HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC RES 90-018 RESOLUTION N0. 90-18
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALM DESERT , CALIFORNIA . SETTING
ACCEPTABLE P�ANT SPECIES AS PARKING LOT TREES
FOR THE CITY OF PALM DESERT PARKING LOT TREE
ORD [ NANCE
WHEREAS , certain trees have characteristics that provi �e
. more shade and reduce damage to the hardscape ; and
WHEREAS . certatn trees adapted to the desert climate will
improve the environmental quality . conserve natural resources ,
develop civic pride, beautify commercial . civic and residential
areas ; and
WHEREAS . certain trees with proper malntenance and adeauate
Nater and space wiil pride needed �hade in parking lots .
NOW . THEREFORE , BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the
City of Palm Desert . Callfornia . as follows :
1 . That the Acceptable Parking Lot Trees listed on Exhibft
"A" attached hereto is adopted.
Z . That any requested tree species not listed in Exhibit
"A" be approved by the Architectural Review Commission
and confirmed by the Planning Commission.
PASSED . APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meettng of the
Palm Desert C1ty Councll heid on this 8th day of February 1990
by the foilowing vote, to wit :
A Y E S : B�'S190N, �Z.Y� SNYDIIt, WII-SON, CRITF'-S
NOES : =��
ABSENT: r�
ABSTAIN: �� �
� l
B FORD . CRITE . MAYOR
-�
A�TTEST: � �
, n �� ,
✓ .
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/ SHEILA R. GI LIGAN, Y CLERK
CITY OF PALN OESERT
Exhibit A
CITY OF PAIM aESERT
TREES FOR PALM DESERT PARKING LOTS
African SuAac - Rhus Lancea
A favorite evergreen tree that thrives in desert heat and
useful as versatile standards or multi -t�unked use . Growth
develops at a medium rate to mature height of twenty-five feet
and canopy spread of twenty- five to thirty feet diameters .
Graceful weeping outer branches support willow- like dark green
divided leaves . Trunks develop picturesque structure that
support interesting branch patterns and rough red bark . Atry
canopy growth develops more readlly Nith multl -tru�k form ;
however . adequate space must be provlded for spread in parking
lot islands and dividers . Both tree forms develop suckers that
need control . Lacing out intertor growth to ailow winds to sift
through . creates more sturdy growth in windy areas .
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Trees are hardy to 18° to 24� with age. Adaptable in turf
as well as areas with water-efflcient landscaping.
Deep irrigatlon in well -dralned soiis are ideal for maxtmum
development . in heavy so11s . poor dralnage can restrict root
devetopment . .
Pianting area of 4� by 4' with root guards creates deeper
rooting providfng drip irrigation or bubblers are Water source.
Argenttne Mesquite - Prosopis alba
Mesquite species have significant differences , yet they are
Similar 1n many ways . 8ark is dark , the spreading canoples cast
light and airy shade. They tolerate drought. alkaltne soil and
even turf lrrigatton . [ n deep soils where taproots can grow
deep . Srowth can be rapid . Argenttne me�quite ts almost
eve�green, shedding old lesves as new ones develop 1n the spring
months but becomes deciduous at temperatures in the 26� range .
Yellow catki �� flowe� 1n the spring. Vt9orous growth creates
th i rty to f 1 fty foot he t ght and s 1 m i lar spread. Most act t ve
growth in ext�eme heat. Selection of low muttt -trunk structure
creates stronger trunks to resist heavy wi�ds.
Deep moisture advlsabie to reduce surface roots . Seiective
pruning in first two or three year� essential to formatlon of
weil -balanced framework . Avo1d excessive fertiiization .
Root guards advisable to direct main root groWth . Minimum
planttng area. six foot square.
Trees wili" require separate valves from turf areas .
