Village of Belgium Street Tree Policy

Street Tree Policy

Index

1.) Location

2.) Recommended Tree Types

3.) Upkeep

4.) Cost - New or Replacement

5.) Other References

6.) Tree Placement

7.) Tree Size - New & Replacement

8.) Planting Specs

9.) Inspection

10.) Deviations

1.) Location

A.) Intended Locations.
1.) All newly constructed subdivisions & streets.
A.) Empowerment is located in Section 15-1-82 "Street Trees".

2.) Both sides of Main Street.
3.) Other streets will be periodically reviewed as to the feasibility of adding street trees.

2.) Street Tree Types

A.) The street tree types are as per Developer's Page of the Tree Board's web site.

B.) Tree Diversity is per Developer's Page of the Tree Board's web site.

C.) Review Of Street Tree List 2.) A.).

1.) The type of trees in 2.) A.) Will be reviewed every several years for suitability & general changes. Requirements for selecting street trees must include the following conditions: soil, weather conditions, ease in maintenance, longevity, appearance, growth rate, potential road salt tolerant, & ability to withstand street side abuse.

3.) Planting & Upkeep

A.) Authorization:

1.) Planting by others requires authorization per Section 6-3-5 "Private Removal".
2.) In new development, the Plan Commission & developer will decide on the tree types. Approval Will be made by the Village Board per Land Division Ordinance Section 15-1-82 & subdividers agreement.
3.) The Village always has the right to plant in its' right of way, but it is recommended that the Village notify the adjacent property owners.
B.) The Planting & Upkeep Of New Plantings Will Be Done By The Following:

1.) If the Village initiates the project then the Village should acquire a guarantee for a minimum of 1 year after planting.
2.) In a new subdivision, the developers agreement will define these terms.
3.) If the abutting property owner plants the tree, then he will be responsible for the upkeep.
4.) If a group or organization other than the above mentioned initiates the project the Village Board & that group or organization will then mutually decide who does what portion of the project.
C.) Upkeep Of New Plantings.

1.) The upkeep of the new planting is considered to Be necessary watering, mulching, wrapping, staking, necessary pruning, & any other special care, & replacement if the tree dies.
2.) See 3.) B.) For responsibility.

D.) Street Tree Upkeep.

1.) As stated in Section 6-3-4 the abutting property owner is ultimately responsible for the upkeep & removal of the street trees. This is all to be done by permission of the Village.
2.) The right of way between the street & abutting property is the maintenance responsibility of that abutting property owner as per Section 6-2-6 "Parkway Areas".

4.) Cost - New or Replacement

A.) Note 3.) A.) Planting.
The groups mentioned in 3.) A.) Of this policy will be the groups that will bear the costs of new or replacement plants.

5.) Other References

A.) Village Of Belgium's Ordinances.
1.) Section 6-2-6 "Parkway Areas".
2.) Section 6-3 "Trees & Shrubs".
3.) Section 15-1-82 "Street Trees".
4.) Section 15-1-94 "Existing Flora".
5.) Section 15 Appendix A1 "Required Street Cross Sections".
B.) Village Of Belgium's Long Term Plans.

1.) Village Of Belgium Master Plan.
The 10 Year Comprehensive Plan does not make mention of street trees.
2.) Park Plan.
The Park Plan does not make mention of street trees.
3.) Street Tree Policy.
This Street Tree Policy is intended to be the long term plan for the Village's street trees.
C.) Consultants.
The following groups are intended to be the Village's landscape / tree consultants.
1.) Wisconsin DNR Urban Forestry Agent.
2.) Landscape Architect - Treetops Landscape Design Inc. Of Grafton Wis.
3.) Certified Arborists - Wachtel Tree Science & Service of Merton Wis.
D.) Tree Board Web Site.

The Village of Belgium Tree Board Web Site contains street tree requirements, policy, other useful information.

E.) Other Policies.

Village of Belgium Sidewalk Policy references street tree placement under section 7.) A.) 1.).

6.) Tree Placement

A.) See the Developers Page on this website for information.

B.) Tree set back from the curb should match with already
existing tree set backs. A transition may occur if it is gradual spanning over several lots. The greatest setback should be no further than 10 feet from the curb unless greater deviation is granted by the Tree Board.

7.) Tree Size - New & Replacement.

A.) New Trees.

1.) As per Ordinance 15-1-82, a 6 foot height is the minimum size for street trees. A preferred tree size is to be approximately 2 - 3" diameter as specified in the Park Plan.
2.) As per Tree Board’s Web Site Developer’s Page For Street Tree Requirements Appendix F Paragraph e), “All deciduous trees planted shall be of minimum size of 2" in caliper. Said caliper reading shall be taken 6" above the ground surface. All evergreen trees planted shall be of minimum size of 8 feet in height.”

B.) Replacement Trees.

1.) Replacement trees should be the same size, type, & in the same location as the original tree unless the Village Board allows a change.

8.) Planting Specs

A.) Planting specs will be the same as in the Park Plan.

B.) Per Developer's Page of the Tree Board's web site.

9.) Inspection.

A.) Inspection of new & existing trees will be provided By the DPW or the Village's Consultant.

10.) Deviations

A.) Any & all requests for deviating from policies or plans must be submitted to the Tree Board in the form of marked-up drawings & a written explanation of why the deviation should be granted. Submittal must occur no later than five working days in advance of the Tree Board meeting.

Policy Updated November 3, 2003

If you would like to contact the Village of Belgium Tree Board please send e-mail to Villagehall@village.belgium.wi.us with the subject being "Tree Board".