(A) As provided in Section 16-49, it is presumed that all of the information listed in this appendix must be submitted with an application for a zoning, sign, special use, or conditional use permit to enable the permit-issuing authority to determine whether the development, if completed as proposed, will comply with all the requirements of Chapter 16. As set forth in Section 16-92, applications for variances are subject to the same provisions. However, the permit-issuing authority may require more information or accept as sufficient less information according to the circumstances of the particular case. A developer who believes information presumptively required by this appendix is unnecessary shall contact the planning staff for an interpretation.
(B) As also provided in Section 16-49, the administrator shall develop application processes, including standard forms, to simplify and expedite applications for simple developments that do not require the full range of information called for in this appendix. In particular, developers seeking only permission to construct single-family houses or duplexes or to construct new or modify existing signs should contact the administrator for standard forms.
(A) Every applicant for a variance or a zoning, sign, special use or conditional use permit shall complete a written application containing at least the following information:
(1) The name, address, and phone number of the applicant.
(2) If the applicant is not the owner of the property in question, (i) the name, address, and phone number of the owner, and (ii) the legal relationship of the applicant to the owner that entitles the applicant to make application.
(3) The date of the application.
(4) Identification of the particular permit sought.
(5) A succinct statement of the nature of the development proposed under the permit or the nature of the variance.
(6) Identification of the property in question by street address and tax map reference.
(7) The zoning district within which the property lies.
(8) The number of square feet in the lot where the development is to take place.
(9) The gross floor area of all existing or proposed buildings located on the lot where the development is to take place.
(10) If the proposed development is a multi-family residential development, the number of one, two, three, or four bedroom dwelling units proposed for construction.
Subject to Section A-1 of this appendix, every application for variance or a zoning, sign, special use or conditional use permit shall contain plans that locate the development site and graphically demonstrate existing and proposed natural, man-made, and legal features on and near the site in question, all in conformity with Sections A-4 through A-6 of this appendix.
(A) The plans shall include a location map that shows the location of the project in the broad context of the town or planning jurisdiction. This location map may be drawn on the development site plans or it may be furnished separately using reduced copies of maps of the Blowing Rock planning jurisdiction available in the office of the administrator.
(B) Development site plans shall be drawn to scale, using such a scale that all features required to be shown on the plans are readily discernible. Very large developments may require that plans show the development in sections to accomplish this objective without resort to plans that are so large as to be cumbersome, or the objective may be accomplished by using different plans or plans drawn to different scales to illustrate different features. In all cases, the permit-issuing authority shall make the final determination whether the plans submitted are drawn to the appropriate scale, but the applicant for a conditional or special use permit relies in the first instance on the recommendations of the administrator.
(C) Development site plans should show on the first page the following information:
(1) Name of Applicant
(2) Name of Development (if any)
(3) North Arrow
(4) Legend
(5) Scale
(D) All of the features required to be shown on plans by Sections A-5 and A-6 may be included on one set of plans, so long as the features are distinctly discernible.
(A) Development site plans shall show all existing natural, man-made, and legal features on the lot where the development is to take place, including but not limited to those listed below. In addition, the plans shall also show those features indicated below by an asterisk that are located within fifty feet in any direction of the lot where the development is to take place, and shall specify (by reference to the Table of Permissible Uses or otherwise) the use made of adjoining properties.
(B) Existing natural features:
(1) Tree line of wooded areas.
(2) Individual trees eighteen inches in diameter or more, identified by common or scientific name.
(3) Orchards or other agricultural groves by common or scientific name.
*(4) Streams, ponds, drainage ditches, swamps, boundaries of floodways and floodplains.
(5) (If the proposed development is a subdivision of more than fifty lots or if more that five acres of land are to be developed), base flood elevation data (See Article XVI, Part I).
*(6) Contour lines (shown as dotted lines) with no larger that two foot contour intervals. [As indicated in Subsection A-6(B)(17), proposed contour lines shall be shown as solid lines.]
