LANDSCAPING & TREES PLANNING GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 26 INTRODUCTION PROCEDURES DESIGN PRINCIPLES PLANNING AND LEISURE DEPARTMENT

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1 PLANNING GUIDANCE NOTE NO. 26 LANDSCAPING & TREES INTRODUCTION The appearance and treatment of the spaces between and around buildings is considered to be an integral part of all types of new development and can do much to improve the surroundings in which people live and work. In Dudley the council is committed to improving the general appearance of the Borough and landscaping makes a key contribution to that aim. The Dudley Unitary Development Plan (UDP), adopted in 1993, is the sole statutory land-use plan for Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council which provides clear guidelines for environmental considerations and future development in the Borough. PROCEDURES Not all developments will require the submission of a landscape scheme owing to their nature and/or their limited impact on their surroundings. Pre-application discussions with planning and landscape officers should be held to determine this. For those developments which do require the submission of such a scheme to ensure that delays in dealing with applications are kept to a minimum the following procedures should be followed: a. Early discussions in the planning application process between the applicant or agent and planning and landscape officers, to determine the nature and extent of landscaping required for a development. b. The submission of a detailed landscape scheme for a development which will form part of the planning application to be presented to Planning Committee. A high quality of design, implementation and maintenance is required for all landscape schemes. In order to achieve this, and ultimately result in savings in time and cost for the applicants it is strongly recommended that the services of a Landscape Architect or Landscape Manager, who is a member of the Landscape Institute, is employed for both the design and implementation of the scheme. Landscape Officers of the Planning and Leisure Department can provide guidance and assistance in defining the landscape requirements but cannot be involved in detailed design work on behalf of the applicant. Details of qualified Landscape Architects and Managers can be obtained from The Director General, The Landscape Institute, 6-8 Barnard Mews, London SW11 1QU Tel c. Where, for various reasons it is not possible to submit a detailed landscape scheme as part of the planning application, a landscape strategy (See section 4b) is the minimum that will be required. In these cases the submission of a detailed landscape scheme will be a condition of planning permission for the development. When preparing development proposals developers need to take into account whether the site is affected by planning controls. The following U.D.P. policies are particularly important and must be taken into account when preparing landscaping proposals: Tree Preservation Orders (TPO) - Policy 23. Conservation Areas - Policy 43. Landscape Heritage Areas (LHA) - Policy 31. Areas of Special Townscape Value - Policy 40. To find out if the development site is affected by these or other planning policies, planning officers should be consulted. (Refer to the Contacts List, Appendix 1) d. All public open space (POS) throughout the Dudley Borough is currently maintained by the Planning and Leisure Department and the Leisure and Development Committee is responsible for the adoption of new areas. Where a developer requests that an area of landscaped open space be adopted by the Council, the design and maintenance specifications of this area must meet the specific requirements of the Principal Landscape Officer. (Refer to Contacts List Appendix 1) DESIGN PRINCIPLES When producing a landscape scheme the following design principles should be adhered to: a. The size and scale of the development, its impact on and relationship with the surroundings and the site use and function will determine the nature of landscaping for a particular site. b. It is essential that the landscaping of a site is considered from the outset as an integral part of the design process for the development. This requires that every effort is made to work with all aspects DUDLEY Metropolitan Borough 1 PLANNING AND LEISURE DEPARTMENT

