TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT GUIDELINES

When to use these guidelines and application: use to remove any tree over 6" caliper and to add any tree to the landscaping. This includes ornamental trees used in landscaping beds, although it is not necessary to put in a separate tree plan if ornamental trees are being included on a landscaping plan that is being submitted.

Tree Removal & Replacement Application

After reading the guidelines below, download and submit the application, which includes a list of information and materials to submit:

GUIDELINES FOR TREE REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT

To obtain approval to remove, replace or add trees in Muirfield Village, submit two complete applications including drawings, details and photographs to the Muirfield Design Control Committee (MDCC) prior to starting the project.

Large dead trees presenting a safety hazard and emergency may require removal before obtaining written approval. The Association will work with property owners in these emergency situations.

Living trees larger than six inches caliper may not be removed from the property without good reason.

In some instances, a tree can be removed without replacement if doing so adds benefit to existing trees or surrounding landscape. The Committee will expect a reasonable explanation for those trees not planned for replacement.

Tree stumps must be ground out to grade and the area restored. All portions of the tree - wood chips, limbs, trunk, leaves, etc. must be removed from the site and disposed of properly.

Firewood - A limited amount of firewood may be stored on the property but must be placed in an inconspicuous location at the rear or side yard, stacked neatly and kept in good condition at all times. To be considered firewood, wood must be of a consistent size commonly used in a moderate-sized fireplace. Logs can be no larger than 8” in diameter. If wood pieces are larger, they must be split and cut into pieces no more than 30” long. The amount of stacked firewood cannot exceed 1 ½ cord, measuring approximately 4’x4’x12’. Firewood may be stacked in a firewood ring. Tree parts, fallen limbs and branches must be removed from the site. Small pieces of wood kept for kindling must be cut and tied into bundles no more than 12” in diameter. No more than 5 bundles may be kept on the property and must be stacked with the firewood. Large pieces of trees are not considered firewood and shall not be stored on the property. Protective tarps used to cover stacked firewood must be earth-tone in color.

Replacement/Adding Additional Trees - Plant the tree(s) so that installation and future maintenance can be performed from within the property lines. Encroaching onto a neighbor’s property or Muirfield common ground is prohibited. Keep in mind that the air space at the lot line is owned by that property. Neighboring property owners have the right to trim or remove that portion of the tree or any other landscape materials that extend onto their property.

Minimum sizes for landscape materials at planting are as follows:
Perennials, shrubs, etc. - 3 gallon
Plants, Annuals – 1 gallon
Ornamental trees – 5’-6’ height
Evergreen trees - 7’-8’ height
Deciduous trees - 2½”-3” caliper
It is prohibited to plant Silver Maple, Chinese Elm, Willow and Bradford Pear trees.

The Committee will consider the species, size, type, and location of replacement trees. Property-defining or regimented tree plantings are prohibited. Planting in groupings or clumps will obstruct less appealing views while providing a more natural presentation.

What to Include with this Application

To avoid delays and to prevent the application from being tabled, please ensure the application is filled out completely and include two copies of the application and two each of all relevant materials (samples, photos, drawings, site maps, brochures, etc.) plus the design review fee. One copy will be returned to the submitter. Include the following information:

Removal

• A scaled site plan showing footprint of house, property lines, easements, no-build zones
• Indicate on the site plan the location of the tree(s) to be removed
• Explain the reason for removal
• Explain disposal of tree parts – chipped/removed, stump ground out to grade, if split for firewood, indicate location and amount of firewood

Replacement

• Indicate on the site plan the location, size and species of tree(s) to be planted

Adding New Trees

• A scaled site plan showing footprint of house, property lines, easements, no-build zones
• Indicate location, type, and size of trees to be planted
• Explain any special circumstances or exceptions proposed
• Design Review fee payment of $20.00
• The expected date of completion

If you have any questions, please contact the Association office, 614-889-0922.