(C) Existing man-made features:
*(1) Vehicle accommodation areas (including parking areas, loading areas and circulation areas, see Section 16-290), all designated by surface material and showing the layout of existing parking spaces and direction of travel lanes, aisles, or driveways.
(2) Streets, private roads, sidewalks, and other walkways, all designated by surface material.
(3) Curbs and gutters, curb inlets and curb cuts, and drainage grates.
(4) Other storm or drainage facilities, including manholes, pipes, and drainage ditches.
(5) Underground utility lines, including water, sewer, electric power, telephone, gas, cable, television.
(6) Above-ground utility lines and other utility facilities.
*(7) Fire hydrants.
(8) Buildings, structures and signs (including dimensions of each).
(9) Location of exterior light fixtures.
*(10) Location of dumpsters.
(D) Existing legal features:
(1) The zoning of the property, including zoning district lines where applicable.
(2) Property lines (with dimensions identified).
(3) Street right-of-way lines.
(4) Utility or other easement lines.
(A) Development site plans shall show proposed changes in (i) existing natural features [see Section A-5(B)]; (ii) existing man-made features [see Section A-5(C)]; and (iii) existing legal features [see Section A-5(D)].
(B) Development site plans shall also show proposed new legal features (especially new property lines, street right-of-way lines, and utility and other easements), as well as proposed man-made features, including, but not limited to, the following:
(1) The number of square feet in every lot created by a new subdivision.
(2)
(3) The location and dimensions of all buildings and freestanding signs on the lot, as well as the distances all buildings and freestanding signs are set back from property lines, streets or street right-of-way lines (see Section 16-184).
(4) Principal side(s) building elevations for typical units of new buildings or exterior remodelings of existing buildings, showing building heights (see Section 16-185) and proposed wall sign or window sign area;
(5) The location and dimensions of all recreational areas provided in accordance with Article XIII, with each area designated as to type of use;
(6) Areas intended to remain as usable open space. The plans shall clearly indicate whether such open space areas are intended to be offered for dedication to public use or to remain privately owned.
(7) Streets, labeled by classification (see Section 16-210) and street name showing whether curb and gutter or shoulders and swales are to be provided and indicating street paving widths. Private roads in subdivisions shall also be shown and clearly labeled as such.
(8) Curbs and gutters, curb inlets and curb cuts, drainage grates.
(9) Other storm water or drainage facilities, including manholes, pipes, drainage ditches, retention ponds, etc.
(10) Sidewalks and walkways, showing widths and surface material.
(11) Bridges.
(12) Outdoor illumination with lighting fixtures sufficiently identified to demonstrate compliance with Section 16-242.
(13) Underground utility lines, including water, sewer, electric power, telephone, gas, cable television. Water and sewer pipe line signs shall be labeled.
(14) Aboveground utility lines and other facilities.
(15) Fire hydrants.
(16) Dumpsters.
(17) New contour lines resulting from earth movement (shown as solid lines) with no larger than two foot contour intervals (existing lines should be shown as dotted lines).
(18) Scale drawings of all signs requiring permits pursuant to Article XVII, together with an indication of the location and dimensions of all such signs.
(19) Vehicle accommodation areas (including parking areas, loading areas, and circulation areas, see Section 16-290), all designated by surface material and showing the dimensions and layout of proposed parking spaces and the dimensions and direction of travel of lanes, aisles, and driveways.
(20) Proposed plantings or construction of other devices to comply with the screening requirements of Article XIX, Part I, as well as proposed plantings of trees to comply with the shading requirements of Article XIX, Part II. Plans shall label shrubbery by common or scientific name, show the distance between plants and indicate the height at the time of planting and expected mature height and width. Plans shall label trees by common or scientific name, show the circles of the mature crowns (major trees shall be drawn at diameter = 30'; dwarf or decorative trees shall be drawn at their actual mature crown), and indicate the height at the time of planting.
