Shade Tree Council mulls landscape development standards

Members of the Carson City Shade Tree Council are looking at how landscaping around commercial and industrial developments can be improved aesthetically and environmentally.

Some developers put great thought into their landscaping, while others don't, and the city receives landscaping plans that are "sometimes good, sometimes not so good," said Vern Krahn, the city's park planner.

A list of trees suitable for commercial projects, the historic district, and trees and shrubs for use along river and stream corridors, for example, would provide developers guidelines.

Also being sought are guidelines on watering and otherwise maintaining the landscaping.

"We're asking developers to spend more time thinking about trees," Krahn said of the group's yearlong effort to create rules for a code amendment.

Also part of this proposal is a mitigation fund that will help with tree planting by determining values of lost trees, and a system that will allow flexibility if a developer wants to try something different from what the city might recommend, Krahn said.

"This is going to be new for Carson City," said Walter Sullivan, Community Development director. "We'll see benefits from this type of ordinance."

Letters are being sent informing area landscape professionals of the proposal to allow them opportunity to comment. The group's next meeting is scheduled for June 22. Any changes still have to be recommended by the Planning Commission, then approved by the Board of Supervisors.

Also being developed is a Shade Tree Honor Roll to recognize one tree in the city that exemplifies "excellent front-yard tree placement and specimens," according to the council.

Residents will be asked to vote from among seven nominations made by the council members. Locations of these trees will be announced early next month, and the top vote-getter will be recognized in early fall.

The honor roll is a way to raise consciousness and "create greater public awareness of the need to plant, preserve, prune, and water trees," said Mary Moline, council member.

These and other endeavors are part of the council's plan to update the group's objectives so it will best serve Carsonites as the city grows and its needs change, said Chairwoman Carol Roberts.

The Shade Tree Council began meeting in 1992. Its members create policies, regulations and standards necessary to ensure the city realizes benefits provided by having trees.

For the past 12 years, Carson City has been named as one of eight Nevada Tree City USA locations. Advantages afforded these cities include help in managing its tree sources, an improved public image and community pride, according to the National Arbor Day Foundation.

• Contact reporter Terri Harber at tharber @nevadaappeal.com or 882-2111, ext. 215.