Landscape Standards Guide

 

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About this document

This is a reference guide to landscape standards in Arlington County, intended primarily for the use of applicants seeking approval for development. It is a compilation of existing ordinances, policies, plans and standards to assist you in the preparation of landscape plans and tree preservation plans. The last update was in 2017, and this new update includes current best practices and updated County policies which provides a format that is more user-friendly and better integrated with county webpages.

The Arlington County Board and the community have identified the conservation and improvement of the County’s green space and tree canopy as a top priority, and recognize the invaluable role good urban and landscape design play in realizing this goal as the county continues to urbanize. Well-designed spaces, especially those that incorporate plants and biophilic design elements, provide numerous benefits to the environment and human health, and are also a smart economic investment in our future.

The recently adopted Forestry and Natural Resources Plan, an element of the County’s Comprehensive Plan, explains these benefits in detail and presents Arlington’s conservation policy priorities. Using the policy guidance in the FNRP and the other plans and policies detailed in Section 3 of this Reference Guide, staff encourages developers of both large and small-scale projects to make good faith efforts to conserve as many trees on sites as possible and create landscape plans that expand green space, include native plants, improve ecological function, and provide appropriate space for the planting and long-term survival of canopy trees and other vegetation.

These documents establish minimum standards and requirements for landscape plans, installation, and maintenance. The information herein is not intended to replace but rather to supplement other applicable ordinances and regulations within the County. The County may require additional site improvements beyond the minimums found in these standards in order to meet its mandate of protecting, preserving, and enhancing open spaces and tree canopy for future generations.  

The Department of Community Planning, Housing, and Development (CPHD) will continue to review and revise these documents to reflect current technical knowledge and best practices. Staff are available to answer questions. By working together, County government, developers, property owners, and citizens can realize our vision of an urban community with equitable access to nature and great public spaces.

How to use this document:

First, determine whether your project will be approved by the county via ‘site plan’ (Administrative Regulation 4.1), use-permit, form-based code (a specific type of use-permit), or by-right zoning. Then look at the first page of each section in this document to determine if the policies apply to your project. Review all applicable sections and follow relevant web links to obtain more information. Keep these policies and standards in mind throughout the planning and design process so as to ensure smooth review and permitting. Thank you for working with Arlington County!

Nature in the Space	Nature Analogues	Nature of the Space
the direct integration and experience of nature in a space visual + non-visual connection with nature non-rhythmic stimuli thermal + airflow variability presence of water dynamic + diffuse light connection with natural systems	the direct integration and experience of nature in a space biomorphic forms + patterns material connection with nature complexity + order	the direct integration and experience of nature in a space prospect refuge mystery risk/peril

Living Green Walls

• Details for green walls need to be shown on both the facade drawings and the landscape plan set regardless of which type of system is being installed. Plant material manufacturer details and fixtures will need to be reviewed on the landscape plans and the green wall rendering will need to be shown on all architecture elevations.
• Consider more plant biodiversity within each system systems where possible to increase food availability to pollinators.
• Arlington County Invasive Species policies applies to green wall systems as well as other planting areas.
• Be mindful of all venting and mechanical equipment when designing and locating these elements within the facade. 
• Green walls need to be oriented towards sunlight and irrigated to ensure long term viability of planting.

Examples of green walls in Georgetown D.C. (left) and Courthouse, Arlington (right)

Green Walls Types

The two most common green wall installations found in Arlington today are cable trellis systems and wall bound modular systems. Both designs provide a vertical biophilic element in the built environment, but each system will differ in attributes related to installation, cost, aesthetic appeal and biodiversity. All systems will need to be installed with irrigation and appropriate plant species for long term viability and design success. 

Trellis systems rely on at grade soil volume and irrigation with a cable structure to support trailing and climbing plant material at the base. Cable systems provide a grid for plant material to grow and spread naturally across the vertical plane.

A modular wall bound system will have built-in irrigation and more flexibility for a diverse plant palette.

