Urban Forestry and Gardening
Tips
CITY OF BERWYN ORDINANCE REQUIREMENTS
The City of Berwyn has several ordinances
established which
regulate certain landscaping requirements. These ordinances are
in place to provide consistency throughout the community. A listing
of the
various ordinances are included to serve as a guide when you
are planning your residential landscaping.
Tree Ordinance
Shrub Ordinance
Gardening or Flower Bed Ordinance
Grass or Turf Ordinance
Weed Ordinance
Fencing Ordinance
WHEN AND HOW TO PLANT YOUR TREES
Typically, the preferred time
to plant trees is in autumn, between September and mid-October. This
time frame allows the tree to take root and fall into it's natural
state of dormancy throughout the winter months. Trees may also be
planted in early spring, after
the last frost. However, the tree will require additional watering throughout the summer months.
When planting a tree, the first step is size
and selection. The size of a tree is dependent upon the location
of the tree. If a tree is to be planted in a back yard, obscured
from traffic, size is of relative concern. Anything from a seedling
on up may be planted. Of course, the smaller the tree, the more attention
required and a longer waiting period will be established prior to
maturity. If a tree is to be planted in an area where there is a
high volume of traffic, a minimum 3" caliper (caliper is the
measurement of the width of the tree trunk three
feet from ground level) should be considered.
Selection of the tree is also important. Consideration
should be given towards maximum height, maximum reach, and whether
or not the tree should be ornamental, provide shade, deciduous (leaf
bearing), or non-deciduous (needle bearing), and appearance. Keep
in mind that ornamental trees are beautiful flowering trees in the
spring, yet bear fruit by summer, which could become tedious, yet
also attractive to a wide variety of birds. Deciduous trees guarantee
a good deal of shade, yet require removal of leaves from the lawn
each fall. Appearance of a tree is very important. For example, a
tree with a crooked trunk should not be selected or one with non-uniform
or low hanging branches. Species are also an important consideration
and should be selected in accordance with your the City of Berwyns'
tree ordinance.
Once the tree has been selected, one should
consider placement of the tree. Consideration should be given towards
the proximity to buildings and other trees as one would not want
to have the roots or reach of the tree interfere with other structures.
If trees are to be grouped together, like species are recommended
as they are more compatible with one another and provide a
consistent landscape portrait.
Planting of the tree requires digging
a hole and soil preparation. The hole must be dug to exceed the width
and height of the ball of the tree just enough to allow the tree
to fit straight and snug with the top of the ball slightly below
(approximately 6")
ground level. Prior to placement of the ball in the hole, a fertilizer
mixture (12-12-12) of one half pound per caliper should be incorporated
into the soil. In addition, some folks may wish to consider a moisture
retention supplement such as terra-sorb. Once the soil has been
prepared, the ball may be placed in the hole and covered with the
removed soil. The trunk area should then be mulched at ground level
to a height of six inches
and a diameter of six feet.
Once planted, the tree may need to be supported
with guy wires and a protective wrapping around the bark. If the
tree is not stable, and may be swayed from side to side with a firm
tug, guying will be necessary. Guy wires may be made from strong
twine or wires. These should be wrapped around the lowest firm branches
of the tree, with protective coverings, such as an old rubber hose,
and anchored into the ground approximately three - four feet from
the trunk. Three or four separate guys, at equal distances from one
another, should be anchored in a circular area from the tree. Guying
will prevent the tree from growing crooked which may be caused by
human interference or strong winds. The bark of the tree should be
wrapped with a protective wrapping or plastic shield, beginning at
ground level, two - three feet up the tree. This will eventually
break away as the tree grows, yet prevent the bark from being destroyed
by animals or insects during its early stages of development.
Your tree should now be ready to grow and provide the
essential elements needed to improve your quality of life. Trees provide
oxygen, filter pollutants, reduce erosion, and provide relaxing as
well as aesthetic benefits. Be sure to provide ongoing maintenance
for your trees as indicated in the tree maintenance area of the
North Berwyn Park District's web site.
LEAVES, LEAVES, AND NO LEAVES
Fall is the time of year when
leaves turn splendid colors and provide an array of beauty. Unfortunately,
this colorful seasonal sensation is followed by a great deal of street
and yard maintenance as the leaves fall upon the ground and effect
ground coverings and street drainage systems.
The best method to deal with this problem is to rake up the leaves as they fall. The first onset
of leaf maintenance will begin in mid-October and continue through
the end of November under normal weather conditions. Just as one
would cut their lawn every week, one should also rake their leaves.
Be sure to utilize a regular leaf rake that will rake through your
turf, causing minimal damage. Garden rakes are not suitable for
raking leaves as they will cause damage to the existing turf and root systems.
Failure to remove leaves in a timely manner will result in a lack of oxygen and sunlight to the
turf. While the grass is going into dormancy, sunlight should not be blocked as there continues
to be a growth pattern until freezing temperatures occur. Oxygen
should never be blocked as this facilitates the decomposition process
of organic nutrients into the soil, as well as allowing the root systems
to breathe.
Leaves should never become matted
upon the turf. Once matted, the leaves destroy the plant cover and
become integrated with the topsoil, leading to bare spots the following
Spring when growth regenerates. As long as one picks up their leaves
on a weekly basis, this can be avoided. Also, be sure to pick up
leaves prior to any rainfall or snow forecasts, as the moisture
will soften the leaves and facilitate its ability to blend into
the soil. Keep in mind that leaves in the street will block storm
sewer drainage grates. Be sure to check the grates in front of
your residence and unblock these if needed. The city would
certainly appreciate your assistance.
Okay, now that all the leaves
have been raked, what do we do with them? Keep in mind that
leaves are an organic substance and classified as yard waste. Per
State of Illinois mandate, leaves must be collected in yard waste
bags or yard waste containers and be disposed of by an appropriate
yard waste collector. If one does not desire to purchase this additional
service, a compost pile may be prepared which will naturally compose
the organic matter. The breakdown of organic materials provides
an excellent source of fertilizer and/or ground cover for one's
personal use. Grass and other plants may be placed within the
compost
pile as well.
