Village of Mukwonago, WI Generally

The Village forester shall prepare an annual preliminary planting plan to be submitted to the UFC for review. This plan, indicating budgeting for the tree program, may be modified by budget deliberations.

The planting plan shall state where large or small trees are appropriate. Small trees shall be used where overhead utilities exist, with their mature height compatible to clearance requirements, large trees shall be used elsewhere unless unusual or special circumstances dictate otherwise. All varieties of trees used shall be from the approved street tree list (Appendix A).

New trees planted on private property by the landowners must be a minimum of five feet behind the Village right-of-way.

Trees shall be properly spaced as to the species of tree and in accordance to the clearance specifications in § 34-129(c).

Holes should be three times the diameter of the root ball, or spread of roots in case of bare root trees or container trees. This should provide trees with enough worked earth for their root systems to be established. All banks of the hole shall be loosened by shovel and trees should be planted at their original soil level at the root collar.

All newly planted trees shall be woodchip mulched and protected with at minimum 12 inch plastic boots the same day of planting or as soon as possible. These guards are to remain in place until the tree is at least three inches at the base.

New trees shall be watered as part of the planting regimen the day they are planted and then regularly for the first two years after planting utilizing techniques such as hose, water spikes, watering bags, etc. The goal is to ensure that newly planted trees receive the equivalent of one inch of rainfall per week.

Improved streets in new subdivisions. The developer shall plant, at the developer's expense, one tree of an approved species of at least 2 1/2 inches in diameter measured four feet from its base for each 50 feet of frontage on all streets proposed to be dedicated or already dedicated adjacent to the property. The trees shall be planted in the existing or planned curb lawn area unless the Village Board authorizes the trees to be planted in an alternative location.

Reconstructed and widened streets. When trees are removed in preparation for reconstruction or widening of any established street, new trees will be planted provided that there is adequate space in the terrace to reasonably support tree growth.

Existing improved streets. No tree shall be planted within five feet of the right-of-way on any Village street reconstructed without sidewalk.

Unimproved streets. No trees shall be planted in the right-of-way area where no curb or sidewalk exists unless approved by the Village forester in conjunction with the UFC.

(f)

Approval for street trees. Approved trees may be planted by the property owner in the terrace after returning a completed tree planting permit to the Village forester. The permit is free and used to insure that the location is acceptable for the type of tree that a property owner would like to plant (two inch minimum diameter measured four feet above the ground).

(g)

Existing terrace trees damaged. The cost of the replacement of dead or severely damaged trees will be borne by the individual who caused the destruction. If the tree dies for any other reason, the cost removal will be paid by the Village.

§ 34-129 Tree planting standards.

[Ord. No. 885, § I(Att.), 10-21-2014]

Condition. All plant material shall be healthy nursery stock.

Diameter of tree trunk. All trees planted along public streets must be of sufficient size to absorb the abuse and conditions common to street trees. Unless otherwise permitted by the Village forester, the minimum size will be six feet high and two inches in diameter for residents and 2 1/2 inches in diameter for developers. The diameter size of the tree is established by measuring four feet above its base.

Location. Generally, all street trees shall be planted midway between the sidewalk and curb, following all guidelines listed below.

Twenty-five feet from an intersection of two streets measure on the property line.

Twenty feet from a signal or power pole.

Ten feet from a driveway approach.

Fifteen feet from a fire hydrant.

Ten feet from gas, water valves and sewer lateral.

Parkway width. No trees will be planted where the grassy terrace between the sidewalk and curb is less than five feet wide.

Planting depth. The planting depth is determined by root collar. All new plantings should be placed so that the root collar is even with the soil surface or one to two inches above the surface.

(f)

Spacing. Depending on growth characteristics of species, trees will be planted 35 to 50 feet apart unless otherwise approved by the Village forester and UFC.

(g)

Transplanted trees. When planting bare root trees, care must be taken to prevent unnecessary injury to roots. All damaged roots should be pruned.

(h)

Tree selection.

Select the right tree for the right place:

Carefully review all aspects of the site.

Closely review the soils ability of moisture to drain through the soil.

How much physical space is available above ground and below ground?

Don't plant a tree that will grow to a height of more than 30 feet under power lines.

Consider environmental factors such as exposure to the sun and road salt.

Choose a tree species which matches, or is adaptable, to the growing conditions you have found during the site analysis.

Select a healthy tree from a reputable nursery.

Avoid plants that have damaged twigs, branches, roots or trunk.

§ 34-130 Tree planting procedures.

[Ord. No. 885, § I(Att.), 10-21-2014]

To plant the trees properly:

Prepare the site by digging a hole at least three times the diameter, and at least the depth of the root ball, or the full extent of the root system of bare root trees. Leave a pedestal in the center of the hole to rest the root system on. This should provide trees with enough worked earth for its root system to be established. All banks of the hole shall be loosened by shovel and trees should be planted at their original soil level at the root collar.

Find the root collar and plant the tree even or one to two inches high. It is recommended to remove burlap and/or wire prior to planting.

Use good quality soil as backfill. Discard any rocks and debris from the soil before backfilling.