2 of the existing site including all man made and natural features of significance, which with aspect and orientation will dictate the character, style and form of the development. c. The Council must be assured that as many of the trees as possible are retained and that proposed buildings are at a sufficient distance to allow them to grow healthily and/or to maturity. d. It is important to recognise that areas of hard landscaping, including the erection of walls and fences, are considered as part of the overall landscape scheme. The selection of suitable materials also requires careful consideration and should include sympathetic use of both soft landscape elements eg trees, shrubs and grass, as well as hard landscaping ie paving, steps, etc. e. Consideration should also be given at the design stage to other relevant factors such as the service runs and drainage so that areas of existing and proposed landscaping and features to be retained can be avoided. f. It is essential to consider the future maintenance of the landscape scheme at the design stage. DESIGN PROCESS Before a planning application for development requiring a landscape scheme can be considered for approval the following submissions are required: a) An accurate Site Survey b) A Landscape Strategy, or... c) A Detailed Landscape Scheme A) SITE SURVEY In formulating any development proposals, it is particularly important that an accurate survey is carried out to define the boundary of the site and identify existing features within and adjacent to the site irrespective of whether they will be retained or removed. Detailed information that should be included in a site survey is listed in Appendix 2. The survey should be comprehensive and detailed. On certain sensitive sites a general survey would not provide enough specific information and the applicant may be required to give more information on site vegetation such as trees, shrubs and herbaceous vegetation. Applicants should plot the positions of all trees on the site survey plan (of not less than 1:500 scale) and give the species, age, condition, present and estimated ultimate height and spread, in metres, and girth of the trunk, measured 1 metres above groundlevel. The survey should also indicate large shrubs and hedgerows indicating the species, condition, height and spread. In cases where it is impossible to show all individual trees in a group the position of all perimeter trees must be indicated on the plan. Professional help and advice on surveying of trees can be obtained from a fully qualified arboriculturist. If the site is affected by nature conservation policies of the U.D.P. or has habitats of special interest advice can be obtained from the Council Nature Conservation Officer. (Refer to the Contacts List: Appendix 1) B) LANDSCAPE STRATEGY This is an overall concept plan, showing the layout of the key hard and soft landscape elements, which will be developed into the detailed landscape scheme. A landscape strategy should include the following information: Pedestrian and vehicular access and circulation including car parking requirements and footpaths. Boundary treatments. Siting of the proposed development showing layout and density. Land form and changes of level. Land use eg playing fields, garden etc. Services and safety considerations. Areas of nature conservation value Relationship to land surrounding the site. Site features to be retained, eg trees, walls etc. Planting design showing the main elements of tree and shrub planting, native screen thickets, grass areas, etc. The illustration opposite shows a typical landscape strategy. C) DETAILED LANDSCAPE SCHEME Should show the hard landscape layout detailing surface treatments, boundary types, earthworks design and changes of level, proposed levels, artefacts such as walls, steps etc., plant beds and grass areas, services and site furniture. The detail design should also include the following: Where applicable, cross sections, with explanatory notes, through the site and neighbouring land. In respect of planting the positions of all types of planting and a detailed plant schedule specifying plant species (Latin 2

3 LANDSCAPE STRATEGY names), size at planting, for shrubs and whips the number per square metre, the quantity and any special comments on husbandry. A Maintenance Specification stating the period of maintenance including the frequency of visits, methods of weed control, litter collection, periodical checking of tree ties and stakes and root firming, pruning requirements according to the season and arrangements for the replacement of dead and missing plants. A Management Statement, for sites not to be adopted by the council explaining how the landscaping will be managed after the contractor s maintenance period. In order to produce an effective landscape design a number of rules and principles should be followed for the various elements in the scheme. I) PLANTING DESIGN The planting design is an integral part of the whole landscape scheme which should add to the visual attraction of the site itself and the surrounding area. The main aims of a particular planting design will depend upon the particular purpose for which the planting is required, these may include: Screening, shelter and wind-break. Shade. Linking mass and void. More specifically a planting design should provide a design compatible with site use, location, aspect and ground conditions by consideration of plant selection, density of planting, size of plant material, plant husbandry and frequency of maintenance visits during the establishment period. These will determine what the planting will look like at maturity. 3

