CR 91-271 Lanscape Plans - Ramsgate•
December 10, 1991
Nanc 4S. Anderson
Planner
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LANDSCAPE PLAN - RAMSGATE TOWNHOMES
Council Report 91 -271
Proposed Action.
Staff recommends the following motion: Move to approve the
landscape plan dated October 30, 1991 for the Ramsgate
Townhomes and require the applicant to fence the trees
identified to remain before construction to ensure minimal
damage to the trees.
Overview.
One condition in the Resolution 91 -7 to approve the Ramsgate
Townhomes was to have the staff review the landscape plan.
Ray Vogtman reviewed the landscape plan with representatives
of the applicant. Ray made several suggestions on changing
the landscape plan. Attached is his memo regarding the
changes. Ray has since reviewed the revised landscape plan
and found it acceptable.
Most of Ray's changes in the landscape plan were changing
the species of trees. He suggested planting Rubrum Maple
and Swamp White Oak and cutting back on the Green Ash and
Locust. The new landscape plan shows 6 Swamp White Oaks and
4 Rubrum Maples substituted for the ash and locust. The
plan also reflects the increased size recommended by Ray for
the Colorado Spruce and the Colorado Blue Spruce. 12 Ivory
Smoke Japanese Lilacs were added to the site.
The total number of trees and evergreens has increased from
41 to 46. The reason for this increase is that 3 existing
trees had to be eliminated to meet the Watershed District
requirements of 3:1 slopes for the holding pond.
Ray also recommended that the applicant use snow fencing or
similar fencing around the roots of the existing trees to
prevent soil compaction, trunk scarring and root cutting.
The applicant was provided publications regarding
construction damage to trees and has agreed to use measures
to prevent damage to the existing trees. The applicant has
also noted on the revised landscape plan, that if an oak
dies, there will be two trees planted to replace that tree.
Supporting Documents.
o Landscape Plan dated March 13, 1991
o Landscape Plan dated October 30, 1991
o Memo from Ray Vogtman
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CITY OF HOPKINS
MEMORANDUM
DATE: September 4, 1991
TO: Nancy Anderson, Planner
FROM: Ray Vogtman, Parks & Forestry Supt.
SUBJECT: Hiawatha Avenue Trees
Following our meeting last week, you asked for a memo from
me regarding any concerns that I may have regarding the
proposed Hiawatha Avenue development and the proposed
landscape plan.
I have attached several publications regarding construction
damage to trees. These publications identify many of the
positive steps that can be taken to ensure minimal damage to
the existing oaks on the site. The obvious areas of concern
are soil compaction, trunk scarring and root cutting. The
damage from these activities on oaks can be dramatic.
Fencing around various zones of "No Construction Allowed"
prior to the staging of equipment is a strong
recommendation. A common trench for the water utilities
will also serve to minimize damage to roots. Any
construction damage to the oaks in May or June must be
promptly treated to avoid introducing Oak Wilt into the
site.
The landscape plan is a fairly good proposal. I would only
suggest some rather minor changes. The sizes of the trees
overall is good, although I would like to see 6 ft Colorado
Spruce and 5 ft. Colorado Blue Spruce. The diameter size of
2 ", 2.5 ", and 3 ", as proposed on the deciduous trees is
typical. I see no definitive reason to increase caliper
sizes on these trees. The species selections could be
improved. I would recommend cutting back on the green ash
and locust quantities and substituting Rubrum Maple, and
Swamp White Oak. Three other trees that should be
considered for planting would be Ohio Buckeye, Ivory Smoke
(Japanese Lilac) and one of the many flowering crab
varieties available. Perhaps the total number of trees
planted could be increased in order to incorporate these
other selections into the planting plan.
If I can be of any further help on this project please feel
free to give me a call.