Green Roofs

Benefits

• Extends the life of your roof by reducing temperature fluctuations that can damage roofing materials.
• Provides additional insulation for your home, which conserves energy and saves you money.
• Reduces runoff from your home, which can help alleviate any drainage or runoff problems that occur in your yard.
• Improves air quality. Plants take up carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
• Consider more biodiversity green roof mat systems where possible to increase availability to pollinators beyond just sedum roof systems. There are alternative products and manufacturers that supply lightweight low profile alternatives to just the standard sedum mat systems. These can be a great option for areas on lower level unoccupied rooftops making more diverse pallet available to migrating and local pollinators as well as dual function for traditional rooftop stormwater credits.
• All mechanical equipment shall be shown on rooftop plans where green roofs are located. No green roofs shall be installed underneath any mechanical units or duct banks.

Maintenance

• Inspect the waterproof membrane for leaking or cracks.
• Many practitioners recommend an annual application of slow-release fertilization during the first five years of your roof garden.
• Weed the green roof to remove invasive plants.
• Inspect roof drains, scuppers and gutters to make sure they’re not overgrown or that they don’t have organic matter deposits. Remove any accumulated organic matter or debris.

Examples of green roofs in Clarendon, Arlington

Raised Planters and Planting Containers

• Planters are decorative containers, of a variety of sizes and shapes, which support small trees and low plantings. 
• Planters can help provide landscaping where in-ground trees or plantings cannot be provided.
• Adequate soil volumes should be provided to support any proposed trees or low plantings.
• Planters must have appropriate drainage.

Location: Raised planters and planting containers on sidewalks should be located in the amenity zone or the shy zone and not obstruct the clear sidewalk for pedestrian circulation. Planters should be located to maintain permeability and circulation around other streetscape elements, such as bike racks, furnishings, light poles, etc. Planters must be a minimum 18” from the face of curb to allow door swing and access to other curbside elements.

Size: Movable planting containers should be no taller than 36 inches in height to maintain clear visibility for pedestrians. Raised planter walls should be no taller than 36 inches in height to provide additional opportunities for seating.

Examples of planting containers in the furnishing zone at corner intersections

Planting on Structure

• Plan for a “live load” of trees, including their soil, and their mature weight potential. Can the construction method handle the weight?
• Plan for sufficient soil volumes to allow for tree growth to maturity (refer to Soil Volume Calculations here)
• Connect soils to allow for natural interaction of roots
• Consider sunlight access to plants
• Height of planting defines plant selection
• Rooftop trees may be temporary trees 
• Consider risk of failure and maintenance
• Plan for failure of trees. Where will trees and their parts fall
• Prioritize interiors for planting, where failure may have lower impact       

Examples of plantings on structure at Lubber Run Community Center (top left), The Heights (top right)

Furnishings

Landscape or streetscape furnishing types are often identified in sector plans, area plans, form based codes or design guidelines. In those cases, applicants should follow the guidelines and consult with staff on the furnishing type and placement. In areas without any guidance on furnishings, applicants should consult with staff on furnishing selection and placement. 

Location: 

• All streetscape furnishings (benches, bike racks, trash bins, etc.) should be located in the furnishing zone between street trees, and should not obstruct access to parked vehicles nor obstruct the sidewalk clear width/pedestrian clear zone to curb ramps.
• Streetscape furnishings should be a minimum of 18- inches from the face of curb. Locations of furnishings in public spaces may vary depending on the layout and design. 
• Applicants should refer to the Public Spaces Master Plan Design Guidelines for Privately Owned Public Spaces located in the Appendix for further guidance.
• Where possible, place seating or benches in groupings whether in a line, facing each other or perpendicular to each other to create opportunities for interactions and conversation.

Rosslyn Business Improvement District Streetscape Elements

Examples of furnishings- wayfinding, benches, bicycle racks

Lighting

Per the Public Spaces Master Plan Design Guidelines for Privately Owned Public Spaces:

• Create an attractive, welcoming and safe place.
• Minimize light pollution by utilizing full cut-off lights or timers where feasible.
• Utilize lighting to light circulation paths or to help animate the space at night.
• Where lighting is considered a site or landscape amenity, ensure that light is directed away from residential units.
• Encourage sustainable and solar lighting opportunities.