4 Tree planting New tree planting can be as individual specimens, in groups or as belts of trees depending on the purpose and the situation of the planting. Early in the design process areas should be created where larger growing species of trees can be planted. The choice of trees will depend on the following: Ground conditions. Their position in relation to nearby buildings and density of shade they cast. The proximity of services. Mature height and spread. Creation of all year round interest. Whilst Standard and particularly Heavy Standard size trees should be planted when an instant effect is required, the planting of whips and feathered trees in large groups may be appropriate, particularly in more isolated areas or where other tree planting would be difficult eg steep banks, because they are : more likely to survive. quicker to establish. more cost effective. For tree sizes at planting refer to Detail Design Appendix 4. Shrub planting. Shrub planting can create a mature landscape in a short period and also helps to: visually relate buildings to the ground. define spaces. directs pedestrian traffic. fill awkward areas where grass is difficult to maintain. The size of the shrub planting bed should reflect the ultimate height and spread of the shrubs to be used. A shrub planting design should aim to establish a dense canopy of foliage to shade out weed growth and reduce long term maintenance costs, not to either over simplify, by planting too few species in a large area, or create a fussy effect by planting too many species in a small area, not to plant shrubs too sparsely, too densely or without bark mulch or future maintenance where the whole planting can quickly deteriorate into a jungle of weeds. Groundcover and evergreen shrubs should generally form the bulk of the planting but perennials, climbers, deciduous shrubs and bulbs can provide highlights and variety. Most groundcover shrubs are best planted at between 3 and 5 plants per square metre for quick effect. Container grown shrubs are best used where available as they usually have well developed root systems which aids successful establishment. Grass Grass areas should be designed for ease of maintenance, particularly in communal areas and open space. Steep slopes should either be shrub or whip planted or sown with a wild flower conservation mix rather than grassed, and very small areas should be either shrubbed or hard surfaced. II) HARD LANDSCAPE The character of landscaping around buildings, open space and play areas is often determined by the choice of hard materials as well as tree and shrub planting. It is important that elements of the hard landscape specification take into account the following: Local vernacular ie styles and materials of existing buildings, surfaces, walls etc. Quality detail and good workmanship. Co-ordination of the use and function of the materials used, their textures and colours. The needs of the users, for example, disabled access. (Refer to Contacts List Appendix 1) Every effort should be made to avoid the creation of large uninterrupted areas of uniform surfacing, particularly of tarmacadam, as this produces a monotonous and unattractive appearance. All elements must comply with the relevant highway, lighting, drainage and disabled access standards. III) CAR PARKING AREAS The overall aim of planting within car parking areas should be to help make them attractive as well as functional, safe open spaces. The size of the parking area will dictate the scale and type of planting necessary. The space and layout of car parking areas must conform to planning guidelines. Planning Guidance Note No. 14 'Car Parking Standards', available from the Planning and Leisure Department, gives the standards required by this council. In general the minimum size of each car parking bay shall be 4.8 metres long by 2.4 metres wide. In areas where space is limited, particularly along boundaries, the length can be reduced to 4.2 metres provided the 600 mm reduction forms part of the planting bed planted with low ground cover shrubs. 4

5 Generally where space permits the parking area should be screened with shrub beds around the perimeter, the minimum width of planting beds to be 2 metres. In general low growing shrubs should be planted within car parking areas to ensure good visibility. Where appropriate, space for specimen trees should be provided within the car-parking areas and suitable protection, to prevent damage to the trees, provided around the base of each tree. IMPLEMENTATION OF DEVELOPMENT AND LANDSCAPING A. PROTECTION OF EXISTING TREES All too often trees retained on development sites are damaged during construction works to such an extent that they eventually die. Before starting work on the development site the contractor must identify all trees which are protected by a Tree Preservation Order or by being in a Conservation Area, or are scheduled for retention in the development. This can be done by contacting the council Tree Preservation Officer. (Refer to Contacts Appendix 1) The contractor must be aware which trees are to be retained and which are to be removed. Trees, hedges and large bushes which it is proposed to remove must be clearly marked on the layout plan. Trees and hedges which are to be retained must be clearly marked on site prior to the commencement of development works preferably by printed numbers relating to the site survey, and in agreement with Council Officers. The Council can also provide notices for the identification of trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders. As a general rule the majority of a tree s roots lie within an area just greater than the spread of its crown and are at a depth of approximately 600 mm. This may be less on heavy soils and greater on drier soils. See diagram below. TYPICAL TREE ON TYPICAL SOIL IN BRITAIN An indication of root spread of a typical tree where root growth is unimpeded by ditches, walls or other obstructions N.B. Narrower or fastigiate forms of tree may have a smaller branch spread but similar root spread. The size of the root system is related to the amount of foiage the tree supports not just the height or branch spread of the tree. 5

