A.
The purposes of this chapter are to provide proper guidelines
and specifications for preserving the natural character of the land and vegetation;
to provide regulations for planting trees, shrubs and landscaping in buffer
areas, along streets and throughout each development as required by township
ordinances; to prevent soil erosion; to enhance the aesthetic nature of each
project; to reduce air and sound pollution; to provide visual barriers; to
regulate wind control; and to reduce glare and reflection.
B.
In addition, it is the purpose of this chapter to provide
for flexible requirements that recognize changes that have occurred in the
field, such as improvements to species. Therefore, an applicant may submit
proofs indicating how technological advances in certain species possibly make
such trees suitable for use in the township. Conversely, trees which are now
acceptable may be unacceptable at some future time due to the introduction
of diseases into the area.
As used in this chapter, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated:
A mound of soil on a site used as a view obstruction or to vary the
grade pattern, either natural or man-made.
An area within a property or site generally adjacent and parallel
to the property line, either consisting of natural existing vegetation or
created by the use of trees, shrubs, fences and/or berms designed to continuously
limit view of the site from adjacent sites or properties.
The diameter of a tree trunk measured in inches 36 inches above the
ground level.
Plants that drop their leaves before becoming dormant in winter,
not evergreens.
A plant that does not lose its leaves during the winter.
Low-growing plants or sod that in time form a dense mat covering
the area in which they are planted, preventing the growth of unwanted plants
while holding the soil in place.
Any covering placed on soil to conserve moisture, eliminate weak
growth and protect plants from extremes of heat and cold.
A structure or plantings providing a continuous view obstruction
within the site or property. Such "screens" may consist of fencing, berms
and/or evergreen trees or shrubs.
Any plants, deciduous or evergreen, generally multistemmed, classified
and sold by height or spread, measured in inches or feet.