The Forestry and Natural Resources Plan recommends incorporating Dark Sky principles for outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution as part of the review of special exception projects and County facilities. More information can be found on the website here on page 102 of the plan.

Examples of Dark Sky compliant lighting fixtures

SECTION 6 Tree Replacement Guidelines

The tree replacement guidelines describe when trees are required to be replaced, and how to determine the number of replacement trees required. The original document was approved by the County Board in 1993 and addendum was adopted in 2010. It has been administratively updated in 2024 for clarity.

Applicability: 

• Site Plans
• Use Permits 
• By-right
• County projects 

Tree Replacement Guidelines

Trees are routinely lost from publicly and privately owned and maintained areas for many reasons including private development, infrastructure maintenance and new construction by the County. This document provides guidelines for the replacement of trees affected by these types of projects. All projects are subject to the tree requirements in the Chesapeake Bay Bay Preservation Ordinance. Some projects, such as projects impacting public trees, County projects are required to follow the tree replacement guidelines. Most special exception projects are required to use the following tree replacement guidelines, depending on their approved conditions.

An evaluation of potential tree loss will be made prior to removals to determine if the proposed trees represent reasonable compensation for the total value of trees removed. To assist in that evaluation the following criteria shall be used:

• As a minimum, all living trees 3 in. to 10 in. caliper that are removed will be automatically replaced on a one-for-one basis, regardless of their health score or species rating. (This includes invasives species, unless specifically exempted in site plan condition language.) Condition and species ratings are not considered when calculating replacement values for trees in this size range.
• Significant trees (caliper greater than 10 in.) will be replaced at a rate derived from a formula of the International Society of Arboriculture, as outlined in this document.
• Street trees designed into each County street improvement will count towards the replacement calculations.
• Where there is not adequate room in the right-of-way or on site to replace the required number of trees, the trees that cannot be accommodated will be provided in a monetary amount to the Tree Canopy Fund, coordinated with DPR.
• Tree replacement in Resource Protection Areas (RPAs) shall also be in accordance with mitigation and riparian enhancement requirements in the Stormwater Guidance Manual.

Street Trees

A number of street trees will be designed into each County street improvement project to reforest or afforest the appropriate sections of the right-of-way based on spacing and other conditions, regardless of the number of trees removed. Appropriate species, quantities and sizes will be suggested by the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) in accordance with Administrative Regulation 4.3 its addenda.

Parks, Open Spaces and Other Public Properties

The guidelines are identical to the ones above, with the exception that shrubs and ground cover will also be provided, and replacement trees which cannot be placed at the project site will go back into parks, open spaces or other public properties (as opposed to rights-of-way) from a DPR priority list.

Private Property

Private development that impacts trees on public land or rights-of-way must replace trees according to the formula listed in this document, and any replacement trees that cannot be accommodated on nearby public land or rights-of-way shall be provided in a monetary amount to the Tree Canopy Fund, coordinated with DPR, Urban Forestry section. Trees on private property in site plan and use-permit projects must be replaced as applicable, according to the conditions. Trees on private property in by-right projects are not required to be replaced, but Chesapeake Bay Ordinance tree canopy coverage requirements still apply. Every effort should be made to avoid damage to trees on adjoining private properties. Should trees on adjacent private property be impacted by construction, coordination between neighbors needs to be addressed before proceeding with the project. Additionally, trees in Resource Protection areas or Locally Designated historic properties may require permits for removal and additional replacement requirements may apply.

