Landscape Design Principles for Densely Wooded Areas Woodlot Design Principles

The Woodlot Design Principle is intended as a planting option to reinforce the scenic amenity represented by existing natural landforms and vegetation with the introduction of a mixture of plant materials designed to harmonize with the natural character of the site. This option can be utilized in required open space, greenbelts, front and side yard landscapes and any required landscaped areas other than parking lots. The plots shall be located away from vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The plan should be shown at minimum scale of 1”=20’-0” and shall be submitted with landscape plans.

The intent of the option is to protect, create and/or enhance the natural woodland landscape found in lower Michigan and particularly in Farmington Hills. The woodlands are described primarily as Oak-Hickory and Maple-Beech forests. Other tree species that are associated with these forests are Ash, Elm, Sweetgum, Poplar, Walnut, Wild Cherry, Sycamore and Dogwood (refer to the Plant Materials list below for the suggested plant material).

1. Plant Material Size, Spacing and Condition
    
   1. Woodlot plot size shall be minimum 500 square feet. Width shall be minimum eight (8’) feet.
       
   2. Deciduous trees shall be minimum one (1”) inch caliper and shall contain a mixture of sizes based on the following percentage chart:
       

      Size Group	% of DBH To Be Replaced	Condition	Maximum Spacing
      1" – 1 1/2" cal.	55%	Bare Root*	Max. 5' O.C.
      1½” – 2½” cal.	30%	Bare Root* or Ball and Burlap	Max. 10’ O.C.
      2½” – 3” cal.	15%	Ball and Burlap	Max. 20’ O.C.

      Evergreen trees can be incorporated into the woodlot where appropriate to the site and shall be a minimum four (4’) foot height spaced a minimum ten (10’) O.C. but shall not be more than 10 percent of the plot.

      Alternate spacing options can be utilized with the approval of the Planning Commission.

      NOTE: Bare root trees shall be planted only in the early spring, no later than June 1.

       

   3. Shrub planting is to follow the minimum guidelines as established in Zoning Chapter 34-553(a)(1) & (2).
       
   4. Ground cover shall be established per American Society of Nurseryman Standards and be hardy in shade conditions. Turf and lawns will not be accepted as ground cover.

    

2. Protection and Maintenance
    
   1. Staking and wrapping of trees shall be provided for all trees two (2”) inches caliper or greater. Smaller caliper trees shall be staked and wrapped as necessary and as approved by the Planning Office.
       
   2. The woodlot plot shall be distinguished and protected from the surrounding area and activity by the use of snow fencing or ribbon, as approved by the Planning Office, until the woodlot is established.
       
   3. The woodlot plantings shall be maintained in a healthy growing condition. All plant material that dies or is not healthy, shall be replaced by the beginning of the next growing season as directed by the Planning Office.

Recommended Plant Materials List for Woodlot Creation/Rehabilitation

Trees:

Shrubs:

Vine, Groundcovers and Herbaceous Perennials:

Example for Figuring Number of Trees

Proponent has 250 inches of trees that must be replaced per Zoning Ordinance 34-559., Tree Protection, Removal and Replacement. The proponent wants to replace 40” using the Landscape Design Principles for Densely Wooded Areas. The number of trees needed to fulfill the intent of this design principle is calculated as follows: