From: 	Jeff Tarling
To:	Jean Fraser
Date: 	8/10/2012 10:27 AM
Subject: 	Re: Final comments needed today Opechee Phase II

Hi Jean -
 
I have reviewed the latest revision of the Opechee Phase II landscape plan and offer the following recommendations / conditions:
 
a) eliminate the street tree near the corner of India Street and Middle Street near the bump out, this is due to the effect that winter plowing, the negative effect that deicing salts
will have on this tree at this location.  If the project decides that the tree is important to the 
landscape the condition would be removed if the project takes over the future maintenance / replacement.
 
b) eliminate the street-tree on Fore Street near the corner of India Street that is in the middle of the proposed stairs to improve pedestrian circulation.  The street last two street-trees could be moved into the planter area.  This recommendation is due to the concern of the effect of deicing / Winter operations.  Noted some decline on the existing trees along Franklin Street and Fore Street - concerns on the long term survivability of the street trees.  Caution is needed on the use of deicing materials on the walks with the nearby tree grates.
 
c) Fore Street plaza - "recommendation" would be to use a higher percentage or focus on native plants if possible...   Bearberry, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi,  see: 
http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=ARUV  is one of the low growing native plant suggestions.  Street trees or ornamental trees should be included into the planter area.  Web sites below offer some insight on other native gardens that might be of interest:
 
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/eastern/SacoViewingGarden/index.shtml
 
http://www.newfs.org/grow/plants
 
The use of native plants is preferred for a number of environmental reasons and adds local interest to the site vs using plants that are found 'everywhere'.
 
d) A 'one tree per unit' donation to the 'Tree Fund' is recommended if the number of trees can not be placed in the project area.
 
Overall the landscape plan is acceptable.
 
Jeff Tarling
City Arborist