6 The Council insists on a number of precautions during development to prevent damage to the trunks, roots and crowns of trees. These are often applied as conditions when planning permission is granted. These precautions include: All trees to be retained must be protected by sturdy fencing positioned 1 m beyond the outer most spread of the branches. No vehicle traffic shall be allowed over the root system, in an area equal to the spread of the crown of the tree as compaction of the soil leads to root suffocation. Care must be taken to prevent trees being damaged by mechanical equipment both during site clearance works and building operations. No excavation, including that for services, or changes in ground level shall take place within the spread of the crown of the tree as roots may be damaged. No soil, debris or builders materials shall be deposited around and against the trunk of a tree as this causes bark damage and compaction of the soil. No fires shall be lit below the branches and no petrol, oil or caustic substances stored near to the trees. No trees shall be used for anchoring or winching purposes or for the display of signs. Where cutting of branches or roots has been authorised, this shall only be carried out under the supervision of an officer from the Planning and Leisure Department. Regular inspections are undertaken by Council officers to make sure the conditions are adhered to and the precautions maintained. B. SPECIFICATION OF SOFT AND HARD LANDSCAPE The onus rests with the applicant to produce a specification which meets the Council s approval. It should take account of the relevant British Standards, Codes of Practice, Building Regulations and any other standards enforceable in the U.K. I GROUND CONDITIONS Poor ground conditions occur on many development sites in the Borough occur as a result of site dereliction, waste tipping and clearance operations using heaving machinery resulting in ground compaction and waterlogging. Damage can also be caused during site works, not only to existing features which are to be retained, but also to soil structure. In certain circumstances, particularly on larger sites containing many existing features, it may be advisable to let a preliminary landscape site works contract prior to the main building works contractor having access to the site to ensure the protection and conservation of features identified for retention. Before work starts on site suitable materials such as existing topsoil should be conserved for reuse at a later stage. Topsoil When existing top soil is re-used it should be stored on site deposited in mounds no higher than 2 metres. Topsoil so stored must be used within 12 months. Imported topsoil must comply with the minimum requirements of BS and shall be good quality medium fibrous loam, free from perennial weeds, debris or stones in excess of 25 mm in any dimensions (Stone size specifically applies to new soiled grass areas). For the depths of topsoil for various planting situations refer to Appendix 6. Planting without topsoil Many plants can grow well in sub-soil provided appropriate plant species are selected. Where compost is required this Authority recommends the use of peat free products. Low maintenance grass swards incorporating wild flower species are best developed on sub-soil and can be effective in low use areas, e.g. embankments. However proper management is vital for the successful establishment of such areas. Specialist advice should be obtained. II PLANTING SPECIFICATION Preliminaries Before planting the soil must be weed free. All pernicious weeds eg nettle, docks, thistle should be sprayed out with herbicide, repeated if necessary, and dead weeds removed and carted away or cultivated into the soil. Shrubs Protective fencing should be erected around planting areas, particularly where construction is continuing. In shrub beds the initial size of plants and density should reflect the need to produce an established plant bed within the agreed maintenance period. Shrubs should be specified as to container size, height or age as appropriate. Bare root shrubs should be specified as to height and age. For shrub specification refer to Appendix 4. All ornamental shrub beds should be bark mulched to 75 mm depth with good quality bark chipped mulch, containing no wood chip waste ( mm nominal particle size and no dust). 6

