23.4 Selection, Installation, and Maintenance of Plant Materials

23.4.A Selection   

All planting materials used shall be of good quality and meet American Association of Nurserymen (ANNS) standards for minimum acceptable form, quality, and size for species selected, and capable to withstand the seasonal temperature variations, as well as the individual site micro-climates. The use of wet-tolerant native species in stormwater BMPs or drought-tolerant native species is encouraged. Size and density of plant material, both at the time of planting and at maturity, shall be considered when selecting plant material. 

23.4.B Installation   

All landscape materials shall be installed in accordance with the current planting procedures established by the “Louisiana Nurseryman’s Manual for the Environmental Horticultural Industry,” latest edition, as published by the Louisiana Nursery and Landscape Association.  All trees on City property, including street trees, shall be in compliance with the Department of Parks and Parkways Section 02481, “Installation of Plant Materials”. All plant materials shall be free of disease and installed so that soil is of sufficient volume, composition, and nutrient balance to sustain healthy growth. 

23.4.C Wet-Tolerant and Drought-Tolerant Plant Requirements   

Plant selection should emphasize wet-tolerant native species in stormwater BMPs whenever possible. When this is not feasible, drought-tolerant native species with irrigation systems may be installed. Wet-tolerant and drought-tolerant species shall be grouped by common irrigation need.

23.4.C.1 Plant Materials   

a.  Plant selection shall first emphasize a variety of wet-tolerant native species incorporated in stormwater management BMPs. A minimum of fifty percent (50%) of all required landscaped areas shall be designed, constructed and maintained as green stormwater infrastructure features. 

b.  For all projects that include landscape areas not included within stormwater BMPs, at least fifty percent (50%) of the landscaped area shall be drought-tolerant plants.

c.  For all projects that include total landscape areas not within stormwater BMPs, the landscape plan shall contain irrigation water calculations and shall not exceed the maximum applied water allowance of twenty-five (25) gallons per square foot of landscape area. The applicant shall indicate the square footage and the water use calculation for each irrigated landscape area. 

23.4.C.2 Groupings   

Landscape areas having plants with similar water needs shall be grouped together and irrigated by a dedicated irrigation controller station. All plants listed in the landscape plan shall be classified and grouped by category of water use calculations. Water use calculations shall be grouped as low, medium, and high.

23.4.D Protection of Existing Vegetation   

All construction projects are subject to the requirements of Chapter 106, Article IV of the City Code. Additionally, construction projects which impact public trees are subject to the Department of Parks and Parkways Section 02480 “Landscape Protection During Construction.” 

23.4.E Required Element   

Landscape materials depicted on landscape plans approved by the City are required development plan elements in the same manner as structures, parking, and other improvements. As such, the owner of record is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all landscape materials, fences, steps, retaining walls, and similar landscape elements over the entire life of the development.

23.4.F Maintenance   

All landscape materials shall be maintained in good condition, present a healthy, neat and orderly appearance, and kept free of weeds, refuse, and debris. Any dead, unhealthy, or missing plants shall be replaced within six (6) months of notification by the City. Fences, steps, retaining walls, and similar landscape elements shall be maintained in good repair. The owner of the premises is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all landscape materials, fences, steps, retaining walls, and similar landscape elements, and all refuse disposal areas. Irrigation systems, when provided, shall be maintained in good operating condition to promote the health of the plant material and the conservation of water.