffer Strips ...... 11 Example of Parking Lot Perimeters and Interiors ...... 12 Parking Lot Perimeter Planting Strips ...... 13 Recommended Buffer and Screening Materials ...... 14 Recommended Landscaping Materials ...... 16 Common Examples of Native ...... Error! Bookmark not defined. Common Examples of Invasive Species ...... 0

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TYPES OF REGULATED TREES

Click on type/species name for more information.

DOCUMENTED TREES

• Must be identified on tree inventory • Tree removal permit required

Tree Types/Species Minimum Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

Dogwoods and American Hollies 4 inches

Long Leaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald 8 inches Cypress, and Hardwoods

Other Conifers 12 inches

SIGNIFICANT TREES

• Must be identified on tree inventory • Tree removal permit required • Must be retained or mitigated

Tree Types/Species Minimum Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

Dogwoods, American Hollies, Magnolias, 8 inches Native Flowering Trees Long Leaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald 18 inches Cypress, and Hardwoods

Other Conifers 24 inches

SPECIMEN TREES

• Must be identified on tree inventory • Cannot be removed without a variance • If removed without a permit, the penalty is 2x the mitigation fee • If removed with variance, mitigation required

Tree Types/Species Minimum Diameter at Breast Height (DBH)

Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, Live 36 inches

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MEASURING DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH)

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PROTECTION OF EXISTING TREES DURING CONSTRUCTION

NOTE: If a protected tree is substantially damaged or destroyed or dies within 3 years after completion of construction, then replacement trees shall be planted on the site with a total diameter equal to twice the diameter of the protected tree. (For instance, if a 16” DBH tree is damaged, eight 4” trees or sixteen 2” would be required for replacement.) Page 4 of 29

TREE REMOVAL MITIGATION WORKSHEET

The Tree Mitigation Worksheet below is used to calculate the requirements as stated in Section 5.3 Tree Retention of the New Hanover County Unified Development Ordinance. A downloadable excel version of the spreadsheet can be found HERE. Significant Trees To Be Removed Aggregate Inches Tree Type Minimum DBH at DBH Dogwood, Magnolias, Native Flowering Trees, 8 inches Enter Number  and American Hollies Add the aggregate caliper inches Long Leaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, 18 inches Enter Number  of these trees being removed. and Hardwoods Other Conifers 24 Inches Enter Number  The removal of any specimen tree is prohibited unless exempt Specimen Trees To Be Removed  according to Section 10.3.11. Variance – Zoning and Subdivision. Aggregate Inches Tree Type Minimum DBH at DBH Live Oak 36 inches Enter Number  Add the aggregate caliper inches Pond Cypress 36 inches Enter Number  of these trees being removed. Bald Cypress 36 inches Enter Number 

Required Mitigation Inches for Significant Trees: Auto Calculated  Required Mitigation Inches for Specimen Trees: Auto Calculated  These are calculated based on the caliper inches entered above. Total Required Mitigation Inches: Auto Calculated 

Native Trees To Be Retained * Counts towards removed specimen and significant trees Aggregate Inches Tree Type DBH at DBH Unregulated Trees 2 inches (min) Enter Number  Dogwoods and American Hollies 4-7 inches Enter Number  Add the aggregate caliper inches Long Leaf Pine, Pond Cypress, Bald Cypress, 8-17 inches Enter Number  of these trees being retained. and Hardwoods Other Native Confiers 12-23 inches Enter Number  Trees Growing in Mature Native Forest Aggregate Inches Enter Number  Must be determined by a Certified Arborist Trees Growing in Stands or Natural Clusters Aggregate Inches Enter Number  or NC Licensed Forester Non-Native Trees To Be Retained * Counts towards removed significant trees Aggregate Inches Tree Type DBH at DBH Unregulated Trees 2 inches (min) Enter Number  Add the aggregate caliper inches Non-Native Hardwoods 8-17 inches Enter Number  of these trees being retained. Non-Native Confiers 12-23 inches Enter Number  Trees Growing in Stands or Clusters Aggregate Inches Enter Number  Must be determined by a Certified Arborist or NC Licensed Forester

Total Native Inches: Auto Calculated  Total Non-Native Inches: Auto Calculated  These are calculated based on the caliper inches entered above. Total Retained Inches: Auto Calculated 

Credit Allocation Total Native Inches Retained: Auto Calculated  These are calculated based on the caliper inches entered above. Total Non-Native Inches Retained: Auto Calculated 

Native Inches Non-Native Inches Please allocate the number of inches from the inches retained above Significant Tree Removal Mitigation: Enter Number Enter Number  that will be credited toward significant or specimen tree mitigation. Native inches retained count as 1.5 mitigation inches for significant Specimen Tree Removal Mitigation: Enter Number N/A  trees and 1 mitigation inch for specimen trees. Non-native inches count as 1 mitigation inch for significant trees and do not count Remaining retained inches: Auto Calculated Auto Calculated toward specimen tree mitigation.

Required Significant Tree Mitigation Inches: Auto Calculated Provided Mitigation Inches: Auto Calculated Remaining: Auto Calculated  Negative number indicates no additional plantings are required for mitigation.

Required Specimen Trees Mitigation Inches: Auto Calculated Provided Mitigation Inches: Auto Calculated Remaining: Auto Calculated  Negative number indicates no additional plantings are required for mitigation.

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TYPE A: OPAQUE BUFFER, VEGETATION ONLY (OPTION 1)

Planted materials shall provide approximately full opacity within one year of planting. See Screening Materials section for planting guidelines to achieve this level of opacity.

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TYPE A: OPAQUE BUFFER, COMBINATION BERM AND VEGETATION (OPTION 2)

Planted materials shall provide approximately full opacity to a height of 6 feet within one year of planting. See Screening Materials section for planting guidelines to achieve this level of opacity.

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TYPE A: OPAQUE BUFFER, COMBINATION FENCING AND VEGETATION (OPTION 3)

PERMEABLE FENCING

If permeable fencing is used, planted materials shall provide approximately full opacity within one year of planting. See Screening Materials section for planting guidelines to achieve this level of opacity. Required fencing materials shall be located between the fence and the common property line.

SOLID FENCING

If solid fencing is used, planted material shall provide a minimum of approximately 50 percent visual opacity at the time of initial planting. See Screening Materials section for planting guidelines to achieve this level of opacity. Vegetation shall be planted between the fence and the nonresidential or attached structure if the required buffer is 15 ft. or less in width. In all other cases, required planted materials shall be located between the fence and the common property line.

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TYPE B: AESTHETIC BUFFER, VEGETATION ONLY (OPTION 1)

Planted materials shall provide approximately 50 percent opacity within one year of planting. See Screening Materials section for planting guidelines to achieve this level of opacity.

Planted material shall consist of a minimum of two plant species that will result in different heights at maturity.

TYPE B: AESTHETIC BUFFER, COMBINATION FENCING AND VEGETATION (OPTION 2)

Planted materials, if used, shall provide approximately 50% opacity within one year of planting. See Screening Materials section for planting guidelines to achieve this level of opacity.

Chain link or wire fencing cannot be used to meet the fencing requirement.

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SIGHT ANGLES AT ROAD INTERSECTIONS OVERHEAD VIEW

CROSS SECTION

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EXAMPLE OF COMMERCIAL USE WITH BUFFER STRIPS

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EXAMPLE OF PARKING LOT PERIMETERS AND INTERIORS

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PARKING LOT PERIMETER PLANTING STRIPS

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EXAMPLE BUFFER AND SCREENING MATERIALS