(A) In addition to the written application and the plans, whenever the nature of the proposed development makes information or documents such as the following relevant, such documents or information shall be provided. The following is a representative list of the types of information or documents that may by requested:
(1) Documentation confirming that the applicant has a legally sufficient interest in the property proposed for development to use it in the manner requested, or is the duly appointed agent of such a person.
(2) Certifications from the appropriate agencies that proposed utility systems are or will be adequate to handle the proposed development, as set forth in Article XV, and that all necessary easements have been provided.
(3) Detailed description of play apparatus to be provided in miniparks.
(4) Legal documentation establishing homeowners associations or other legal entities responsible for control over required common areas and facilities.
(5) Bonds, letters of credit, or other surety devices.
(6) Stamped envelopes containing the names and addresses of all those to whom notice of a public hearing must be sent to comply with Section 16-102 or Section 16-22.
(7) Complete documentation justifying any requested deviation from specific requirements established by this chapter as presumptively satisfying design standards.
(8) Written evidence of permission to use satellite parking spaces under the control of a person other than the developer when such spaces are allowed pursuant to Section 16-298.
(9) Written evidence of good faith efforts to acquire satellite parking under the circumstances set forth in Section 16-299.
(10) Time schedules for the completion of phases in staged development, as required by Section 16-61.
With respect to all plans and
other documents required by this Appendix, the developer shall submit the
number of copies that the Administrator deems necessary to expedite the review
process and to provide necessary permanent records. The number of copies of plans and other
documents required shall be in the sole discretion of the Zoning
Administrator. [Amended June 13, 1995]
All driveway entrances and other openings onto town-maintained streets shall, at a minimum, conform to the requirements set forth in the N.C. Department of Transportation's Manual on Driveway Entrance Regulations (1966 edition). Whenever, in that manual, regulations both for urban and rural situations are given, the urban requirements shall be applicable.
|
Design
Item |
Street
Classification |
|||
|
|
Minor |
Local |
Sub-Collector |
Collector |
|
Design Speed |
25 mph |
25 mph |
30 mph |
35 mph |
|
Minimum Sight Distance on Vertical Curve |
150 feet |
150 feet |
200 feet |
200 feet |
|
Minimum Centerline Radius |
The North Carolina Department of Transportation centerline radius standards. |
|||
[Amended September 14,
1993]
Cut and fill slopes on any street right-of-way may not exceed 2:1.
(A) At no-stop intersections, the intersection shall be constructed so that a person standing at a location on the centerline of any street 90 feet from the intersection of the street centerlines has an unobstructed view to a point located on the centerline of the intersecting street 90 feet (in either direction) from the intersection of the street centerlines. See Standard Diagram No.1.
(B) Subject to subsection (C), at stop intersections, the intersection shall be constructed so that a person standing 10 feet back of the intersection of the right-of-way lines on the stop street has an unobstructed view to a point on the right-of-way line of the intersecting through street located 70 feet from the intersection of the right-of-way lines. See Standard Diagram No.2.
(C) At stop intersections where a residential street intersects with a state-maintained primary road (U.S. or N.C.), the intersection shall be constructed so that a person standing 30 feet back of the intersection of right-of-way lines on the stop street has an unobstructed view to a point on the centerline of the through street located 150 feet from the intersection of the street right-of-way lines. See Standard Diagram No.3.
At street intersections, the intersections of the paved surfaces shall be rounded with a minimum radius as shown in Standard Diagrams No.4 and No.5. Where streets intersect at less than right angles, a greater radius may be required.
Clearing and grubbing shall be performed within the limits shown on the plans. All timber, brush, roots, stumps, trees, or other vegetation cut during the clearing operations shall become the contractor's responsibility to dispose of, and shall be either removed from the project by him, or satisfactorily disposed of on-site.