Aristocrat Flowe�ing Pear - Pyrul Caileryana 'Aristoc�at'
Deciduous Pyramidal tree with strong upcurving branchtng pattern .
more useful as parking lot tree than P . ' Kawakami ' Evergreen
Pear . White FloWer ciusters develop early. Foliage dark green .
glossy and leathery . fali season develops rlch purplish red
. color . Resistance to ftre blight is well noted. compared to P .
'Kawakaml ' . Growth pattern is moderate. can reach 40 to 50 feet
height , 3.0 to 40 feet diameter .
Maintenance minimal , thin only. avoiding tipping branches .
Pianting area 4 ft . x 4 ft . adequate with root guards .
Faii color , early spring btoom. hardlness to cold and moderate
watering even in summer provide good reasons to include in
perking lots .
Australian M111ow - Getgera Parviflora
A graceful . finatly-textured evergreen tree. Matn branches
sweep up and out , small branches hang down . Long, narrow, medium
green drooping leaves give effect of wiilow. Grows to twenty to
thirty feet in hetght and a twenty foot width. Australian wiilow
hes the grece of a willow, toughness of a eucalyptus without a
heavy debris factor.
Roots grow deep and are non- invasive . Groath rate is
moderate with a long life span. Consldered water efficient . but
with ample molsture growth more agg�essive. Takes heet , wind,
and cold to 18° F . Trees are quite pest free . Pruning
reQuireme�ts are mtnlmum, only done to correct form. Full sun
and well -dralned eoii important . Four-foot square planting area
adequete. Trees are now readlly avallable.
Braztlian p�ppe� - Schlnus terebinthifolius
aifftr� from Caltfornta pepper , Schinus molle in its non-
pendulous �rowth and wlth darker , coarse� , glossy leaves . Mature
growth to twenty-five to thirty feet 1n height , develops an
umbrella-shaped crown . Density of shade p�ovides good shade .
ideel fo� Rarktny a�eas , often too dense for Bermude turf.
Prune stra991y overiong branches end lace out interior
branches in early spring, no later than April to aliow winds to
pass through . Mindy season occurs in late sprtn9. Complete
thinnin� by lete winter to reduce wind damaye.
Deep watering and good drainage are esse�tial in parking lot
dlviders or tslands to reduce surface rooting. Minlmum growing
area six foot� square.
Carob-Ceratonia Siliqua
Evergreen canopy tree with dense giossy green foliage .
Growth is at a moderate rate to thirty to forty feet in height
and saread. Early growth slow with a height of twenty feet in
ten years . For effective landscape appearance, consider pianting
36" to 46" box size trees Por more mature structure due to
initiai slow development .
Once established ( two to three years ) , trees are water
effictent . Origin in the eastern Mediterranean region .
Excess surf ace moisture creates lush growth that develops
weak trunk and excessively top heavy growth. in �urn , this aiso
develops surface roots that can damage landscaped or hardscaped
areas as trees mature . Deep watering with drip irrlgation or
bubblers are lmportant to help tree� develop deep roots .
Frost tender t � youth ; becomes hardier with age to 2a
degrees .
Heavy growth requtres lacing or thlnning yearly to reduce
dens i ty that W i 1 1 a 1 1 ow w i nds to s 1 ft through the 1 arge ,,,�
structured canopy. Avoid heading back branches.
Carobs have a long iife pattern with appropriate
matntenance . Orainage 1s important ; however, most Palrn Oesert
soiis are ideai .
Provisions shouid be made to install root guards or ba�riers
in public or city parking areas to force deep root growth ,
Minimum planter of 6 � by 6� will be required.
Californla Fan Pal� - Mashingtonia fiitfera
• Creating diversity in shade patterns by adding vertical
elements in parking lots can help make them more lnviting. When
located in islands or used to separate other species of trees the
tmpact can be dramatic in a grand scale.
The rlpartan nature of the Mexican fan palm requtres
adequate moteture and room for trunk development. Islands often
provide more area for clusters or even as a single specimen to
create empha� is .
