City of Visalia – Street Tree Development Standards 3
D. Planting Sites
Street trees shall be planted in the public right of way, easements and medians along transportation corridors . Street trees planted along public corridors provide a dramatic visual impact while creating much needed shade. Street trees in parkways prov ide pedestrians with a shaded walking area separated from automobiles. Street trees shall be placed in the following locations:
1. Commercial
a. Street trees are required along transp ortation corridors in tree wells in sidewalks or parkways.
b. Street trees arre requiremed in street medians (which are in the center of a roadway separating the lanes of traffic).
2. Residential
a. Street trees are required in parkwa ys on residential streets and the landscaped area surrounding a development.
b. Where there are no parkways, street trees are required within 10’ to 12’ of the edge of the right of way and/or easement that extends into private property.
c. Street trees are required in street medians.
E. Tree Spacing
Tree spacing is an important element in a successful landscape. Tree spacing in some areas may vary because of drive approaches, lighting, and utilities.
• Small trees - 20’ to 25’ apart. Small tree shall be used when planting under the utility lines. Small trees should be considered in the area between the wall and the back of sidewalk in the landscaped area surrounding the development. Small tree will generally not be approved for uses as street trees unless overhead utility lines are present.
• Medium size trees - 25’ to 35’ apart. Medium size trees can be used as street trees in parkways in front of homes and the back of sidewalk in the landscaped area surrounding the development.
• Large trees - 30’ to 45’ apart. Large trees can be used as street trees in parkways in front of homes and in the landscaped area surrounding the development.
City of Visalia – Street Tree Development Standards 4
F. Tree Locations
1. Approximate spacing should be 30’ to 45’.
-Trees are not to be planted within;
• 5’ of drive approaches
• 5’ of sewer lines
• 5’ of water lines
• 10’ of fire hydrants
• 10’ of light poles
2. Trees are not to be planted within clear vision triangle on corner lots. • Local Streets (30 mph) – 25’ distance from side street curb face to first street tree.
• Collector Streets (40 mph) – 50’ distan ce from side street curb fact to first tree.
• Arterial Street (50’mph) – 90’ distan ce from side street curb fact to first tree.
3. Trees should not be planted where they will obstruct the views of stop signs or traffic signals.
4. No tree that grows taller than 25’ shall be planted under power lines.
Section 2. Planting
Planting a tree is an investment in time , money and the future. Correct planting procedures are critical to achieving a re turn on the investment. Good planting practices greatly improve plant establishment. The City of Visalia shall reject any street tree not planted according to standards. A planting detail is attached.
A. Digging the Planting Pit
In all but sandy soils dig the hole to the depth of the root ball (but no deeper) and two to three times as wide.
B. Installing the Tree
Remove the tree from the container and cut circling roots and those matted at the bottom. Set the root ball so its top is at grade. Backfill with native soil and gently firm the soil to hold the tr ee in place and minimize air pockets.
All trees shall be watered in at planting. In turf areas a 3-inch berm shall be formed around the root ball.
C. Turf
Within six foot parkway there shall be no turf within a three foot ring around the tree. In an eight foot or greater p arkway a five foot ring free of turf shall be formed around the tree. In th e perimeter landscaped area around a development the trees shall be sited in a planter area free of turf. See attached details.