The following materials are examples and that would meet the requirements as described in Section 5.4 LANDSCAPING AND BUFFERS of the Unified Development ordinance and does not include every species possible. Please consult a licensed landscape architect or contact the NC Cooperative extension for additional materials that could be used. Maximum Plant Spacing (Apart) At For One Row For Two-Tree Maturity Rows Average 100% 50% 100% 50% Height (H) Growth Name Spread (S) Opacity Opacity Opacity Opacity Rate Notes Cleyera japonica needs to be pruned, 8’-10’ (H) Japanese Cleyera 3’ 8’ 3.3’ 16’ M intolerant of wet sites, 6’ (S) tolerates full shade Ilex cornuta 8’-10’ (H) tolerates salt and 10’ 26.7’ 12.7’ 53.3’ R Chinese Holy 20’ (S) drought Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens' 15’-20’ (H) 5’ 13.3’ 6’ 26.7’ R drought tolerant Nellie R. Stevens 10’ (S) Holly Ilex vomitoria 10’-15’ (H) tolerates salt and heavy 4.5’ 12’ 5.3’ 24’ M Yaupon Holly 9’ (S) pruning Illicium anisatum 10’-12’ (H) Japanese Anise- 4.5’ 12’ 5.3’ 24’ M tolerates heavy share 9’ (S) tree Myrica cerifera 10’-15’ (H) Southern 4.5’ 12’ 5.3’ 24’ M tolerates salt, wet sites 9’ (S) Waxmyrtle Nerium oleander tolerates poor soils, salt, 10’-12’ (H) Oleander 4’ 10.7’ 4.7’ 21.3’ R heat & pollution - 8’ (S) poisonous Osmanthus x fortunei 15’-20’ (H) needs room, tolerates 6.5’ 17.3 8’ 34.7’ M Fortunes 13’ (S) salt Osmanthus 10’-12’ (H) tolerates sandy soil & 6’ 16’ 7.3’ 32’ S Japanese 12’ (S) hot, dry sites Pittosporum Podocarpus macrophyllus 10’-15’ (H) tolerates salt, best in full 2.5’ 6.7’ 2.7’ 13.3’ S Chinese 5’ (S) sun Podocarpus Notes: 1. All listed for screening material are evergreen 2. A variety of plant materials should be used for screening including ornamental or flowing plants which are encouraged. 3. Growth rate approximations in height S = Slow – 1’ per year; M = Moderate – 1’ to 2’ per year; R = Rapid – above 2’ per year.

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EXAMPLE BUFFER AND SCREENING MATERIALS

Trees Maximum Plant Spacing (Apart) At Maturity For Two-Tree Rows Average Height (H) 100% 50% Growth Name Spread (S) Opacity Opacity Rate Notes X Hesperotropsis leylandii 60’-70’ (H) 16’ 68’ R withstands heavy pruning Leyland Cypress 17’ (S) Ilex cassine 15’-25’ (H) 11’ 48’ M tolerates salt, wet sites Dahoon Holly 12’ (S) Ilex latifolia 20’-30’ (H) 11’ 48’ M drought tolerant, avoid full Lusterleaf holly 12’ (S) sun and winds Juniperus virginiana 30’-40’ (H) 15’ 64’ M tolerates salt, poor soils Eastern Redcedar 16’ (S) Ilex opaca ‘Savannah’ 20’-30’ (H) 17’ 72’ S tolerates air pollution, Savannah American Holly 18’ (S) avoid dry windy sites Magnolia grandiflora 50’-60’ (H) 34’ 140’ M needs room, tolerates wet Southern Magnolia 35’ (S) sites Prunus caroliniana 20’-30’ (H) 19’ 80’ R tolerates heavy pruning Carolina Cherrylaurel 20’ (S) Notes: 1. All plants listed for screening material are evergreen 2. A variety of plant materials should be used for screening including ornamental or flowing plants which are encouraged. 3. All trees used shall be no less than 3’ in height at planting. Table 5.4.4.D Transitional Buffer Types and Specifications 4. Growth rate approximations in height S = Slow – 1’ per year; M = Moderate – 1’ to 2’ per year; R = Rapid – above 2’ per year

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EXAMPLE LANDSCAPING MATERIALS

Trees Quercus nigra Acer saccharum subsp. Floridanum Water Oak Southern Sugar Maple Quercus phellos Acer rubrum Willow Oak Red Maple Quercus virginiana Amelanchier Canadensis Live Oak Shadblow Serviceberry Ground Cover Betula nigra Ajuga reptans River Birch Ajuga, Bugleweed Cercis Canadensis Cotoneaster dammeri Redbud Bearberry Contoneaster Cornus florida Hypericum calycinum Dogwood St. John’s Wort, Aaron’s Beard Diospyros virginiana Juniperus conferta Common Persimmon Shore Juniper Eriobotrya japonica Juniperus horizontalis Japanese Medlar/Loquat Creeping Juniper Ficus carica Liriope muscari Common Fig Liriope Ginkgo biloba Ophiopogon japonicus Ginkgo Mondo Grass/Dwarf Lilyturf Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis Santolina chamaecyparissus Thornless Honeylocust Cotton Lavender Lagerstroemia indica Teucrium chamaedrys Crapemyrtle Wall Germander Liquidambar styraciflua American Sweet Gum Magnolia x soulangeana Saucer Magnolia Myrica cerifera Bayberry Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood, Sorrel Tree Pinus palustris Long-Leaf Pine Pinus thunbergii Black Pine Prunus serrulata Japanese Cherry Prunus x yedoensis Yoshino Cherry Quercus alba White Oak Quercus falcata Southern Red Oak Quercus laurifolia Laurel Oak