Streets shall be graded in accordance with the lines and grade set by the engineer. Before placing curb and gutter or base on the graded subgrade, the subgrade shall be compacted to 100% ASSHO T99 for depth of 6 inches and then shall be proof rolled in the presence of the engineer. Places that are found to be loose, or soft, or composed of unsuitable materials, whether in the subgrade or below it, must be dug out and refilled with suitable material. All embankments or fills shall be made in one-foot horizontal lifts of suitable material. The fill shall be rolled with a sheepsfoot roller after each lift, followed by a wheel roller, each weighing not less than eight tons.
Base course for streets shall generally be 8 inches thick, unless otherwise directed by the public works director, and shall be crushed stone conforming to N.C.D.O.T. Type ABC stone. The stone base course shall be placed in 4 inch layers, watered as necessary, and compacted to 100% AASHO T99. The contractor shall be responsible for keeping the stone base free of contamination from clay or other foreign materials. Handling and placement of stone base shall all be in accordance with N.C.D.O.T. specifications.
The asphalt surface course shall meet N.C.D.O.T. specs for Type 1-2 asphalt. The asphalt shall be placed in one 2-inch layer, and shall be handled and placed in accordance with N.C. D.O.T specifications.
Sections C-6, C-7, and C-8 set the standards that shall apply under normal soils conditions. However, where soils are unusually good or unusually unstable, the public works director may allow or require the developer to have soil tests run and a pavement design made by a qualified soils engineer. Under these circumstances, the public works director may allow pavement sections constructed to lesser standards than those set forth above (for good soils) or require pavement sections constructed to greater standards than those set forth above (for unstable soils).
Streets shall be constructed and utilities located in accordance with Standard Drawing No.6 or No.7.
(A) The concrete curb and gutter shall be
constructed according to the lines and grades established by the engineer. The concrete shall meet the
(B) Curb and gutter shall be constructed in accordance with Standard Drawing No.8.
(A) Curb and gutter shall comply with NCDOT standards for 2’-6” curb and gutter per Std. No. 846.01, latest revision. All necessary storm sewer shall be a part of the curb and gutter installation.
(B) Sidewalk construction shall be similar to street construction, with subgrade compacted to 95% standard proctor. Concrete sidewalks shall be 4 inches thick (increasing to 6 inches of thickness at driveway entrances) and at least 4 feet wide.
(C) Sidewalk construction shall comply with NCDOT standards:
(1) Standard of concrete sidewalk per Std. No. 848.01 with T=6”.
(2) Standard driveway turnout per Std. No. 848.02 or Std. No. 848.03.
(4) Standard wheelchair ramp per Std. No. 848.05.
[Amended
Where required, wheel chair ramps shall be constructed in accordance with Standard Drawing No.9.
(A) The minimum design frequency for storm runoff shall be 10 years for storm sewer collection and 20 years for cross drainage (i.e., drainage facilities crossing a street).
(B) All storm drainage pipes shall be reinforced
concrete, coated corrugated steel, or comparable as approved by the Director of
Public Works for the Town of
[Amended
(C) Culvert outlet protection and swale erosion protection shall be designed based on a 10 year storm.
(D) All storm drainage structures and pipes shall be designed and constructed in accordance with N.C. Department of Transportation specifications and Standard Drawings No.10 through No.14. However, in case of a conflict, the standard drawing shall prevail.
Road shoulders, swales, back-of-curbs, and cut and fill banks shall be completely dressed up by the contractor and seeded as soon as possible.
Vehicle accommodations paved with asphalt shall be constructed in the same manner as street surfaces (Appendix C, Sections C-6 through C-9). If concrete is used as the paving material, vehicle accommodation areas shall be similarly constructed except that 6 inches of concrete shall be used instead of 2 inches of asphalt. The public works director may allow other paving materials to be used so long as the equivalent level of stability is achieved.
Vehicle accommodation areas without paving shall be constructed in the same manner as paved areas except that crushed stone of the following types may be used in lieu of asphalt, concrete, or other paving material: Size 13 Crushed Stone.
