Resolution 6106 - Laserfiche WebLink

DESIGN PALET mature width of the selected tree. In this case, choose a mixture of soil, crushed rock and sand to both support sidewalk loads and provide an extending rooting medium for trees and other landscape plants. Spacing based on mature canopy spread will minimize competition for limited resources and increase each tree's life span. • Mulch: To reduce weeds and conserve water, apply annual supplements of premium coarse bark mulch in featured public areas and untreated coarse wood chip mulch in lower visibility areas. Maintain at a 2" depth, avoiding deeper applications and keeping the mulch at least one inch from tree trunks or plant stems. Fine compost mulch is better suited for flower and shrubs beds that are weeded more frequently. • Pruning Practices: Proper selection and pruning of is street trees and shrubs will help plants fit transportation z • _, patterns while enhancing the health and aesthetics of < u, a ~ these urban plants. While upright, columnar and vase- ;. -_' j, I G' shaped trees are generally preferred on most Everett [ p ,.• f}(�� streets, the lower branches of many suitable trees can 4 ' be removed to protect trees limbs from breakage and g► keep view corridors open. Likewise, some shrubs amenable to pruning can be maintained in a more attractive and appropriate shape with careful pruning. Avoid boxing and shearing, which are harmful to plant health. Prune according to the guidance of a licensed arborist, trained horticultural maintenance specialist or registered landscape architect. Figure 29. Lower limbs of incense cedars removed. Utilities Downtown streets often carry numerous utility lines and associated facilities that limit the location of street trees. While this is less of a problem in Everett than in some cities because of the alleyways, there are still many utilities located in sidewalk area, as noted in Figure 8. Street tree damage to and conflict with utility lines can be avoided through selecting species with non- invasive roots, installing root barriers, and locating trees away from susceptible utility lines. The potential of utility damage should be analyzed prior to the planting of any street trees. Tree Replacement The average life span of urban street trees is substantially reduced because of the stress caused by less than ideal horticultural conditions. While these conditions can be improved through the practices described above, street trees will require periodic replacement. The public should be made aware that some existing trees may require removal and replacement as the downtown street tree stock is gradually upgraded. Recommended Tree List A chart identifying characteristics of recommended trees for downtown is located in the Appendices. The City's approved tree list, which is currently being updated by the City, is also included in the appendices. Everett Downtown Streetscape Plan