Consideration of Existing Vegetation
Consideration of the existing vegetation and significant trees is an essential component of a landscape design that helps maintain and enhance the visual character of a site and the region.  Retaining not only large, mature trees but their undergrowth as well helps preserve natural species diversity, minimize the area of disturbance, and decrease surface water runoff and potential soil erosion.  Preserving existing vegetation can also reduce landscaping and maintenance costs, as well as enhance the value of properties.

To determine which vegetated species should be retained, conduct an inventory to determine species type, location, size, health, disease susceptibility, and whether it is native or introduced.

Low-Maintenance Landscaping
When revegetating disturbed areas, plant perennial grasses, herbaceous plants, and native trees and shrubs to enhance the natural landscape character.  Since native plants are adapted to the region’s climate and conditions, they generally require less irrigation and maintenance than traditional lawns or introduced ornamental species.  Furthermore, using native species enhances the biological diversity and integrity of a site and contributes to stormwater management by filtering runoff and providing for groundwater recharge.

Tree Root Buffer Zones
Given the prevalence of trees throughout the ten-county region, protecting significant trees and stands of trees when developing sites aids in the preservation of Northern Lower Michigan’s character.  Protecting significant trees requires locating buildings, roads, and sidewalks in areas of the site which will minimize tree destruction, as well as establishing Protected Root Zones (i.e., tree root buffer zones) to protect vegetation during road widening, sidewalk construction, and cut-and-fill activities.  A Protected Root Zone is an area surrounding the tree approximately 1 to 1 ½ feet in radius for every inch of the tree trunk’s diameter; this typically is an area greater than the spread of its branches.

Whenever possible, trees should be retained in stands or clusters as this increases their chances of survival and preserves larger habitat areas.  Special care should be taken to protect trees and groundcover along lakes and other shorelines, creeks, streams, and wetland areas.  For additional information, refer to Critical Design Practices: Water Resource Protection.

If compliance with local ordinance specifications necessitates construction within root zones, the following steps should be taken to mitigate the impact on existing vegetation: (1) protect trees during construction to reduce damage to limbs, trunks, and roots; and (2) prohibit grading, mechanical equipment operation, and material storage within protected root zones.

Buffering & Screening
Landscaping offers an effective method of separating pedestrian and outdoor living spaces from frequently trafficked areas, as well as providing a transition between different portions of a site (e.g., public, private) and different land use zones (e.g., residential, commercial, industrial).  Visual screening incorporated into a landscaping plan can conceal service and parking areas, while emphasizing public façades and entrances.  The judicious placement of buildings, walls, and plantings can mitigate the impacts of unattractive views and noises without sacrificing the functional necessities of a site.  Landscape buffers can provide windbreaks and aid in stormwater management.  Refer to Critical Design Practices: Parking for additional information.

Landscaping Design Principles
Select native species and varieties, especially for planting areas visible from roads and adjacent properties.  Group plants of similar care requirements to reduce the need for irrigation. Consult a landscape architect or nursery person for specific advice.

Maintain landscaping by watering, organic fertilizing, pruning, pest control, and removal of diseased or damaged materials as necessary.

Landscaping materials should be durable, easily maintained, and complement other site structures for years to come.

The materials for retaining walls should minimize their perceived size (e.g., brick, stone).  Incorporating terraces with climbing vegetation can soften the overall appearance of walls.