(A) Section 16-316 provides for the retention and protection of large trees when land is developed. In order to better ensure the survival of existing trees, the developer should heed the following guidelines:
(1) Protect trees with fencing and armoring during the entire construction period. The fence should enclose an area ten feet square with the tree at the center.
(2) Avoid excavations beneath the crown of the tree as required by Section 16-316(B).
(3) Avoid compaction of the soil around existing trees due to heavy equipment. Do not pile dirt or other materials beneath the crown of the tree.
(4) Keep fires or other sources of extreme heat well clear of existing trees.
(5) Repair damaged roots and branches immediately. Exposed roots should be covered with topsoil. Severed limbs and roots may be painted. Whenever roots are destroyed, a proportional amount of branches must be pruned so the tree doesn't transpire more water than it takes in. Injured trees must be thoroughly watered during the ensuing growing year.
(6) All existing trees which will be surrounded by paving should be pruned to prevent dehydration.
(7) As is stipulated in Section 16-316(B), no paving or other impermeable ground cover should be placed within the dripline of trees to be retained.
(A) Trees planted in compliance with the requirements of Sections 16-315 and 16-317 should have most or all of the following qualities. The trees recommended in Section E-10 represent the best combinations of these characteristics.
(1) Hardiness
(a) Resistance to extreme temperatures.
(b) Drought resistance.
(c) Resistance to storm damage.
(d) Resistance to air pollution.
(e) Ability to survive physical damage from human activity.
(2) Life cycle
(a) Moderate to rapid rate of growth.
(b) Long life.
(3) Foliage and Branching
(a) Tendency to branch high above the ground.
(b) Wide spreading habit.
(c) Relatively dense foliage for maximum shading.
(4) Maintenance
(a) Resistance to pests.
(b) Resistance to plant diseases.
(c) Little or no pruning requirements.
(d) No significant litter problems.
(A) Following is an elementary formula for determining the number of shade trees required in and around paved parking lots in order to presumptively satisfy the shading requirements of Section 16-317.
|
1. Calculate square footage of the vehicle
accommodation area. Include parking
spaces, driveways, loading areas, sidewalks, and other circulation
areas. Do not include building areas
and any areas which will remain completely undeveloped |
sq. ft. |
|
2. Multiply: |
x .20 |
|
3. Area to be shaded: |
sq. ft. |
|
|
|
|
Add: |
|
|
4. Area shaded by existing trees to be
retained in and around the vehicle accommodation area.* |
sq. ft. |
|
5. Area shaded by required screening trees, if
any:* |
sq. ft. |
|
6. Area shaded by required street trees, if
any:* |
sq. ft. |
|
7. Subtotal |
sq. ft. |
|
(If Line 7 is greater than
Line 3, then the shading requirement has been met. If not, go on to Line 8.) |
|
|
8. Enter the difference between Line 7 and
Line 3: |
sq. ft. |
|
9. Divide Line 8: |
÷ 707 sq. ft. |
|
10. Total number of shade trees required within the vehicle accommodation area: |
trees |
*Existing trees retained in compliance with Section 16-316 will be credited according to their actual radius. Shaded area may be calculated as follows:
3.14 times (crown radius)2 = shaded area
(B) Trees planted within the vehicle accommodation area are credited with shading 707 square feet (based on a crown radius of 15 feet). New or existing trees on the perimeter of the parking lot are credited for having only half a crown over the vehicle accommodation area (for example, new perimeter trees will be credited for shading 354 square feet), Generally, all trees planted in compliance with the screening requirements of Article XIX, Part I and the street tree requirements of Section 16-315 will be considered perimeter trees. When smaller trees such as Dogwoods are planted, the credited shading area will be adjusted downward to 314 square feet for interior trees and 157 square feet for perimeter trees (based on a crown radius of 10 feet).
(See standard drawings that were provided as a supplement to this floppy disk.)
