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Day 6: You want to plant that tree where?
In mid-August, I had a meeting with a member of the Department of Code Enforcement from the City of Indianapolis. We discussed when I needed a Flora Permit and what was needed....I thought I was off and running. I figured I would work with the neighborhoods, identify the locations, fill out the permits, and then plant the trees. The basic rules we followed were no trees within 15 feet of a stop sign and no large shade trees within 50 feet of power lines. Okay, got those rules down, no problem right?
As Lee Corso might say, "Not so fast my friend!." I'm 20% of the way through my plantings, but still working out the details of a few locations. I have had more locations rejected at this point than approved by the city. It has been personally frustrating I have just wanted to have the logistics done, but I'm glad. There has a been a good reason for each location not approved by the city. It is to make sure that the trees that go into the ground have a chance to survive and will not cause problems or safety issues.
My planting today was in Little Flower at 1225 DeQuincy Avenue. It wasn't the initial place I had planned to plant a tree today. The permit for the original location was denied because it was in a strip of grass in Little Flower that was only 4 feet wide. It was interesting, as I looked up and down the street I saw tons of trees that were planted in a similar stretch of land, but that is because they were put into the ground before the city changed its requirements. The reason 5 feet is the requirement is to ensure that the roots and overhang will not infringe on the curb or street. The worst possible result of planting a tree would be that its roots damage property the city would have to pay to replace and the tree would need to be removed.
I'm getting there. I only have 4 more locations that need approval! So when do someone need the city's permission and a permit? That is an easy answer, it is when you are planting on city property (like a park) or in the right of way. The city's website defines right of way as city-owned property along streets extending beyond the edge of the road. Commonly, this is the lawn strip between street and sidewalk. So, if there is two feet or seven feet between the sidewalk and the road, that is a right of way and you will need a permit.
So what did I end up planting today? An American Hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), also known as an Ironwood. Though this wasn't the original location planned for the tree, I think it is the perfect tree for the spot. The American Hornbeam is known as an understory tree. An understory tree is one that won't grow quite as tall as a large shade tree like an Oak and fits perfectly underneath another tree. That is exactly what we have at this location. There is a tree further back on the property that is towering a good 40 feet over the one I just planted. The American Hornbeam will never reach this height and will be a great compliment to the existing tree line.
