BUILDING DIVISION Bulletin No.

T-7

August 1997

General Tree Planting Guidelines

The following tree planting guidelines are based on the most recent recommended practice in the British Columbia Landscape Standards. When considering tree selection and planting, it is recommended that you seek the advice of reputable landscape professionals, such as landscape architects, arborists, horticulturists and nursery representatives. A list of acceptable replacement trees and their sizes is available from the City. 1. Select the location of new trees to ensure that the trees will be able to develop their natural form and ultimate size without creating a negative impact on the tree, its surroundings or any overhead or underground utilities. See the section titled "Where can I plant Replacement Trees?" in the City of Surrey Planning & Development Department "General Public's Guidelines to the Tree Preservation By-law" available at the Building Division counter, for preferred minimum distances from curbs, sidewalks, driveways, service lines, etc. 2. Ensure that the root ball is uniformly watered one day prior to planting, if possible. Water the newly planted tree once a week, soaking thoroughly the cultivated area. 3. All trees and shrubs should have at least 300 mm of growing medium surrounding the root ball to the sides. Where growing medium depth is not sufficient for this, planting pits should be excavated and filled with growing medium. Excess excavated material should be removed from the site. 4. Soil composition should generally be approximately 50% loam, 30% decomposed organic matter, and 20% sand. Soil testing kits are normally available through local nurseries. Private laboratories will also test soil samples. 5. Generally 4.5 kg of dolomite lime per 9 m2 should be cultivated uniformly into the planting area. A unique soil composition and planting might require an alternative treatment. 6. The root ball should normally be set at the same level as it was growing in the nursery or tree farm. Where drainage is poor, plant the tree 2.5 cm to 5 cm higher than the surrounding ground. Under no circumstances should the top of the root ball be buried.

City of Surrey Planning & Development Department, 14245 - 56 Avenue, Surrey, B.C. V3X 3A2 Telephone: 591-4441

City of Surrey Planning & Development Department

7. Soil should be compacted with a water sprinkler or hose. Heavy foot traffic around the planting area should be avoided. 8. A 5 to 7.5 cm layer of mulch (peat, mushroom manure, leafmold, etc.) may be applied to the planting area, but must be kept 15 cm away from the tree trunk. Cedar mulch is not acceptable. 9. A tree should only be staked if it is unable to stand on its own, or when planted on boulevard. When staking, the stake should be placed on the windward side of the tree avoiding damage to the trunk and root ball. The stake should not be driven through the root ball. The tree should be tied to the stake, allowing for natural movement of the trunk. The stake should be fastened to the tree with a figure-eight loop tie of a soft elasticized

material, i.e., rubber tubing, or similar fastener, that is appropriate to the size, type and condition of the tree. The stake should be removed after one year or when the tree is established. 10. A regular maintenance program should be adopted for one year after planting to ensure survival and establishment, including pruning, watering, and cultivating the planting area. Do not fertilize until late spring of the second year following planting. Note: The accompanying tree detail illustrations characterize a generally flat site condition in an unrestricted area. Special planting considerations are required in sloped conditions, roof decks or other unique situations.

7 cm mulch kept 15 cm from trunk Stake only if tree is unable to stand on its own Plant area should be 3-5 times size of root ball mound slightly to contain water Set top of root ball at ground level

7 cm mulch kept 15 cm from trunk Stake only if tree is unable to stand on its own Cultivated planting area should be 3-5 times size of root ball mound slightly to contain water Set top of root ball at ground level Free burlap from trunk Set tree on solid ground

Free burlap from trunk Set tree on solid ground

CONIFEROUS TREE PLANTING GUIDELINE

DECIDUOUS TREE PLANTING GUIDELINE

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City of Surrey Planning & Development Department

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