Species	Diameter (inches)	Species Rating	Condition	Total Score	Preserve or Remove	Replacements Required
Juniperus virginiana	13	.9	.70	8.2	remove	2
Quercus rubra	12	.8	.70	6.7	preserve	0
Amelanchier aborea	3/2/2/2/2	.9	.75	7.4	remove	2
Amelanchier aborea	.5/.5/.5/.5/.5	.9	.75	1.7	remove	1
Platanus x acerifolia	30	.4	.70	8.4	remove	2
Quercus phellos	12	.9	.80	8.6	preserve	0
Quercus phellos	9	.9	.56	4.5	remove	1
Quercus phellos	10	.9	.73	6.6	remove	2
Robinia pseudoacacia	12	.4	.60	2.9	remove	1
Robinia pseudoacacia	15	.4	.60	3.6	remove	1
Fraxinus pennsylvanica	15	.3	.69	3.1	remove	1
Morus alba	4	.3	.75	0.9	remove	1

Total Replacements Required: 14

Replacement Tree Types and Equivalents

Large shade trees generally provide greater ecological benefit than do smaller ornamental trees. Therefore, the number of shade trees and ornamental trees proposed as replacement trees should be comparable to the number of trees that are to be removed from the site. See our recommended trees lists for guidance. and determination of size.

Replacement Value: One-for-One Basis

One new shade tree or large/medium-large/medium evergreen tree shall fulfill the replacement requirement of one replacement tree per the tree replacement calculations.

Replacement Value: Three-to-One Basis

Three deciduous ornamental or small/ small-medium evergreen trees shall fulfill the replacement requirement of one replacement tree per the tree replacement calculations.

SECTION 7 Tree Appraisal Policy

The Tree Appraisal Policy was adopted in October 2004 by the County Board to assist in establishing appropriate bonding for mature trees.

Applicability: 

• Site Plans
• Use Permits 
• By-right
• County projects 

Findings

The conservation of Arlington’s trees and tree canopy coverage has been identified as a top priority by the County Board and citizens. Mature trees are frequently threatened by new construction. 

Purpose and Intent

These guidelines provide methods for appraising trees to determine the appropriate bond amount to ensure the preservation of specific trees. 

Definitions 

Terms used herein are defined by the Trees and Shrubs Ordinance, Arlington County Code 67-1-3, and The most recent Edition of Guide for Plant Appraisals (currently the 10th), authored by the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers. 

Applicability

This policy shall apply to 4.1 Approved Site Plans and Unified Residential Developments where trees are to be preserved. 

Tree Preservation Plan

The developer shall prepare a Tree Conservation Plan complying with all requirements for a landscape conservation plan, set out in the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance.

Tree Appraisal Approaches

The Cost Approach Method as described in the most recent edition of Guide for Plant Appraisal, authored by the Council of Tree & Landscape Appraisers (CTLA) shall be utilized for appraising trees.  

The bond posted for a tree shall be (1) equal to the appraised value of the tree as determined by either Replacement Cost Method or Trunk Formula Method, plus compounded expected annual maintenance costs, or Market approach, as described below.  

All trees conserved by the project using the Functional Replacement Method and/or Trunk Formula Method must have their value calculated according to the following methods. The applicant shall submit the information in tabular format for each tree appraised.  

If the Market Approach is used, all appropriate research and relevant information shall be provided by the applicant.

SECTION 8 Recommended Trees & Invasive Species List

The trees listed here are recommended for planting in Arlington.  However, other trees may be proposed by an applicant for approval by the Zoning Administrator or County Manager or his/her designee.

Recommended Trees

We frequently update our recommended tree lists. Please review our online resources for current recommendations.

MASTER TREE LIST: Technical Compilation of Recommended Trees for Arlington County

This is a list of trees appropriate for planting in Arlington, which has been vetted for trees that are structurally sound if maintained well, and do not pose an ecological risk due to invasion.

SHADE TREES: Shade & Maximum Environmental Benefit

Shade trees can significantly alter the microclimate around buildings, resulting in a more comfortable environment and significant savings in heating and cooling costs over time. Large shade trees provide the most significant stormwater and wildlife benefits. These trees should be planted with the future in mind. Be aware of overhead powerlines or nearby structures when planting these trees.

