Follow up: Public green space

Parks and Parkways Design Standards
for Plantings on Public Green Space


1. Information
a. Identify who will be installing and who will be maintaining the planting.
b. Explain the purpose of the planting.
c. Indicate when the planting will be installed.
d. Provide a schedule of change-outs if seasonal planting are included.
e. Identify water source, if any, and proposed watering method and schedule.

2. Layout Plan
a. Indicate names, sizes, spacing and sources of plants.
b. Show accurate dimensions of bed and bed locations, e.g. distance from curbs, intersections, trees, light standards. To avoid sightline conflicts, planting should be at least 35 feet from intersections and 5 feet from side curbs.

3. Materials
a. A concrete border (pre-formed curbing) or steel edging is required for beds so that there is a clearly defined edge for mowing of the adjacent turf.
b. Any existing turf grass and weeds within the bed must be completely removed and the soil tilled before planting.
c. Plants must be of high quality, in good health, and must be planted using currently accepted horticultural standards. If plant material dies or is unhealthy, the Partner is expected to make replacements immediately.
d. Organic mulch is required for beds – indicate what type is to be used. Pine straw is preferred.
e. Trees should be of an appropriate size so as to be able to survive the conditions on a neutral ground. A minimum tree trunk caliper of 1 1/2 to 2 inches is required.
f. Plastic trunk protectors, such as “Arbor Guard” brand, are encouraged at the base of all trees.

4. If the above guidelines are not followed and the planting becomes a problem area, the Department of Parks and Parkways will require that the installation be removed.

This process takes time, but the investment in proper planning now will increase the probability of success of your project. We want to insure that the planting will be an asset for your neighborhood for years to come.

AB– 6/28/99