Water the soil with a garden hose. Do not pack the soil down manually; water will do this naturally. Fill in voids with more soil after watering. New trees shall be watered as part of the planting process the day they are planted and then regularly for the first two years after planting, utilizing techniques such as hose, water spikes, watering bags, etc. The goal is to ensure that newly planted trees receive the equivalent of one inch of rainfall per week.

Create a two- to four-inch deep mulch bed using wood chips. The mulch should not touch the trunk directly to prevent mold and bacteria from forming. Apply heavier at edges to create a "saucer" effect. All newly planted trees shall be wood chip mulched and protected with at minimum twelve-inch plastic boots.

Staking: If you must stake, use a wide belt-like material when supporting the tree to avoid injuring the bark, trees need to move in the wind, so allow some "play" in the support system to allow the trunk to sway without being uprooted.

(7)

Prune any broken, dead or dying limbs without damaging the branch collar at the time of planting. Routine pruning should be started one year after planting. Do not use pruning paint or wound dressing on the pruning cuts.

(8)

Wait until one year after planting to fertilize.

Additional Care. Pruning, mulching and fertilizing should be provided as needed.

§ 34-131 Maintenance and care of newly planted trees.

[Ord. No. 885, § I(Att.), 10-21-2014]

Fertilizing. Fertilization of planted trees in the first year is not recommended. Typically a tree can be fertilized once it has become established, usually two or three years after planting. Only healthy established trees are to be fertilized. Fertilizing an established tree when growth is slow and vigor is low, which is indicated by off-color leaves or needles and by abnormal loss of foliage, will place the stressed tree even deeper into stress. Stressed trees should be watered and otherwise left undisturbed until they recover. Fertilizer should be applied in the early spring before leaves appear. A general purpose fertilizer containing nitrogen and potash is recommended.

Mulching. A layer of wood chip mulch around the base of the tree will help conserve the soil moisture and help protect the tree and reduce competition from grass for nutrients. The mulch should note piled around the trunk as the heat generated may damage the bark. The mulch should be approximately four inches thick at the perimeter, creating a "saucer" effect towards the trunk. Newly planted trees shall be wood chip mulched and protected with at minimum eight inch plastic boots.

Tree pruning. No pruning should occur at the time of planting. Pruning at this time will reduce the amount of stored energy that the tree contains and could cause added stress to the tree. During the second year a pruning schedule can begin.

Tree staking. When staking, use wide bands of nylon strap or inner-tubes to support the tree. Make sure that the tree has a small amount of room to move.

Watering. Newly planted trees require one inch (10 gallons) of water per week during the growing season to maintain health. The property owner shall provide adequate moisture to trees. The Village should use local media to promote watering during dry periods. New trees shall be watered as part of the planting process the day they are planted and then regularly for the first two years after planting, utilizing techniques such as hose, water spikes, watering bags, etc. The goal is to ensure that newly planted trees receive the equivalent of one inch of rainfall per week.

§ 34-132 Street trees recommended.

[Ord. No. 885, § I(Att.), 10-21-2014]

Acceptable street tree list (Appendix A).

§ 34-133 Tree maintenance above public right-of-way.

[Ord. No. 885, § I(Att.), 10-21-2014]

In the Village of Mukwonago a rotational pruning schedule will be put into operation. With this pruning system public trees are thoroughly pruned for low hanging branches, dead wood, and clearance of branches overhanging public buildings.

Criteria for the selective removal of plant parts.

Trimming and sanitation. Trees standing in and upon any public street or place, or upon any lot or land adjacent thereto, shall be pruned and trimmed so the lowest branches projecting over the public street or alley will provide a clearance of not less than 14 feet and a clearance of not less than 10 feet over any other public place and so that no dead, broken or otherwise hazardous branches shall be likely to fall and do injury to the public. Any tree not trimmed as provided in this section shall be deemed hazardous. The minimum clearance may be may be adjusted in unusual circumstances on a tree by tree basis with authority of the Village forester and/or a certified arborist under the direction of the Village forester. Village staff or designee will trim the trees in the public right-of-way. Any tree on private property shall be the responsibility of the property owner. Upon notification from the Village forester, the property owner shall have 10 days to comply with this order. After 10 days with no action taken on the matter, Village staff or designee will perform the work and the property owner shall be billed for the services as a special charge for current services, pursuant to W.S.A., § 66.0627.

Light clearance. Remove the minimum amount of branches to allow for an adequate street lighting pattern on pavement.

Storm damage repair. Preserve as much of the trees possible, and train new growth for the future.

Building clearance. Remove interfering branches to a maximum of six feet clearance of a problem area.

Transplanted trees. Pruning of live tissue should be avoided at time of transplanting and should be left for the following year. The exception: removing dead or broken branches, this should be done when planting.

Intersection visibility. Utility and traffic clearance guidelines, in addition, no new tree shall be planted within 25 feet of the inside intersection of the roads closest to the tree site. (Generally where the sidewalks meet at the property corner.)

Pruning specifications.

All cuts should be made sufficiently close to the branch collar so that wood growth can readily start under normal conditions.