SMALL AND ORNAMENTAL TREES: Small Spaces & Accent

These trees are perfect for accents, ornamental display, or spaces with low soil volume. Consider these species when filling out a landscape, or when maintenance budget is limited. They are appropriate for planting under most overhead utilities; however, these species have not been reviewed by Dominion Virginia Power, and utility companies maintain the right to prune or trim any trees or vegetation away from their lines.

EVERGREEN TREES: Screening & Shade in the Summer, Wind Breaks in the Winter

Evergreen trees provide great screening, shade in the summer, and wind breaks in the winter. Evergreen trees also provide year-round wildlife food, crucial for winter survival. Some of the larger evergreens should be planted with the future in mind. Be aware of overhead powerlines or nearby structures.

LARGE STREET TREES: Recommended trees for planting in restricted space, along streets

Large street trees can significantly improve the aesthetic and microclimate of our streets, resulting in a more comfortable environment and significant savings in heating and cooling costs over time. Large street trees also provide the most significant stormwater and wildlife benefit. Large street trees are the most common tree to line Arlington streets, except where overhead lines limit future growth. Be aware of overhead powerlines or nearby structures when planting these trees.

SMALL STREET TREES: A list of small street trees that may be acceptable to be planted below powerlines

Smaller-species street trees may be acceptable below power lines or in other restricted areas. These species have not been reviewed by Dominion Virginia Power, and utility companies maintain the right to prune or trim any trees or vegetation away from their lines.

INVASIVE TREES: Do Not Plant These Trees

Invasive plant species degrade the landscape in several ways. In Arlington, invasive plants negatively impact ecosystem health, green infrastructure and canopy coverage. Due to their ability to outcompete native plants, invasive plants have displaced many native species that provide habitat and forage for wildlife. Additionally, invasive plants can disrupt normal forest succession by inhibiting regeneration of native tree species.

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SECTION 9 Landscape and Tree Conservation Plan Checklists

The checklist is an internal document, used by County staff when reviewing landscape plans and tree protection plans and is provided here as a reference.

Applicability: 

• Site Plans
• Use Permits 
• By-right
• County projects 

MINIMUM LANDSCAPE PLAN SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• You must submit a Landscape Plan Application in Permit Arlington.
• From the Create drop-down menu, select Planning Application.
• View Permit Arlington Help for assistance with the online system.
• 24 in. x 36 in. plan size is required
• Comment/response memo, if applicable (for plan revisions only) 

MINIMUM LANDSCAPE PLAN REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PROJECTS

