As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
BARE-ROOT PLANTING
Shade tree roots are found primarily in the top 12 inches
of soil. Tiny absorbing roots, responsible for most of the tree's
intake of water and nutrients, are in the top several inches of soil
and can grow horizontally for quite a distance. Bare-root shipping
saves these roots and protects them with hydrogel. It allows the shipping
of trees for less cost, with much less weight.
CALIPER
Diameter of trunk six inches above the root flare.
COMPOST
A mixture of organic matter, as from leaves, bark, manure,
food waste, etc., that has decayed or has been digested by organisms.
It is used to improve soil structure and provide nutrients. Good compost
should be dark brown to black, the color of 70% cocoa dark chocolate.
Individual pieces in the compost, when broken apart, should be the
same color inside as outside.
DRAINAGE
The water that has passed through the surface of the permeable
paving or soil pit and has either overflowed or has been recollected
in underdrain pipes. The excess water discharges to the storm sewer
network.
GIRDLING ROOTS
Roots that circle the main stem that encircle, or will in
the future encircle, the tree as it grows larger. Girdling roots limit
root infrastructure, leading to tree instability.
PERCOLATION
The rate at which stormwater moves through (drains) a soil
or particular location.
PERMEABLE CONCRETE
A mixture of Portland cement, fly ash, washed gravel and
water. The water to cementitious material ratio is typically 0.35
- 0.45 to 1 (NRMCA, 2004). Permeable concrete has greater void space
than traditional concrete, allowing water to infiltrate directly through
the pavement surface to the subsurface.
PLANTING SOIL
Mixed soil for use in planting trees. Planting soil shall
be created from combinations of existing soil, soil loam, sand and
organic matter.
STRUCTURAL SOIL
A mixture of crushed gravel, soil, and clay. The soil allows
roots to grow by transferring compactive load from stone to stone
with the soil in between remaining uncompacted. The clay content serves
to retain moisture.
TRAINING
Will constitute the following: International Society of Arboriculture
(ISA) certified arborist or other equivalent professional certification
or attendance at a workshop sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension,
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), United
States Forest Service (USFS), or equivalent covering tree planting,
pruning, and basic tree care.
TREE PIT
A minimum three-foot-by-three-foot existing planting pit
whose surface may be mulched or covered by a tree grate. New tree
pits will have minimum dimensions of four feet by five feet by three
feet (LxWxH).