Mature palms are cold tolerant to about 15�. Young plants
are more susceptible to cold. Helghts of groWth can be in the 20
to 50 foot range but at a � low rate. The dense fronds with a 15-
foot spread provide shade patterns . To groom, trim drying fronds
and remove frutt garlands .
Single speclmens require a minimum of 6 by 6 foot planting
areas .
Chtnese pistache - Pistacia chinensls
Moderate rounded growth to forty to sixty feet in height
with a spread of forty to fifty feet and adaptability to head .
cold . wind . and drought . Low pruning requirements are strong
incentives for landscape uses for shade patterns . Although
deciduous during the winter , the giory of red fali color creates
vivid areas of interest to provide seasonal color . Grows best
with deep so11 and good dralnage. Shallow or difficuit soiis
will restrain growth . As trees develop , lift iower b�anches to
form a crown high enough to walk under. With root guards , 6� by
6° square planters adequate.
Coolibah eucalyptus - Eucalyptus �icrotheca
Eucalyptl specles are generaily not adaptable in parking lot
areas due to uitlmate s1ze, aggresslve root system, leaf debris
and shedding bark : however , increasing use of E . microtheca has
proven to be a most Nelcome addition to tree palettes . Hardiness
to heat . co 1 d, and w i nd as we 1 1 as adaptab i 1 1 ty to a w i de range
of soils and cleanliness places this spectes as a valued choice.
Gray green elongated foliage. strong trunk growth and head
formatlon for canopy cover a�e strong a�sets .
After establishing, trees are drought tolerant . Pruning new
growth 1n youth generally establishes mature pattern . Deep
waterin� essentiai to reduce surface root development . Provide
4� by 4 square planttng area, root guard required.
Fantex Ash (Rio Grande) - Fraxinus V. Fantex
Excellent tree for summer-shade , wi �ter-sun combfnation .
Nell known "Modesto" ash has lnsect as well as root problems ;
; however , "Fantex" Ash has more vigor and ts more rapid growing ,
' highly resistant to coid, drought and less sub�ect to chiorosis .
in addition, "Fantex" has larger green leathery teaves that are
more resl �tant to burn from the hottest sun or w1nd. A durable
1 ong tern� tr��.
Het�ht can reach from twenty to flfty feet high a�d spread
twenty to thirty feet. Space trees at taenty-five feet or more
to create more shade pattern. Provlde deep motsture to sustain
deep root development. Add root guards 1n parking lot dividers
or piantere with 4� by 4� square plantin9 area.
Golden Retntree - Koel�euterla bipinnats
Adaptability 1 � well recognized ae a small declduous shade
tree t n the twenty to forty foot he i ght range and f i fteen to
forty foot dlameter spread. Growth is slow to moderate with open
branching that provtdes 11ght to medium shade.
Trees are enhanced in summer with clusters of sma11 yellow
flowers and buff to brown colored capsules that create a show in
late summer and eariy fall .
Goiden Ratntrees take heat , cold, wind and alkaline soii .
Prune to shape , can be irregular in maturlty if not pruned during
the first two to three years . Adaptabie in 4 � by 4 � square
planters .
Jerusale� tho�n - Parktnso�la acueleata
Normally an erect singie-trunk tree; however . muiti -trunk
tree form is available . Rapid groWth to flfteen feet stabilizes
at twenty feet with an eventual dtameter of tHenty feet . Fern-
like foliage is supported by graceful supporting stems . In late
spr i ng and ear 1 y summer , trees are a giant bouquet of bright
yellow flowers with six tnch long yellow pods following biooms .
Trees provlde light shade , become declduous during winter months
for short periods . �
Trees are most adaptable in Coachelia soils a�d envtronment .
Takes drought or turf conditions with adequate dratnage .
Succulent twigs may die back xtth 28� to 26o temperatures .
Planter size area of 4 by 4 square feet adequate . Deep
irrigation wlth drip or bubbiers important 1n landscaped areas . �
London plane t�ee - Pletanus acerfolle
This large scale tree is symmetrical , formal in effect , and
even tn wlnter after leaves have dropped . the structure of
mottled trunk and branches create a colorful distinct look .
