The table also provide summary numbers in total DBH counts for trees to be protected, trees over 20-inch DBH, total DBH removed, total DBH that may be removed and total DBH to be replaced. All trees to be credited toward the landscape requirements are also noted.

A drawing provided on the tree survey shows the location of trees to remain or be removed, their crown diameter, horizontal distance from construction and even the direction of a tree?EUR??,,????'?????<

Licensed arborists, registered landscape architects or professional land surveyors may certify the tree survey plan.
This tree survey requirement is an excellent example of how a community balances the preservation of tree canopy with the need for urban development by careful identification and analysis of trees on construction sites. Flexibility in removal and replacement by quantifying DBH by category allows the community to build around the urban forest, as well as rebuilding the urban forest around new construction.

Sights like this are the direct result of a community without a tree preservation ordinance.

Round Rock Tree Technical Manual
But what is most special about this ordinance is the Tree Technical Manual provides specifications central to the understanding urban forestry tree protection practices that may be used to balance tree preservation and construction of the built environment.

Tree protection standards to be followed during construction are specific. They include preparation of a Tree Protection Plan, primarily for the protection of critical root zones during construction. The plan must consist of tree fencing locations; fence construction details; standard tree protection specifications (listed in sec. 2.3.2); and tree protection symbols (as illustrated in 2.2 of the manual).

Typical tree protection details are provided for fencing, CRZ protection, trunk protection armoring, trenching, boring, tree protection area (TPA) signage, grading and tree wells. Additional specifications are provided for planting, transplanting, staking, pruning, drainage and aeration.

A Significant Ordinance Change
Proposed changes to the tree ordinance are primarily concerned with revisions to tree mitigation standards. Mitigation is accomplished by planting a replacement tree, paying a fee per inch to the Tree Fund or some combination.

New tiers for tree mitigation are established using several replanting ratios. These ratios vary: 1:1, 2:1 and even 3:1, based upon the size and classification of the tree removed. Currently, one-inch replacement is used for each inch removed. Under the new schedule a 2:1 ratio is used for all trees larger than 20-inch DBH, but smaller than a Monarch tree. Per the Round Rock Code of Ordinances, a Monarch tree is a specific size or species specifically designated as such by the forestry manager, a ?EUR??,,????'?????<

Other changes include a parking requirement incentive for saving trees larger than 15-inch DBH, setting forth a Champion Tree Register list of Monarch species by DBH, reduce the size of a Monarch Quercus virginiana from 46-inch to 36-inch, provide fiscal security or 50 percent mitigation fee for trees with a 25-40 percent CZR encroachment.

Finally, standards are provided for preparation of a Tree Replacement Plan. Ample specifications are provided for successful site preparation, transplanting, staking, mulching and tip pruning.

First Principles
The first principles of urban tree care are set forth in a tree technical manual and in a well written Tree Protection and Preservation Ordinance. Round Rock is on schedule to do that since this is a community that appreciates trees. Tree Ordinances are an indispensable addition to any community code.

The Tree Technical Manual: Standards and Specifications can be seen at www.roundrocktexas.gov/docs/treetechnicalmanual_12-23-04_.pdf.