Requirements for site landscape design are specifically laid out in Edmond’s Title 22 Zoning Ordinance, Site Design Standards. Title 22 should be referenced for guidance in expectations and requirements for site landscaping. The Edmond Tree and Landscape Guide is another resource for requirements if tree preservation or protection is to be included in a site plan.

Often in landscape inspections, the same issues appear again and again. By addressing these issues in advance, the Urban Forestry Department hopes to help applicants get through the landscape inspection process smoothly. Below are some hints to help avoid issues at the time of landscape inspection.

Site Layout

• Landscape inspections are based on the landscape plan that as approved by Urban Forestry.  If a landscape installation does not match what is shown on the approved plan, a Landscape Final inspection will not be performed until a revised plan reflecting the changes has been received and approved.
• If the approved landscape plan will be revised, submit these revisions to Urban Forestry for approval prior to installation. Then install the landscape in accordance with this approved plan.
• Purchase the minimum plant material sizes that are specified on the plan.  Sizes will impact number of plant units and the plant material's eligibility for plant unit credit at all.
• Make sure that there is adequate space for each plant to mature without being crowded. Ensure that the mature size of the plant will not conflict with signage, circulation, and utility infrastructure.

Tree Installation

Trees shall be planted in accordance with the latest version of standards in ANSI A300 Part 6 and the International Society of Arboriculture’s Best Management Practices, with emphasis on the following specifications. Trees planted in a manner that does not comply with these specifications shall not be considered to meet the requirements of the site plan.

• The root collar shall be at, or not more than 2” above surrounding grade, with no soil backfilled on top of the root ball.
• All root ball supporting materials shall be cut-off from the top third of the root ball and removed from the planting hole prior to backfilling.
• Organic mulch shall be applied to a minimum depth of 3”, extending from near, but not touching, the trunk to an area at least twice as wide as the root ball of the tree.
• Planting technique must correspond to the Edmond Tree Planting Detail
• Remove all tags, ties, ropes, flagging, and bamboo stakes from planting stock.
• When staking trees, do not fasten them so tightly that the tree’s trunk is rigid. Staking material should be loose enough to allow for some natural movement.

Tree Preservation

• Tree preservation and protection areas that are not properly executed may not be credited toward required plant units in the landscape plan. Make sure to follow procedures in the Edmond Tree and Landscape Guide very closely.

Please contact the Urban Forestry Department with any questions or concerns about landscape inspections.