18.115.040 Street trees.
A. Purpose. This section is intended to improve the comfort, safety and appearance of streets through the appropriate use of street trees. The standards in this section supplement, but do not replace, the provisions of Chapters 18.105 and 18.135 TMC.
B. Plantings. Street trees shall be planted in planter strips on all arterial and collector streets, for all developments that are subject to land division or site design review, except that street trees may be planted in planter wells as provided in subsection (E) of this section. Street trees are encouraged, but not required, for local streets. When provided on local streets, street trees shall be in planter strips. Additional requirements for tree planting are provided in TMC 18.105.030. Planting on unimproved streets shall be deferred until the construction of curbs and sidewalks.
C. Growth Characteristics. Trees shall be selected based on growth characteristics and site conditions, including available space, overhead clearance, soil conditions, exposure, and desired color and appearance. The following should guide tree selection:
1. Provide a broad canopy where shade is desired.
2. Use low-growing trees for spaces under utility wires.
3. Select trees that can be “limbed-up” where vision clearance is a concern.
4. Use narrow or “columnar” trees where awnings or other building features limit growth, or where greater visibility is desired between buildings and the street.
5. Use species with similar growth characteristics on the same block for design continuity.
6. Avoid using trees that are susceptible to insect damage and avoid using trees that produce excessive seeds or fruit.
7. Select trees that are well adapted to the environment, including soil, wind, sun exposure, and exhaust. Drought-resistant trees should be used in areas with sandy or rocky soil.
8. Select trees for their seasonal color, as desired.
9. Use deciduous trees for summer shade and winter sun.
D. Caliper Size. The minimum caliper size at planting shall be two inches diameter at breast height (dbh), based on the American Association of Nurserymen Standards.
E. Spacing and Location. If a planter strip is provided, street trees shall be planted within the planting strip. If a planter strip is not provided, trees shall be planted behind the sidewalk or in sidewalk tree wells (e.g., downtown area) when determined in the review process to be a reasonable accommodation. Street tree spacing shall be based upon the type of tree(s) selected and the canopy size at maturity. In general, trees shall be spaced no more than 30 feet apart, except where planting a tree would conflict with sight distance requirements, or existing trees, retaining walls, utilities and similar physical barriers.
F. Soil Preparation, Planting and Care. The developer shall be responsible for planting street trees, including soil preparation, ground cover material, staking, and temporary irrigation for two years after planting. The developer shall also be responsible for tree care (pruning, watering, fertilization, and replacement as necessary) during the first year after planting and individual homeowners or established homeowners’ association will be responsible thereafter.
G. Street Tree List. Only trees included on the city of Talent’s approved tree list shall be planted as street trees. The Pacific Power approved tree list where overhead power lines are a factor, or other native tree lists acceptable to the parks and recreation commission and tree subcommittee, will be acceptable as well. [Ord. 966 § 2 (Exh. B), 2021.]