___ Plans have been coordinated with most recent civil engineering plans

___ Plans comply with all zoning, site plan conditions, area/sector plans, design guidelines, other County ordinances

___ Project name, site plan/use permit number, address, sheet list, and vicinity map on coversheet

___ North arrows, scale, property/ROW lines, street names, and limit of disturbance on all sheets

___ Key map and match‐lines on all sheets as applicable

___ Phasing plans, as applicable

___ Existing conditions survey, including topography at min. 2 ft. interval

___ Grading plan including high and low points, spot elevations as applicable, ADA routes if unclear

___ Extents of buildings and structures, FFE and top-of-slab elevations (both above and below ground)

___ Public easements (existing & proposed) delineated and labeled

___ Trees preservation plans included FOR INFORMATION ONLY (now approved via Civil Engineering Plan)

___ Utilities (proposed or to remain) shown and labeled, avoiding conflict with proposed trees

___ Lighting (proposed or to remain) shown and labeled

___ Hardscape areas clearly defined, differentiated and labeled

___ Walls and fences shown and labeled

___ Site furnishings shown and labeled

___ Recycling and trash receptacles shown together, with details

___ Greenroof and rooftop amenity areas shown and labeled

___ Clear sidewalk widths dimensioned

___ Planting plan shows all landscaping (proposed or to remain) with species key and numbers

___ Tree pits or tree strips shown in plan, with corresponding County standard detail

___ Soil enhancements (continuous soil plans, structural cells, etc.) shown in plan and detailed

___ Locations of hose bibs and/or irrigation shown 

___ Plant list includes plant species, numbers, sizes and spacing – with no invasive species

___ Minimum open space and shrub coverage tabulations per zoning ordinance as applicable

___ Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance and sector plan tree canopy coverage calculations

___ Shrub coverage calculations

___ Tree replacement tabulations per tree replacement guidelines

___ Planting and maintenance notes, including urban forester notification

ADDITIONAL LANDSCAPE PLAN REQUIREMENTS for SITE PLANS, USE-PERMIT / FORM-BASED CODE

___ Show compliance with all landscape-related condition language

___ Bike rack “blow-up” plans showing layout and clear dimensions (for each area or typical)

___ Details for hardscape, walls, fences including materials, finishes, colors, dimensions and anchoring

___ Details for site furnishings including materials, finishes, colors, dimensions and anchoring

___ Details for site lighting including materials, finishes, colors, dimensions and anchoring

___ Details and dimensions for all arbors, green wall systems, trellises and other site structures

___ Lighting schedule and details, photometrics plan as applicable, according to condition language

___ Location of address indicator signs shown in plan

___ Details for all water features - must be permitted by health department

___ Details and specifications for bioretention areas, as applicable

___ Labels and locations for public art and details, as applicable

MINIMUM TREE PRESERVATION PLAN REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL PROJECTS

Tree Conservation Plans are now reviewed and approved via the Civil Engineering Plan review process. A basic checklist is provided here for reference, but please review the full Civil Engineering Plan requirements prior to submitting plans.

___ Tree inventory and table prepared by an ISA certified arborist or landscape architect

___ Include all impacted trees 3 in. DBH and greater, both on site and on adjacent properties

___ Species, size, condition, and removal or preservation listed for each tree

___ Number of tree replacements required, as applicable

___ Critical root zone (CRZ) shown in plan for each tree

___ Tree protection measures, locations of fencing, and root pruning shown on plan

___ Chesapeake Bay canopy calculations for preserved trees, and the required canopy coverage for the site

___ Tree protection, critical root zone, and signage details

___ Copies of letters sent via certified mail to neighbors regarding impacts to adjacent / jointly owned trees

Note: There are additional tree conservation requirements for site plan projects, and some use-permit project. Refer to the condition language and Section 4: Standards for Preservation and Planting of Trees on Site Plan Projects for guidance. Additional requirements also apply to Resource Protection Area projects as outlined in the Stormwater Guidance Manual.

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SECTION 10 Landscape Plan Notes & Details

This section provides County’s Standard Landscape Maintenance Management Plan, Planting Notes, and Standard Details. The notes and all relevant details must be provided on landscape and tree preservation plans. If you wish to deviate from the standard notes, please include a revision cloud over edited text.

Applicability: 

• Site Plans
• Use Permits 
• By-right
• County projects 

LANDSCAPE AND PLANTING NOTES

1. MATERIAL SHALL BE FURNISHED AND INSTALLED AS INDICATED ON PLANS, INCLUDING ALL LABOR, MATERIALS, PLANTS, EQUIPMENT, INCIDENTALS, AND CLEAN-UP.

2. GRADING AND PLANTING OPERATIONS SHALL BE PERFORMED DURING PERIODS WHEN WEATHER AND SOIL CONDITIONS ARE SUITABLE, AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH ACCEPTED LOCAL PRACTICE AND STANDARDS. THE ACCEPTABLE PLANTING RANGE IS FROM MARCH-JUNE 15 AND SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER, FOR NON-TREE MATERIAL, AND OCTOBER 1ST – MAY 30TH FOR TREES. PLANTS SHALL NOT BE INSTALLED IN TOPSOIL THAT IS MUDDY OR FROZEN. CARE SHALL BE TAKEN TO PROVIDE PLANTS WITH ENOUGH WATER TO COMBAT HEAT STRESS DURING HOT/DRY WEATHER.

