42-184. Credits for Preserving Existing Trees

Tree groupings and individual trees should be preserved. Preserved trees will be credited toward any requirement of this Article, and must be indicated on the site plan submitted.

  1. Tree Credit Rate. Preserved trees must be healthy and free of disease/insect infestation. Protection of critical root zone shall be required to ensure good health and condition (improper installation of protective measures will result in losing tree credits). Credits for preserving existing trees are indicated in Table 5.4. Critical root zone protection requirements are indicated in subsection B below.
  2. Critical Root Zone Protection. Critical root zone is the area around a tree calculated at a rate of one (1) foot radius for every one (1) inch of tree diameter. Protecting critical root zone involves installing tree protective fencing and (in some cases) silt fencing, as detailed below.
    1. Tree Protective Fencing. Tree protective fencing shall be installed (see Figure 5G and Figure 5H) around the critical root zone determined for each tree to be preserved.
      Figure 5G. Tree Protective Fencing (Plastic)
      Not to Scale

      Figure 5H. Tree Protective Fencing (Post and Rail)
      Not to Scale
    2. Silt Fencing. Where silt fencing is required for sedimentation/erosion control such silt fencing shall be installed as per North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NCDENR) regulations. Improper installation of silt fencing and/or lack of fencing (where required) will result in losing tree credits.
  3. Replacement of Credited Trees. If a credited tree dies within in one (1) year of the date of issuance of a zoning permit, it must be replaced by the current property owner with the number of trees for which credit was received. (Example: A tree (12 inch caliper) credited towards the landscaping requirements dies, so the developer must replace it with two (2) trees that meet the installation size requirements as outlined in §42- 183 - Plant Specifications).