General Guidelines and Specifications for Landscape, Tree
Replacement and Open Space Plan Approval
The guidelines and specifications listed below must be
incorporated into all landscape plans, tree replacement plans and open
space plans submitted to the City for approval along with or in addition
to those outlined in the City of Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance
Chapter 34-553. View the Ordinances.
* Starred specifications are to be noted on
the plans as they apply to the project.
Landscape plans are to be prepared and sealed by a registered
Landscape Architect for all projects.
Submit eight (8) copies of landscape plans to the Planning Office
for review and approval by the Planning Commission.
Existing trees to be relocated must be planted outside of parking
lot areas and cannot be proposed as required parking lot trees.
Deciduous trees to be relocated must be limited to no more than
ten (10”) inch caliper or DBH (diameter breast height). If larger
trees are proposed for relocation, a statement must appear on drawings
describing the method of relocation to be used.
Continuous curbing must be provided around all landscaped areas
where damage from vehicles is possible. Alternate protection such as
fences and retaining walls may be acceptable in lieu of curbing or may
be required in addition to curbing to protect the area from vehicular
and pedestrian traffic.
* All landscaped areas shall be excavated of all building material
and debris to a minimum depth of eighteen (18”) inches and back filled
with a medium texture planting soil. All landscaped areas are to have
minimum six (6”) inches of topsoil and are to be crowned a minimum six
(6”) inches higher than adjacent curbs or walks.
Plant Material Sizes (minimum)
Shade/Canopy trees
3” caliper
Ornamental/Understory trees
2” caliper
Evergreen trees for replacement trees
8’ height, 10’ height
Shrubs (large)
30” height
Shrubs (small)
24” height or 24” spr
Required landscape material shall satisfy American Association of
Nurseryman standards and be:
Nursery Grown
State Department of Agriculture inspected
No. 1 grade with straight, unscarred trunk and well-developed
uniform crown (park grade trees will not be accepted)
Staked, wrapped, watered and mulched per City of Farmington
Hills details and specifications and in accordance with City of
Farmington Hills Zoning Chapter 34-553
Guaranteed for one year
Replacement trees shall be of the same species as the removed
trees where available from Michigan nurseries. Where trees of the
same species are not available, replacement trees shall be pursuant
to the list of acceptable trees on file in the Planning Office.
When determining tree replacement,
existing trees within ten (10’) feet of the building envelope will
require replacement.
Four (4’) foot high wooden snow fencing or other rigid material is
to be erected around the drip line of all trees to be saved in
accordance with the City of Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance Chapter
34-559.
Location of protective snow fencing must be shown on all plans
indicating tree protection.
* A Tree Removal Permit must be obtained from the Planning Office
prior to all tree removal activity involving trees six (6”) inches or
more DBH in accordance with the City of Farmington Hills Zoning
Chapter 34-559.
Refer to Article XXII, Section 34-553 and 34-554 and 34-559 of the
Farmington Hills Zoning Ordinance for further guidelines concerning
plant spacing, suggested plant material, bufferyard requirements,
parking lot trees and walls, berms and tree protection.
All required landscape material indicated on approved plans, will
be required through the life of the project and must be replaced if
removed or die.