3. ALL LAWN AND PLANTING AREAS SHALL BE GRADED TO A SMOOTH, EVEN, AND UNIFORM PLANE WITH NO ABRUPT CHANGE OF SURFACE UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT OR REPRESENTATIVE. SOIL AREAS ADJACENT TO BUILDINGS SHALL SLOPE AWAY FROM BUILDING. ALL PLANTING AREAS SHALL BE GRADED AND MAINTAINED TO ALLOW FREE FLOW OF SURFACE WATER. CONTRACTOR SHALL REPORT ANY SOIL OR DRAINAGE CONDITIONS CONSIDERED DETRIMENTAL TO GROWTH OF PLANT MATERIAL.

4. THE CONTRACTOR SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANTING AT CORRECT GRADES AND ALIGNMENT PER APPROVED PLANS. NO TREES SHALL BE PLANTED LESS THAN TWO FEET FROM EXISTING STRUCTURES AND SIDEWALKS. LAYOUT OF PLANTS SHALL BE APPROVED BY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT OR REPRESENTATIVE PRIOR TO INSTALLATION. 

5. PLANTS SHALL BE TYPICAL OF THEIR SPECIES AND VARIETY, HAVE NORMAL GROWTH HABITS, WELL-DEVELOPED DENSELY FOLIATED BRANCHES, VIGOROUS ROOT SYSTEMS, AND BE FREE FROM DEFECTS AND INJURIES. QUALITY AND SIZE OF PLANTS, SPREAD OF ROOTS AND SIZE OF ROOTBALL SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MOST RECENT VERSION OF ANSI “AMERICAN STANDARD FOR NURSERY STOCK” PUBLISHED BY THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF NURSERYMEN, INC.

6. ALL PLANT MATERIAL SHALL BE GUARANTEED BY THE INSTALLER TO BE IN VIGOROUS GROWING CONDITION. PROVISION SHALL BE MADE FOR A GROWTH GUARANTEE OF AT LEAST ONE YEAR FROM THE DATE OF ACCEPTANCE FOR ALL PLANT MATERIAL. REPLACEMENTS SHALL BE MADE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE FIRST SUCCEEDING PLANTING SEASON. ALL REPLACEMENTS SHALL HAVE A GUARANTEE EQUAL TO THAT STATED ABOVE.

7. PLANT MATERIAL SHALL BE PLANTED ON THE DAY OF DELIVERY IF PRACTICAL. IF THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE, THE CONTRACTOR SHALL PROTECT STOCK NOT PLANTED. PLANTS SHALL NOT REMAIN UNPLANTED FOR LONGER THAN A THREE-DAY PERIOD AFTER DELIVERY. ANY PLANTS NOT INSTALLED DURING THIS PERIOD SHALL BE REJECTED, UNLESS OTHERWISE DIRECTED BY THE ARLINGTON COUNTY LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT OR REPRESENTATIVE.

8. ALL INJURED ROOTS SHALL BE PRUNED USING ANSI A300 STANDARDS.

9. CONTRACTOR SHALL PROVIDE 4 IN. MINIMUM THICK TOPSOIL LAYER IN ALL PLANTING AREAS. TOPSOIL SHALL BE FREE OF WEEDS, DEBRIS, ROCKS LARGER THAN 2 IN., WOOD, ROOTS, VEGETABLE MATTER, AND CLAY CLODS. CLEAN, FERTILE TOPSOIL PRESENT AT THE SITE, IF ANY, MAY BE USED TO SUPPLEMENT TOTAL AMOUNT REQUIRED.

LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

1. GENERAL:

A. ALL PLANTING AREAS, INCLUDING LAWNS, BUFFERS, AND PARKING LOTS, SHALL BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED A MINIMUM OF ONCE PER MONTH. A FALL CLEAN-UP SHALL BE PERFORMED EACH YEAR.

