10-06-10-PC - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Presbyterian Homes of Arden Hills Preliminary Landscape Management Plan Page 3 number of trees less than 8 inches caliper size will remain as a part of preserved wooded areas on the site. Anticipated changes While the intention is to protect as many trees in the wooded areas as possible, elements of the proposed development may still impact tree resources. Most trees to be retained occur on the periphery of the site, and in areas that will not be impacted by construction activities and will not likely be subject to changes that will adversely affect the vitality of the trees. In essence, those trees indicated to remain have a strong likelihood of becoming a part of the patterns of the landscape after development— subject to their ability to withstand the presence of diseases and other factors that may impact their health. Management In order to protect trees of value that will not be affected by the proposed development or construction activities, and to preserve the long term integrity of woodlands outside of construction areas, Presbyterian Homes proposes to undertake certain landscape management activities. The landscape management strategy is predicated on three primary activities: a. removal of trees and other vegetation that are not viable, that pose a hazard to humans or other trees, that are considered invasive species, that might suffer from disease or uncontrollable infestations, or that would promote the growth of more valuable species or trees; b. maintenance of existing trees, and defining proper maintenance for new trees; and c. planting new trees and other plants that will ensure the long term viability of wooded area as vegetative buffers between the proposed project and nearby homes, while offering habitat for many of the wildlife species that might be found on the site today (or enhancing opportunities for other desirable wildlife species). a. Removal Dead trees. Some trees that exist on the site are no longer living, but have not been removed. This is a common practice for landscapes that include wooded areas similar to those found on the site. Unless a dead tree poses a threat to nearby buildings, cars, or people, they are often left in place, only to fall as they decay. However, if left to decay, they may pose a threat to other more valuable species; in these cases, the landscape management plan encourages their removal. Hazard trees. Hazard trees are those trees that pose a threat to humans or to other trees. In some cases, an entire tree might be removed, but the more common instance would be removal of a limb or some portion of a tree. Hazard trees will be identified and removed as appropriate. Invasive plants. The tree inventory notes the presence of several buckthorn, and visual evidence indicates a significant number of small buckthorn plants. Buckthorn is identified on the State of Minnesota's Invasive Species list as a noxious weed, and efforts will be made to remove it.