As used in this chapter, the following terms shall
have the meaning indicated in this section. Words not defined herein
shall be interpreted so as to give them the meaning they have in common
usage and to give this chapter its most reasonable application.
AAN STANDARDS
Tree and plant standards set by the American Association
of Nurserymen.
BASAL AREA
The area in square feet per acre occupied by tree stems at
4 1/2 feet above the ground, normally measured by a calibrated
prism or angle gauge.
BUFFER AREA
An area of land, with plantings as specified by Chapter
180, which may be required between land uses or properties to eliminate or minimize conflicts between them.
CALIPER
The diameter of a tree trunk measured at six inches above
the ground for trees less than or equal to four inches in diameter
at six inches above the ground. For trees with a diameter greater
than four inches at six inches above ground, the caliper shall be
measured at 12 inches above ground.
CLEARING
Any activity which removes the vegetative ground cover and/or
trees.
DBH
Diameter at breast height which is the measurement of a tree's
diameter taken at 4 1/2 feet above the ground.
DEMOLITION
Demolition shall include the destruction of all or part of
a structure or the removal of all or part of any structure to any
off-site location.
DAMAGE
Severe decline, disfigurement, discoloration, defoliation,
removal or death of any tree, which is intentionally caused or is
the result of recklessness or negligence.
DRIP LINE
A line encircling a tree corresponding to the furthest extension
of the branches of a tree which line is used, in turn, to calculate
crown spread.
EXCAVATION
Any digging, scooping or other methods of removing earth
materials.
FILLING
Any depositing or stockpiling of earth, stone or vegetative
materials.
GRADING
Any excavating or filling of earth materials or any combination
thereof, including the land in its excavated or filled condition.
GROUND COVER
A low-growing dense growth of plants, such as grass, pachysandra
or crown vetch, planted for ornamental purposes or to stabilize the
soil and prevent soil erosion.
HEALTHY
As defined by the International Society of Arboriculture.
REMOVE OR REMOVAL
(1)
The actual removal of trees;
(2)
Direct or indirect actions capable of resulting
in the effective removal of trees through damage or poison; or
(3)
Similar actions directly or indirectly capable
of resulting in the death of a tree subject to the provisions of this
chapter
SETBACK AREA
The required open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a main building extending the full length at front, sides, and rear of the main building as defined by Chapter
180.
SPECIMEN TREE
A tree with a sixteen-inch caliper measuring four feet from
the ground or a unique or endangered species, e.g., American chestnut
tree, American elm tree.
THINNING
A cultural treatment made to reduce stand density of trees
primarily to improve growth, enhance health, or recover potential
mortality.
TOPSOIL
Surface soil and subsurface soil which presumably is fertile
soil and ordinarily rich in organic matter and human debris.
TREE
A living, woody plant having a well-defined stem, a more
or less well-defined crown and which is capable of attaining a height
of at least 15 feet.
TRIM
To reduce, shorten, diminish or prune a tree or parts of
a tree, without substantially altering the existing shape or damaging
the tree or shortening its life span.