330.030 Plant Materials.
A. Shrubs and Ground Cover. All required ground cover plants and shrubs must be of sufficient size and number to meet the required standards within 3 years of planting.
B. Trees. Trees may be deciduous or evergreen. Deciduous trees at the time of planting must be fully branched, have a minimum height of 7 feet or be 1 1/2 inches in caliper. Evergreen trees at the time of planting must be fully branched and a minimum of 5 feet in height.
C. Plant Material Choices.
(1) Existing Vegetation. Existing landscaping or natural vegetation may be used to meet the standards, if healthy and protected and maintained during the construction phase of the development. When the existing trees are at least 8 inches in diameter, measured 5 feet above the ground, they may count triple towards meeting the tree requirements of a landscaping standard.
(2) Selection of Materials. Landscape materials should be selected and sited to produce a hardy and drought-resistant landscape area. Selection should include consideration of soil type and depth, the amount of maintenance required, spacing, exposure to sun and wind, the slope and contours of the site, and compatibility with existing native vegetation preserved on the site.
D. Complying with the Standards. It is the applicant's responsibility to show that the landscaping materials proposed will comply with the regulations of this section.