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COMMON EXAMPLES OF NATIVE SPECIES

Canopy Trees Shrubs Fagus grandifolia Ilex vomitoria American beech Yaupon Holly Myrica cerifera Acer rubrum Southern Waxmyrtle Red Maple Fothergilla gardenii Pinus taeda Loblolly pine Dwarf fothergilla Betula nigra Callicarpa americana American beautyberry River Birch Cephalanthus occidentalis Diospyros virginiana Buttonbush Common Persimmon Clethra alnifolia Nyssa sylvatica Blackgum Sweet pepperbush Pinus palustris Ilex glabra Inkberry Long-Leaf Pine Ilex verticillata Quercus alba Winterberry White Oak Quercus falcata Itea virginica Virginia sweetspire Southern Red Oak Viburnum dentatum Quercus laurifolia Arrowwood Laurel Oak Viburnum nudum Quercus nigra Water Oak Possumhaw Quercus phellos Groundcover Willow Oak Carex glaucescens Quercus virginiana Southern waxy sedge Live Oak Carex grayi Understory Trees Gray’s sedge Chasmanthium latifolium Cercis Canadensis Redbud River Oxydendrum arboreum Muhlenbergia capillaris Pink muhly grass Sourwood, Sorrel Tree Panicum virgatum Cornus florida Switchgrass Dogwood Schizachyrium scoparium Ilex opaca American Holly Little bluestem Aesculus pavia Mitchella repens Partridgeberry Red Buckeye Vaccinium crassifolium Amelanchier arborea Creeping blueberry Downy Serviceberry Carpinus caroliniana Ironwood Halesia carolina Carolina Silverbell

COMMON EXAMPLES OF INVASIVE SPECIES

Trees Vines Ailanthus altissima Ampelopsis brevipedunculata Porcelain-berry Tree-of-Heaven Celastrus orbiculatus Albizia julibrissin Oriental Bittersweet Mimosa Clematis terniflora Melia azedarach Chinaberry Sweet Autumn Virginsbower Euonymus fortunei Paulownia tomentosa Winter Creeper Princess Tree Hedera helix Pyrus calleryana Callery 'Bradford' Pear English Ivy Sapium sebiferum Ipomoea quamoclit Cypressvine Morningglory Chinese Tallow Tree Lonicera japonica Shrubs Japanese Honeysuckle Berberis thunbergii Pueraria lobata Japanese Barberry Kudzu umbellata Wisteria sinensis Autumn Olive Chinese Wisteria Elaeagnus angustifolia Wisteria floribunda Russian Olive Japanese Wisteria Elaeagnus pungens Thorny Olive Lespedeza bicolor Bicolor Lespedeza Ligustrum japonicum Japanese Privet Ligustrum sinense Chinese Privet Ligustrum vulgare Common Privet Berberis bealei Oregon Grape Rosa multiflora Multiflora Rose

APPENDIX

The following section is to serve as a guide to promote the health and longevity of trees, shrubs and other vegetation used for various purposes, including requirements as described in the Unified Development Ordinance. Examples and recommendations are from The New Hanover County Cooperative Extension, the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), and the Urban Tree Foundation. All figures in this appendix have been provided by the Urban Tree Foundation and have been updated to reflect common planting practices used in New Hanover County.

The best practices and guidelines that follow are recommendations to promote proper tree and plant installation and maintenance in order to reduce premature failure, resist disease, and prevent stunted growth. This is especially important, for example, with vegetation used in buffer yards or as screening requirements as stated in Section 5.4.: Landscaping and Buffering of the Unified Development Ordinance. Correct planting and maintenance can prevent the replacement of vegetation as required by the New Hanover County Unified Development Section 5.4.8 Maintenance, should vegetation become damaged, diseased, or di e.

For additional information or for situations not presented here, please contact the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension or the North Carolina Department of Agriculture.

SOIL PREPARATION

The quality of soil and its preparation will directly affect the health, longevity, and rate of growth of plants and trees. Not all trees and plants thrive in similar soils; therefore it is imperative that soils are appropriate for the proposed species. Soils can be amended to the desired vegetation. A good first step in the planting process is to conduct a soil analysis. Proper soil preparation can help control moisture, reduce the cost of irrigation, help with drainage (which can mitigate stormwater runoff), and promote nutrient holding that encourages strong root development. Soil tests can be conducted through the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension or the North Carolina Department of Agriculture. Soil analyses are sent to NC State University and can help determine if soil amendments are necessary. Soil preparations may include:

• Change/Balance soil pH o It is best to plant vegetation adapted to existing soil pH then change the pH. o High alkaline soils cannot be permanently corrected by practical means. o Lime can raise pH. o Ammonium sulfate, sulfur, aluminum sulfate, and sulfuric acid can be used to lower pH. • Improve drainage o Direct water using berms or swales. o Divert water away from existing trees in order to not “flood them”. o Use perforated pipe under areas where gravel is used to improve drainage. • Improve compacted soils o Use a coring machine to help air and water infiltrate areas. o Trench around plantings (vertical mulching) and then backfill with soil, compost or mulch. o Top dressing with organic mulch or compost. • Adding fill o Mix existing soil with any new top fill soil brought onto site. o Use soil with a similar texture or material with organic compost. o Use plants with high wet site tolerances in low areas of the site. • Other Considerations o Over fertilizing ▪ Soil analysis can help prevent over fertilizing. ▪ Use organic fertilizers instead of synthetic fertilizer. ▪ Follow fertilizing instructions per the species planted. ▪ When in doubt consult an arborist, landscape professional or Master Gardener with NHC Cooperative Extension. o Salt content ▪ Soils high in sodium pose a risk to plant health. ▪ Gypsum or sulfur can be used to modify the soil. ▪ Many synthetic fertilizers can add salt. ▪ Salt can be leached naturally with excess water.

TREE PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Along with soil preparation, following proper planting techniques and maintenance will ensure healthy, durable vegetation, and increase the rate of growth. The following recommendations apply to in- ground and container plantings. General practices include:

• The planting hole should be a minimum of twice as wide as the root ball. • The depth of the planting hole should be approximately two inches less than the bottom of the root system. Do not dig deeper than the root ball. • Remove any strapping, wire, plastic, or paper and remove the top half of any burlap, fabric or wire basket from the root ball. • Loosen, cut, or remove roots that have become pot bound (compacted, matted, kinked, or are circled around the root ball). • Fill 1/3 of the hole and pack soil around the base of the root ball. • Instead of compacting soil with a shovel or foot, use water to settle the soil by adding a layer of soil and then watering. Repeat with a layer of soil and watering until the hole has been completely backfilled. • Mulch to a depth of 2-3 inches.

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The figure below includes some general guidelines for planting in existing soil.

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STAKING

In certain situations, staking may be necessary to provide trees additional support in order to remain upright and secure until the root system has developed anchoring the tree to the ground. Traditional staking utilizes ropes or wires wrapped around the tree and secured to posts. Typically, this support style is removed after the first year. A preferred method by arborists and tree advocates alike and is the “staple” technique. The staple technique requires four 2x2 piece of wood to be driven into the ground vertically at the edge of the root ball. Two horizontal 2x2 pieces of wood are connected to the vertical pieces creating U-shape or “staple”. CLICK HERE to view the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension video on root ball bracing.

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STAKING

The figure below includes some general guidelines for tree staking using two posts. Three posts may also be needed depending on the overall rigidity of the tree at planting. A third post may also be necessary in areas susceptible to high wind gusts or during seasons that frequent strong storms.

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PLANTERS (ROOT BARRIERS)

For landscaping situations like parking lots, buffer yard or street yard where planters are necessary, the following guidelines are recommended.

Parking lots are areas where soils have been graded and compacted to ensure stability of the ground prior to paving. While this is good for the long term quality in pavement, it is not for vegetation that is required in parking lot islands and perimeters. In these situations, planting areas should be tilled to loosen soils and amended if appropriate, to promote healthy root development. Trees can grow very well in long planting strips in parking lots and if possible these strips can be combined with planting islands to create more contiguous soil space. Additionally, planting trees in clusters with larger spaces will result in healthier trees.

It is not recommended to plant large maturing trees in small parking islands. For situations that require small islands as a requirement in the Unified Development Ordinance consult the New Hanover Cooperative Extension for recommendations on tree species.

The figure below includes some general guidelines for when planters needing root barriers are necessary in parking lot islands.

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PLANTERS (ROOT BARRIERS)

The figure below includes some general guidelines for when planters needing root barriers are necessary in parking lot perimeters.

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SHURB PLANTING

Shrub planting is no different than tree planting and the recommendations listed above for tree should be used to promote healthy, long lived plants. Where shrubs are used for landscape buffers, screening, parking lots, street yards, or foundation plantings, please see Section 5.4 LANDSCAPING and BUFFERING of the New Hanover Unified Development Ordinance. Shrubs may also be used as foundation plantings. Section 5.4.7 FOUNDATION PLANTINGS of the New Hanover Unified Development Ordinance specifies the usage and of plantings in landscape areas adjacent or between buildings and parking lots and drive isles. The figure below includes some general guidelines for planting shrubs.

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GROUNDCOVER PLANTING

Ground cover vegetation is a great way to enhance the aesthetics of a landscape and can also help hold soil in place reducing sedimentation runoff. Planting is no different than tree or planting and the recommendations listed above should be used to promote healthy, long lived plants. Groundcover plantings can be used to fill in between tree and shrub plantings. Section 5.4.7 FOUNDATION PLANTINGS of the New Hanover Unified Development Ordinance specifies the usage and of plantings in landscape areas adjacent or between buildings and parking lots and drive isles. The figure below includes some general guidelines for planting groundcover.

MULCHING

Mulching can be used around the root ball in order to control weeds and retain soil moisture. A general recommendation is to apply only a two to three-inch-thick layer of much. Excess mulch can actually repel water or absorb water meant for the root ball. Too much mulch can attract rodents or lead to stem girdling. Mulching where appropriate shall be used in the interior landscape areas of parking lots as an alternative to groundcover plantings. See Table 5.4.5.C: Standards for Parking Lot Interiors of the Unified Development Ordinance.

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TREE MAINTENANCE (PRUNING)

Pruning is not only vital for the overall health of trees and landscaping materials but it is also important for safety and aesthetic reasons. Guidelines for pruning can be found on the NC State Extension Webpage at https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/general-pruning-techniques. For more information, the New Hanover County Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardeners can provide further detail on pruning techniques.

• Not more than 25 percent of the foliage of a branch should be removed within an annual growing season. The percentage and distribution of foliage to be removed shall be adjusted according to the plant’s species, age, health, and site. • Not more than 25 percent of the foliage of a branch or limb should be removed when it is cut back to a lateral. That lateral should be large enough to assume apical dominance. • Interior branches should not be stripped out i.e. lion-tailed. • Pruning cuts larger than 4-inches in diameter should be avoided unless otherwise directed. • Pruning cuts should be made outside the branch bark ridge. Avoid flush cuts • Where the length of branches must be reduced, cuts may be made only to lateral

TREE TRANSPLANTING

In situations where there are significant trees and or specimen trees that will be transplanted as an option for mitigation as stated in Section 5.3.7 Mitigation of the Unified Development Ordinance, the following are recommendations to promote a successful transplant and ensure the tree will thrive in its new location.

• Bare root plants should be transplanted at a minimum of 4 weeks prior to leaf out or when buds start sprouting. • Follow the same recommendations for tree planting as mentioned in sections above. • Soluble fertilizer is not recommended to be used during the first year of transplanting unless a soil analysis determines that fertilizer is necessary.

For large spade harvested and transplanted trees, these trees should be harvested prior to leaf out in the spring or during the fall planting period, unless the species is not recommended for fall planting. Spade harvested trees should be moved and planted within 48 hours of initial harvesting and remain in the spade machine until planted.

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