Growth is moderate to fast to forty to seventy feet and a spread
of thirty to forty feet . Takes heat and cold.
T�ees tole�ate smog , dust . and poor soils . May become
chlorotic in alkaline sotis or tn turf which creates symptoms of
iron chlorosis . Feed wtth tron to correct problems . Oeep
moisture necessary, leaf burn may develop if water is iimited.
Maintenance seasonal depending on use. Requlres mtnimum 6 by
6 foot square planters .
Ma3eetic 8eauty Ash - Fraxtous U. 'MaJestic Besuty' o� 'O�ange
County'
Evergreen , or nearly so , selected form of Shamei ash .
' Ma,�estic Beauty' has become a favorite for creating canopy
shade . Once established , growth is rapld to twenty-ftve to
th i rty f eet i n he i ght and spread 1 n ten years . 41 i th age . can
reach forty to sixty feet . Glossy. dark green leaflets of
Fraximus ' Ma,lestic Beauty ' are contrasts to pa�ent Shamei ash
with 1ts light duil green foliage which 1s a seediing form. Hot ,
dry winds may cause tip burn and a sharp frost may cause some
leaf drop. � �
ShalloW root tendency can create problems if deep watering
is not encouraged . On parking lot areas root guards are
irnportant as is drip or bubbler installation to encourage deep
rooting.
Tipping new growth on young trees c�eates more balanced
mature form with age. Trees are relatively pest free. Regular
programmed irrigatlon tn summer is espectaliy essential for
continued good appearance. Planting area in parking lot lslands
or dividers of s1x to etght foot squares are required to support
vigorous growth in age . A long- ltfe tree, handsome and most
useful contrlbutor to welcome shade.
Olive - Olea europaea 'Swan Hill '
A high-quality tree with informai and picturesque groWth .
Can be g�own as a standard form or_ with multlple trunks . Canopy
cover with txenty to thirty foot �diameter and fifteen to thirty
foot height creates strong flltered shade. GroNth slow; however ,
olives provlde permanence.
Olives endure heat . cold . wind, and are drought toierant
once established . Takes 18° temperature that is valued
throughout desert areas . In recent years . availability of the
f�ultless selectlon "SWan Hill " has become more real through
growers in Arizona. Provide deep irrigation. Remove euckers at
base of main trunk , thin interlor small branches . keep canopy
structure intact . Requires six-foot square planters and root
guards for best results .
Southern Live Oak - Quercus virglniana
Although native to southeastern United States , thls oak tree
adapts well to de�ert condltions . A new selected form. Q. V.
' Herltage' , has proven to be compatible 1n high temperatures ,
cold to 15� , wind. and tolerates wldely spaced irrigation once
estabitshed. Available in Arizona.
A qu llty shade tree that should be used more, growth can
reach fo�t� to sixty feet wldth and spread twice the height . Oark
green 1����s ere smooth edged. Leaves drop in spring prior to
new leaf d�v�lopme�t.
Growth rate moderate in heavy sotls , more rapid tn deep
moist soil . A tree for large shede patterns . Use in planters of
4 by 4 foot size.
Sweet Acscia - Acacta ■inuta
Often sold as A. farnestana which is cold-tender. Plant A .
mlmuta where frost occurs . Grows vigorously thirty to thirty-
five feet with a spreading growth to tNenty-five feet . Lift
lower branch�s to create more canopy growth. 8right green fern-
ltke follage is outstanding in effect . Cold tender in the 26° to
24� range.
Small yel { ow , fragrant , puff- 11ke flower balls begin coior
show in January- and �each full fiower in February-March .
Trees are heat-reStstant , wind tolerant . as Nell as water
efflcient . Root structure generally deep, ldeal for narroW or
smatl areas . Occupies a 4� by 4� square planter readily.
In youth , remove thorns on trunks when trees are used tn
people-traffic zones .
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