7 Trees Bare root trees and shrubs should only be planted during the planting season (normally mid-november to the end of March) and preferably before the end of December and not in waterlogged or frozen ground. In areas prone to vandalism specimen trees should be planted at least heavy standard size (Girth of stem cms). Trees should be staked and tied appropriate to the size of the tree. Refer to diagram below. PLANTING OF A BARE ROOT DECIDUOUS TREE The site must be maintained by the developer to a standard, approved by the for an approved period after completion. On sites to remain in private ownership, the developer must submit a statement on how the site is to be managed in the future following the period of establishment. For example if the site is to be managed under a fixed term maintenance contract, a copy of the maintenance agreement must be forwarded to the Council giving details of the start and finish dates, contract particulars, specification etc. For areas to be adopted joint inspections of the maintenance shall be carried out annually by the developer and Planning and Leisure Officers within a period not exceeding six weeks before the handover date. These inspections shall be arranged and co-ordinated by the developer. In addition to this meeting, the Council s own landscape clerk of works may also make interim site visits to monitor the standard of maintenance. Where the level of maintenance is unacceptable and/or joint inspections are not held, the duration of the maintenance period may be extended for areas that are to be adopted. B. SPECIFICATION The period of establishment is known as the maintenance period the length of which may vary depending on the application, site use and purpose of the planting. N.B. Rootballed, container grown trees and evergreen trees may require a different staking technique Grass All grass areas must be well prepared and protected to aid establishment and an approved low maintenance grass mix specified. A grass maintenance specification to suit the future use of the grass area must also be adhered to. Existing and proposed site furniture such as litter bins, bollards or light fittings should be placed either in shrub beds or hard surfaced areas. In open space and communal areas where grass abuts vertical surfaces such as walls and fences a mowing margin 225mm wide will ease mowing. MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT A. GENERAL AND PROCEDURES The effectiveness of the soft landscaping element of a scheme depends on appropriate programmed maintenance. The minimum period of maintenance shall be three years and the specification must adopt the following principles throughout the period: I GENERAL Keep the whole site in a tidy, weed and litter free condition. All waste material arising from any maintenance operation should be removed for proper disposal at the end of each working day. II PLANTS Keep all plant material (shrubs, trees, bulbs, herbaceous plants and climbers) in a healthy condition and encourage rapid establishment (including watering during dry spells, fertilizing, thinning out where necessary and annual pruning as required). Maintain 75 mm depth of bark mulch on planting beds. Ensure all tree stakes, ties, overhead guy fixings etc remain secure and in good condition at all times, adjusting, as necessary for growth. Once newly planted trees have become established stakes and ties should be removed to avoid inhibiting their growth. Carry out annually agreed plant replacements. 7

8 III GRASS Keep high maintenance grass areas neatly mown (using a cylinder mower with grass box to collect cuttings) and edged to encourage a dense sward. Weed and fertilizer treatments to be applied as required. Ornamental areas: maintain cut at 10 mm grass height. General amenity areas: maintain cut at 20 mm grass height. Low maintenance grass area need only to be cut once or twice a year. IV HARD LANDSCAPE AND SITE FURNITURE Empty litter bins on a regular basis eg each week. Keep site furniture and fencing in good repair and free of graffiti. Sweep all hard surfaces on a regular basis and remove all arisings. ENFORCEMENT Failure to submit and implement landscape schemes appropriately and comply with any conditions of the planning permission relating to landscape matters, may result in enforcement action being taken either against the developer, or if the property has been sold, the present owner or occupier. Where the developer wants the Council to adopt areas of landscaping after completion, such as public open space, handover will only take place where a satisfactory scheme has been submitted, implemented and then maintained to an acceptable standard for an agreed period after the completion. 8

9 APPENDIX 1 COUNCIL CONTACTS LANDSCAPE SCHEMES. Rupert Dugdale, Landscape Practice Manager, Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley DY2 8UZ Tel. (01384) Fax (01384) PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY David Jacobs, Engineering, Environment and Transportation Dept., The Council House, Mary Stevens Park, Stourbridge Tel. (01384) Fax. (01384) PLANNING APPLICATIONS Hugh Gore, Divisional Planning Officer Development Control, 3, St James Road, Dudley DY1 1HZ Tel. (01384) Fax (01384) DISABLED ACCESS Mark Walton, Access Officer, 3 St. James s Road, Dudley DY1 1HZ Tel. (01384) Fax. (01384) TREES Protection/Surgery Advice (On private land). Dennis Wheelwright, Planning Officer (Trees), 3, St James Road, Dudley DY1 1HZ Tel. (01384) Fax. ( ) Tree Care/Practice/Education (On Council land). Mark Waddams, Arboricultural Officer, Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley DY2 8UZ Tel. (01384) Fax. (01384) LANDSCAPED AREAS FOR ADOPTION CONSERVATION AREAS, LISTED BUILDINGS AND ARCHAEOLOGY Pete Boland, Principal Conservation Officer/ Borough Archaeologist, Conservation and Archaeology 3 St. James s Road, Dudley DY1 1HZ Tel. (01384) Fax. (01384) URBAN DESIGN Paul Watson, Divisional Planning Officer (Heritage), 3 St. James s Road, Dudley DY1 1HZ Tel. (01384) Fax. (01384) Sally Orton, Principal Landscape Officer, Claughton House, Blowers Green Road, Dudley DY2 8UZ Tel. (01384) Fax. (01384) NATURE CONSERVATION Nature Conservation Officer, 3, St James Road, Dudley DY1 1HZ Tel. (01384) Fax. (01384)