B. REMOVE ALL LITTER, DEBRIS AND WEEDS.

C. MAINTAIN A MINIMUM OF A 2 INCH DEPTH OF ORGANIC HARDWOOD MULCH OR EQUIVALENT IN ALL PLANTING BEDS.

2. IRRIGATION:

A. KEEP NEW TURF MOIST UNTIL ALL SEED GERMINATES AND BECOMES AN ESTABLISHED STAND OF TURF.

B. AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS SHALL BE CLEANED OUT AND TURNED OFF IN THE FALL PRIOR TO THE FIRST FROST, AND TESTED WHEN TURNED ON IN THE SPRING.

C. EVALUATE SUCCESS OF IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND MODIFY AS NECESSARY.

3. PRUNING: All pruning shall be done in accordance with ANSI pruning standards. REMOVAL OF DEAD, DISEASED, INSECT INFESTED OR WEAK WOOD SHALL TAKE PLACE WHEN APPROPRIATE FOR THE SPECIES. 

4. INSECT AND DISEASE CONTROL: ALL PLANTINGS, INCLUDING EXISTING MATURE TREES, SHALL BE PERIODICALLY INSPECTED FOR INSECT OR DISEASE INFESTATION, AND APPROPRIATE INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT METHODS ARE TO BE USED. METHODS USED TO CONTROL INSECTS OR DISEASE MAY RANGE FROM SPRAYING AND PRUNING TO PLANT REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT. .

5. RENOVATION:

A. RENOVATION INCLUDES THE RESEEDING OR REPLANTING OF LANDSCAPE AREAS DAMAGED, DESTROYED OR FAILING DUE TO INSECTS, DISEASE, WEATHER OR PHYSICAL DAMAGE.

B. ALL LAWN AREAS WHERE SOIL HAS BEEN EXPOSED SHALL BE RENOVATED DURING THE NEXT PLANTING SEASON. PROPER HORTICULTURAL AND SOIL EROSION PREVENTION METHODS SHALL BE USED. IF SOIL EROSION HAS OCCURRED, THE AREA SHALL BE REPAIRED WITH A SEED MIXTURE COMPATIBLE WITH EXISTING SOIL.

C. ALL PLANTINGS WHICH ARE DAMAGED OR DESTROYED SHALL BE REPLACED DURING OR BEFORE THE NEXT GROWING SEASON.

D. CARE SHALL BE TAKEN TO AVOID DAMAGE TO ESTABLISHED TREE ROOTS DURING RENOVATION OF LANDSCAPE

6. SITE AMENITIES: BENCHES, PATHS, BICYCLE RACKS, TRASH RECEPTACLES, AND SIGNS SHALL BE INSPECTED AT LEAST TWICE A YEAR, ONCE IN SPRING AND ONCE IN AUTUMN, TO DETERMINE THEIR CONDITION. ANY DAMAGED, WORN, OR UNSAFE CONDITIONS SHALL BE RECTIFIED IMMEDIATELY.

7. PAVED SURFACES:

A. ALL PAVED SURFACES SHALL BE INSPECTED ON A MONTHLY-BASIS FOR TRASH, STAINS, DAMAGE, CRACKS, POT HOLES, AND OBSTRUCTIONS, AND RETURNED TO THEIR ORIGINAL CONDITIONS. ANY UNSAFE CONDITIONS, SUCH AS UNEVEN SURFACES OR TRIPPING HAZZARDS, SHALL BE RECTIFIED IMMEDIATELY. 

B. SNOW SHALL BE REMOVED DURING AND FOLLOWING EVERY STORM. SIDEWALKS AND PARKING AREAS SHALL BE KEPT CLEAR OF ICE AND SNOW DURING BUSINESS HOURS.

County Standards Details

Certain Arlington County standard details must be shown on landscape and tree preservation plans, depending on the project. The standard details can be found on the webpages below: 

Department of Parks and Recreation Design Standards

Department of Environmental Services Construction Standards & Specifications

Department of Environmental Servies Bicycle Parking Standards

Department of Environmental Servies Traffic Signal Standards and Specifications

What details are required will depend on the elements of each specific project, but typically, the most relevant details for tree preservation and landscape plans include:

• Tree Protection and Trimming Details
• Exterior Plants
• Horizontal Standards - sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, streetlights
• Bicycle Parking