From: 	Jeff Tarling
To:	Jean Fraser
CC:	Barbara Barhydt 
Date: 	6/24/2011 2:15 PM
Subject: 	121 York Street Landscape Plan

Hi Jean -
 
I have reviewed the landscape plan for the proposed 121 York Street project and offer the following recommendations:
 
a)  Landscape plan - the landscape plan, shown on sheets L-1.0 L-2.0 and L-3.0 should include a plant key or schedule that lists
botanical and common plant name and location on the plan.  While Sheet L-1.0 does show a Symbols Legend with plant names it
would be good to have a more detailed plant key or schedule, Sheet L 1.0 shows (8) Amelanchier SP (1.75" CAL.) and 
(8) 'Armstrong' Red Maple (2.5" CAL.) with the later showing a larger graphic symbol finding the actual trees on the sheet could be clearer, 
I counted 17 circles or trees on design sheet and 16 trees on the Symbols Legend.
 
b) Tree Saves -  the landscape plan Sheet L 3.0 shows details on tree protection, Sheet L 1.0 shows three trees, two along the sidewalk and one near the back corner of the existing building to be saved.  The project should also take measures to protect trees on adjacent properties during site work, this would include root pruning exposed roots found during excavation and pruning any damaged limbs during construction.  These items can be reviewed during the project 'Pre-Construction' meeting.
 
c)  Street-trees & Parking Lot trees -  The landscape plan includes two existing street trees along York Street and proposes to plant two additional trees ('Armstrong' Red Maples near the entrance driveway.  The new street-trees are planted with tree grates, (Neenah R-8810 recommended) the location of tree on the right or High Street side of driveway may need to be adjusted to maintain sidewalk width for snow plowing and access.   A second option would be to include this tree into the planting space with the other two trees.  Parking Lot trees - the parking lot area contains 19 parking space creating a need for 10 trees to meet the Parking Lot Landscape Standard. The plan proposes six trees near the York Street entrance, three near the proposed building front and one near the existing building - which is "close".   Ideally, one additional tree perhaps planted on the adjacent private property mid way up the right side of the parking lot would be a creative solution. It would help the parking lot standard and additional screening for the neighboring property.   
 
d)  Landscape treatment -  In addition to the 'tree saves' and 'street & parking lot' trees the project mentions "planted landscape buffer" near the York Street entrance, 'individual garden terraces', 'raised planters along entry corridor', 'front patio garden' and two 'lawn' areas near the existing building are shown on Sheet L 2.0.  Landscape treatment details, shrub and herbaceous landscape plant information and placement is needed on the plan.  The landscape legend as shown does not mention any shrub planting.   
 
The lawn areas proposed in near the existing brick building are in shade, these locations may be better served with the addition of shade tolerant trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants to add interest and screening.  Possible lawn & landscape area.   A recent visit to condos on High Street near the project site has a very successful patio landscape that provides space for residents and screening could be used as an example.
 
Recommendations / Conditions :
 
1) Landscape Key / Plant List needed for trees, shrubs & herbaceous planting.        
2) Tree Save - include tree protection measures to include 'off-site' trees.
3)  Landscape Treatment, trees / shrub proposed for the areas shown as 'individual garden terraces', 'raised planters along entry corridor', 'front patio garden' should be included or shown in detail on the landscape plan. 
4) to meet the standards of trees per unit and parking lot landscape three additional trees are needed. 

Jeff Tarling
City Arborist