10 APPENDIX 2 SITE SURVEY Information to be included in site surveys: Site boundaries, type condition and ownership. Levels, spot heights and contours (to include levels beyond the application boundary in areas where neighbours are affected). Location of existing services - gas, electricity, telephone, cable, water, drainage - foul, storm, surface and land drains. (For details of service lines, the relevant Statutory Undertaker should be consulted). Existing buildings and artefacts eg retaining walls, outbuildings, paths, steps etc. Watercourses - indicate direction of flow and type eg river, pond, etc. Site features eg. exposed rock formations, archaeological ruins. Mineshafts (treated or untreated) Legal aspects and where applicable, easements, rights of way, restricted covenants etc. Existing trees and vegetation. Individual trees, group hedgerows and woodland to be recorded together with ground flora eg rough grassland, bramble, colonising rubble, mown grass etc. APPENDIX 3 VEGETATION SURVEY AND TREES Details of consultants can be obtained by consulting: Arboricultural Association, Ampfield House, Ampfield, Romsey, Hants S057 9PA Telephone Fax The following British Standards should be referred to with reference to existing trees: BS Arboricultural Practice. BS Recommendations for Tree Work. BS Trees in Relation to Construction. 10

11 APPENDIX 4 DETAIL DESIGN TREE SIZES AT PLANTING Type Height Girth of Stem Transplant cms na Whip cms na Feathered tree (Lower branches retained) cms na Light standard cms 6-8cms Standard cms 8-10cms Selected standard cms 10-12cms Heavy standard cms 12-14cms Extra heavy standard cms 14-16cms Trees can also be obtained as Semi-mature specimens. Trees are available as bare root specimens, container grown or root balled. SHRUB SIZES AT PLANTING Shrubs are available either as container grow or bare root. Container grown shrubs are specified by height (in centimetres) and by pot volume (in litres). Bare root or field grown shrubs and hedging plants are specified by growing time as a seedling and growing time as a transplant. eg. 1+1 etc. NATIVE 'RURAL' MIXED HEDGE Hawthorn- Crataegus monogyna Blackthorn- Prunus spinosa Field Maple- Acer campestre Hazel- Corylus avellana Holly- Ilex aquifolium Hedge to be planted as a double staggered row at 300mm centres. Each plant to be 300mm in height when planted. The hedge should be maintained at a height of 1.5m. Field maple and holly species should be allowed to reach maturity as a tree and should not be cut back. NATIVE THICKET PLANTING: Hawthorn- Crataegus monogyna Hazel- Corylus avellana Holly- Ilex aquifolium Blackthorn- Prunus spinosa Guelder Rose- Vibrunum opulus Common Alder- Alnus glutinosa Cherry- Prunus avium Oak- Quercus robur/ petraea Rowan- Sorbus aucuparia ratio 30:3:1:1 respectively ratio 3:3:1:3:3:1:1 respectively Each plant should be 300mm tall when planted and positioned at 1m centres. 11

