What are the street tree requirements for land development?

Street tree requirements for land development vary depending on the city, town or region where the development is occurring. However, some general requirements that are often seen include:

1. Tree spacing: This refers to the distance between trees, which is typically determined by the size of the tree at maturity. In many places, trees must be spaced at least 25 feet apart in order to allow for healthy growth.

2. Species selection: Many municipalities have a list of approved tree species that can be planted on streets. These lists typically include species that are well-suited to the local climate and that have a history of doing well in urban environments.

3. Tree size: The size of the tree that must be planted is often specified in local regulations. Generally, larger trees are preferred, as they provide greater benefits such as shade and air quality improvement.

4. Tree maintenance: In order to ensure that street trees remain healthy and attractive, they must be properly maintained. This includes regular watering and pruning, as well as addressing any pest or disease issues that may arise.

5. Tree protection: During the construction process, it is important to protect existing street trees from damage. This may involve installing physical barriers or taking other measures to protect the root systems and trunk of the tree. In some cases, existing trees may need to be relocated in order to make way for new development.

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