§ 33-6.25.8. Maintenance.

(a)

Landscape and buffer. Landscape materials depicted on landscape plans approved by the parish are required development plan elements in the same manner as structures, parking, and other improvements.

(1)

The owner, tenant, or their agent, if any, shall be jointly and severally responsible for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of all required landscape materials, fences, steps, retaining walls, and similar landscape elements over the entire life of the development.

(2)

All plant materials shall be maintained in a healthy and growing condition as is appropriate for the season of the year.

(3)

Plant materials which die shall be replaced with similar healthy plant materials at the first available, optimal time for planting.

(4)

Landscape areas within site triangles shall be maintained in an appropriate manner to ensure that no plant material obstructs cross-visibility above three (3) feet or below six (6) feet from the street or accessway grade.

(5)

All landscaping shall be maintained in a neat and orderly manner at all times; maintenance shall include mowing, edging, pruning, fertilizing, watering, weeding, mulching, and similar activities common to the maintenance of landscaping.

(6)

Landscaped areas shall be kept free of trash, litter, weeds, and similar materials or plants not part of the landscaping.

(7)

The placement of barrier curbs or wheel stops is required to protect all landscaped areas from vehicular damage. Breaks in barrier curbs are encouraged to assist with stormwater management so long as the barrier curb still provides protection of the landscaped area.

(b)

Pruning and trimming. All plant materials planted to satisfy the landscape and buffer requirements of this UDC and Chapter 40 of this Code and noted on an approved landscape plan are subject to the following pruning and trimming standards:

(1)

Trees shall attain their normal and mature size and shall not be severely pruned, topped, or "hatracked" in order to permanently maintain growth at a reduced height or spread. Trees may be periodically thinned in order to reduce leaf mass in preparation for tropical storms.

(2)

Shrubs shall not be trimmed in unnatural, topiary-style shapes and shall attain their normal and mature size or a minimum height of two (2) feet for a hedge in a perimeter buffer abutting non-residential uses.

(3)

All pruning, trimming, and maintenance of trees and shrubs shall be performed in accordance with the most current version of the ANSI A300 Tree Care Operations: Standard Practices for Tree, Shrub and Other Woody Plant Maintenance.

(c)

Irrigation. A permanent in-ground automated and operable irrigation system shall be installed for all required plant materials and grassed areas.

(Ord. No. 25405 , § 35, 8-9-17)