12 TREES A List of Native Trees and Shrubs SOIL PREFERENCE Alder (Alnus glutinosa) Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) Aspen (Populus tremula) Beech (Fagus sylvatica) Birch (Betula pubescens and B. pendula) Cherry, Bird (Prunus padus) Elm, Wych (Ulmus glabra) Gean or Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) Holly (Ilex aquifolium) Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) Lime, Small-leaved (Tilia cordata) Maple, Common or Field (Acer campestre) Oak (Quercus robur and Q. petraea) Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) Wild Service Tree (Sorbus torminalis) Willow, Crack (Salix fragilis) Willow, Goat (Salix caprea) Willow, Grey (Salix cinerea) Damp acid to calcareous Freely drained, calcareous and heavy Wet heavy clays Dry calcareous well drained sites Light acid sites Neutral to acid well drained foams Heavy clays flushed soils Calcareous Well drained soils Heavy neutral to acid Heavy neutral to acid Calcareous clays and loams Loams clays Light soils Dry sandy soils Calcareous soils Heavy soils, neutral or calcareous Damp fertile loams Damp fertile loams Damp fertile loams SHRUBS Blackberry (Rubus frutiosa) Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) Broom (Sarothammus scoparius) Buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus) Buckthorn, Alder (Frangula alnus) Dog Rose (Rose canina) Dogwood (Thelycrania sanguiuea) Elder (Sambucus nigra) Gorse (Ulex europaeus) Gorse, Western (Ulex gallii) Guelder Rose (Viburnum opulus) Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Hawthorn, Midland (Crataegus oxycantha) Hazel (Corylus avellana) Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum) Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) Raspberry (Rubus idaeus) Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) Wayfaring Tree (Viburnum lantarta) Willow, Bay (Salix pentandra) Yew (Taxus baccata) SOIL PREFERENCE Calcareous to neutral clays and loams Calcareous to neutral clays and loams Fenland soils; damp peats; acid sands Calcareous to neutral soils Neutral to acid sands Calcareous to neutral clays and loams Calcareous to neutral clays and loams Neutral soils Acid sands Neutral to calcareous damp clays and loams Calcareous to neutral loams; clays Neutral, calcareous clay Neutral to slightly acid loams; clay All soils Calcareous loams; brown earth; gravel Neutral loams Calcareous to neutral loams Calecareous loams Acid loams Damp fertile loams 12

13 APPENDIX 5 IMPLEMENTATION TOPSOIL Different types of planting require varying depths of topsoil: Grass areas mm deep (25 mm higher above all hard surfaces and edges, to a maximum gradient of 1:3 in those areas to be cut by gang mower). Ornamental Shrub Beds mm deep. (Level with adjoining grass, paving etc. Surplus soil to be raked to a camber from the centre of the area grading down to the edge of the bed). Ornamental Tree Planting - tree pits to be backfilled with topsoil to the following dimensions: Feathered Trees x 500 x 450 deep. Standard Trees to 14 cm girth x 750 x 450 deep. Extra Heavy Standard trees to 20 cm girth 900 x 900 x 600 mm deep. Semi-mature trees exceeding 20 cm girth 1500 x 1500 x 750 deep Prior to spreading any topsoil, all subsoil should be ripped to alleviate compaction, by appropriate means, to 300 mm depth. New topsoil areas should be lightly compacted to compensate for future settlement. All areas should follow smooth flowing contours and marry-in to existing ground levels. APPENDIX 6 INFORMATION SOURCES POLICIES Town and Country Planning Act, 1990 Dudley Unitary Development Plan, 1993 TREES Arboricultural Association Leaflets Cares for Trees: No. 4 Tree Management No. 6 Tree Roots No. 7 Thinning Groups of Trees Tree protection - Protected trees (A Guide to the Preservation Procedures) - Department of the Environment and Welsh Office BRITISH STANDARDS: B.S Arboricultural Practices B.S Recommendations for Tree Work B.S Trees in Relation to Construction HARD AND SOFT LANDSCAPING British Standard Codes of Practice Building Regulations National Building Specification British Standard B.S. 3882, Specification of Topsoil PLANTING DESIGN Handbook of Urban Landscape - by Cliff Tandy - edited by Architectural Press PLANTING SPECIFICATION British Standards: B.S Nursery Stock - Part I Trees and Shrubs Part II Forest Trees Part V Poplars and Willows Part VII Bedding Plants Part IX Bulbs, Corms and Tubers Part X Ground-cover shrubs B.S Recommendation for Transplanting Rootballed Trees. Arboricultural Association Cares for Trees Leaflets: No. 1 Trees for Small Gardens No. 2 Guide to Tree Planting No. 3 Young Tree Maintenance British Standards are available for viewing only at Dudley Library. 13