DSU Wally Case - 10-19-2001 - Landscape Plan Review

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10/19/0? 11:38 FAX 612 337 5601 DSU, INC. [3j 002 The proposed wooded area to be preserved along the northern boundary varies in width from approximately 125 feet in the west,to 25 feet in the center and 5 feet in the east. There is potential for preserving a significant and effective wooded buffer from the center of the site to the western boundary. If this project is approved,the construction limit should be field adjusted to avoid the drip line of significant trees and woods and to maintain as wide a buffer as possible. 2. The minimum tree and shrub requirements of the zoning ordinance are as follows. Overstory deciduous trees(Site perimeter 1795 feet/40=44.875) 45 overstory trees—14 evergreen trees= 31 deciduous overstory trees Evergreen trees(45 overstory x 30%min= 13.5 evergreen trees) 14 evergreen trees Ornamental trees(2 may substitute for 1 overstory to 25%) 0 ornamental trees Shrubs(33,424 GFA building footprint/300= 111.4) 111 shrubs The development proposes 73 overstory and evergreen trees,28 ornamental frees and 114 shrubs. All trees and shrubs shown on the landscape plan meet the minimum sizes required by the ordinance.The landscaping shown on the proposed landscape plan exceeds the minimum ordinance requirement. In addition,the development may preserve approximately 1/3 acre of existing woods. 3. There are 6 types of deciduous overstory, 5 types of evergreen and 6 types of ornamental trees proposed with no single type comprising more that 50%of the total.This project meets the ordinance requirement. While variety and diversity are desirable, we suggest that any additional trees should be limited to one or two of the proposed genus/species to create a stronger sense of order and harmony. 4. The proposed landscape plan also exceeds the minimum ordinance requirement for parking island size and number of trees per surface parking spaces. Landscape Design 1. The proposed design uses most of the new plantings to create buffers along the eastern two thirds of the northern boundary,the east end of the building and between the parking areas and Highway 12. The proposed type and intensity of landscaping in these areas is appropriate. However,the proposed plantings in the buffer along the northern boundary should be reviewed and adjusted wherever feasible to facilitate preserving significant healthy trees or groups of trees and to ensure that the buffer is adequate. In addition,the spacing and offset of the Colorado Blue Spruce may need to be adjusted to provide adequate room for their long term development. The landscaping in the parking islands and between the parking and Highway 12 will be effective. 2. The project and community would benefit from additional overstory and ornamental tree plantings in several areas. Additional overstory are needed along the north side of the drive serving the future development to the west and along the north side of the parking lots to reduce the visual scale of the building, provide canopy,and buffer the parking views from the upper units. In addition,the eastern wing of the building and the retaining walls along the entry drive are almost entirely exposed to view from Highway 12 and Brown Road N. This part of the building and the community would benefit from planting additional overstory trees in the narrow boulevard along the north side of the drive or above terraced walls south of the drive.If this is not feasible,planting overstory trees in the boulevards along Brown Road N and Highway 12 becomes increasingly important for framing and buffering the views to and from the building.