Safety considerations are followed at all times during the operation and may include blocking off of street with barricades.

Topping of trees is prohibited. If trees must be reduced in size the drop crotch pruning method shall be used.

Climbing spurs must not be used during pruning operations.

All wires are to be considered as "hot" or "live": any branches that arc within 10 feet of an energized line should not be pruned. Call the appropriate utility for assistance, if necessary. Any branches that accidentally fall against or hang on wires must be removed by the appropriate utility.

Pruning operations.

Section pruning.

The Village is divided into sections. These trees will be pruned in rotation in accordance with previously mentioned criteria and specifications.

Vehicle and pedestrian traffic must be fully warned of potential danger in work areas.

Trees found to be in unsafe condition are to be reported immediately to the Village forester.

Private citizens are to be treated with respect and courtesy at all times regardless of conditions or conflicts.

At the end of each working day, all debris shall be picked up before leaving work area.

No equipment shall be left at the work site overnight.

Report all unusual situations or conditions to the Village forester.

Spot pruning.

Pruning for special purpose. Safety, light clearance, traffic clearance, building clearance, house moving, and construction. These are special assignments and should be handled as such.

Storm calls — Priority trimming.

Only authorized personnel will be used 911 storm calls.

No work will be performed on the site where electrical wires are down, damaged, or broken.

The appropriate utility company must be called if any wires are damaged or broken.

If damage has occurred to private property, report it to the proper authorities before leaving the scene.

All branches and debris should be neatly piled so that there is no interference with the sidewalk, driveway, or gutter.

Contact with property owners shall be made before work assignment.

§ 34-134 Street tree removal policy.

[Ord. No. 885, § I(Att.), 10-21-2014]

Reason for removal. Trees located in the terrace (the area between sidewalk and curb or between street lanes), parks, and other public property are removed when they are dead, dying, dangerous, injurious to public improvements, or condemned because of Dutch Elm disease and other diseases. The cost of removal will then be assumed by the Village including the cost of stump removal.

The Village forester will determine removal of undesirable tree species. The property owner has the right to appeal removal decisions to the Village forester and UFC.

Location.

Check location and description of tree on work order before starting removal.

Check surrounding area for wires and other possible problems.

Clean up.

Work site cleanup shall be the same as the pruning operations.

Wood from the work site shall be transported to the Village garage or removed by the contractor if the abutting property owner does not want the wood.

§ 34-135 Tree protection policy.

[Ord. No. 885, § I(Att.), 10-21-2014]

In construction areas the cost of tree protection is paid by the contractor. Remediation must be performed to the satisfaction of the Village forester. If Village crews perform the work they shall be responsible to the Village forester.

Depositing material near trees. No person shall place or maintain upon the ground in a public street or right-of-way of the Village of Mukwonago stone, cement, lumber, or other substance or material which shall impede the free passage of water and air to any tree or the base of said shrub or an area not less than eight feet square (eight feet by eight feet).

Root care. Exposed tree roots shall be covered with a clean backfill as soon as possible following curb and gutter removal. Root foundations must remain adequate to withstand heavy windstorms.

Sidewalk, driveway, and curb and gutter removal. Caution should be used during removal to avoid any unnecessary damage to the tree or its root system.

Roots requiring removal shall be cut by means of mechanical root cutting machines.

Root systems on the sidewalk or driveway side of the tree shall be cut no deeper than eight inches below the finished grade of the new walk and not more than six inches from the edge of the new walk or driveway.

Root systems on the curb side shall be cut not more than 12 inches behind the back of the new curb and not more than 18 inches in depth when constructing new curb and gutter.

Tree replacement. The Village forester may remove and replace any tree damaged by a contractor, at the contractor's expense. The contractor (or property owner if the contractor fails to pay) shall pay the cost of purchasing and planting the new tree. If the costs are not paid within 30 days, the costs shall be assessed against the property as a special charge.

Trunks and limbs. Prior to the start of construction, the contractor shall contact the Village forester to discuss problems with overhanging branches that might be damaged in spite of his exercising care in construction. Trees shall be protected a minimum of four feet from trunk of tree, where contractor's operation may scar the trunk or compact the root zone of the tree. The contractor shall exercise care to assure tree trunk and limbs are not damaged by its operation.

(f)

Recovery of damage costs. Damage to branches of the trees due to the contractor's negligence will be repaired and billed to the contractor by the department of public works.

(g)

Terrace tree protection policy.

For all street reconstruction projects, identify terrace trees which need to be protected during construction. Trees which are to be protected should be clearly indicated on the drawings for the street reconstruction project. It should also be noted that it may not be possible to save all terrace trees when significant widening and/or regrading is required to meet the goals of the project. The species, size, location and health of an existing terrace tree will be the determining factors as to whether or not a tree should be protected. Where terrace trees cannot be protected, suitable replacement terrace trees should be included in the project scope. The Village forester and Director of Public Works should be involved in this process.

The project specifications should include a summary of the tree protection provisions that are expected and required during the construction phase of the project. A penalty for non-compliance by the contractor shall be considered.