(A) The trees recommended in Section E-10 have minimal maintenance requirements. However, all trees must receive a certain degree of care, especially during and immediately after planting. In order to protect an investment in new trees, the developer and his or her agents should follow these guidelines when planting:
(1) The best times for planting are early spring and early fall. Trees planted in the summer run the risk of dehydration.
(2) Plant all trees at least three-and-a-half feet from the end of head-in parking spaces in order to prevent damage from car overhangs.
(3) Dig the tree pit at least one foot wider than the root ball and at least six inches deeper than the ball's vertical dimension.
(4) Especially in areas where construction activity has compacted the soil, the bottom of the pit should be scarified or loosened with a pick ax or shovel.
(5) After the pit is dug, observe sub-surface drainage conditions. Where poor drainage exists, the tree pit should be dug at least an additional twelve inches and the bottom should be filled with coarse gravel.
(6) Backfill should include a proper mix of soil, peat moss, and nutrients. All roots must be completely covered. Backfill should be thoroughly watered as it is placed around the roots.
(7) Immediately after it is planted, the tree should be supported with stakes and guy wires to firmly hold it in place as its root system begins to develop. Staked trees will become stronger more quickly. Remove stakes and ties after one year.
(8) Spread at least three inches of mulch over the entire excavation in order to retain moisture and keep down weeds. An additional three-inch saucer of mulch should be provided to form a basin around the trunk of the tree. This saucer helps catch and retain moisture.
(9) The lower trunks of new trees should be wrapped with burlap or paper to prevent evaporation and sun scald. The wrapping should remain on the tree at least a year.
(10) Conscientious post-planting care, especially watering, pruning, and fertilizing, is a must for street and parking lot trees. Branches of new trees may be reduced by as much as a third to prevent excessive evaporation.
(See standard drawings that were provided as a supplement to this floppy disk.)
(See standard drawings that were provided as a supplement to this floppy disk.)
(See standard drawings that were provided as a supplement to this floppy disk.)
Shrubs planted for screening purposes should be given a proper culture and sufficient room in which to grow. Many of the guidelines for tree planting listed in Section E-5 also apply to shrubs. However, because specific requirements vary considerably between shrub types, this Appendix does not attempt to generalize the needs of all shrubs.
The following lists indicate
plantings which will meet the screening and shading requirements of Article XIX
of the Land Use Ordinance. The lists are
by no means comprehensive and are intended merely to suggest the types of
flora which would be appropriate for screening and shading purposes. Plants were selected for inclusion on these
lists according to four principal criteria: general suitability for the
mountains of
Sections E-11 through E-16 contain descriptions of the trees and shrubs listed here.
(a)
Small Trees for Partial Screening
|
(1) Yellow Birch |
(11) Silverbell |
|
(2) Black or Cherry Birch |
(12) Witch Hazel |
|
(3) European Clump Birch |
(13) |
|
(4) Hop Hornbeam |
(14) Common Winterberry |
|
(5) Redbud |
(15) American Holly |
|
(6) White Dogwood |
(16) Trimmed Hemlock |
|
(7) Blue Dogwood |
(17) Sheared White Pine |
|
(8) Serviceberry or Shad Bush |
(18) Dwarf Fruit Trees |
|
(9) Sourwood |
(19) Mountain Ash |
|
(10) Sassafras |
|
(b)
Large Trees for Evergreen Screening
|
(1) White Pine |
(5) Oriental Spruce |
|
(2) Canadian Hemlock |
(6) Blue Spruce |
|
(3) |
(7) Fraser’s Fir or Balsam |
|
(4) Norway Spruce |
|
(c) Large Trees for Shading
|
(1) Striped Maple |
(8) Tulip Tree |
|
(2) Mountain Maple |
(9) Beech |
|
(3) Sugar Maple |
(10) Chestnut Oak |
|
(4) Red Maple |
(11) Northern Red Oak |
|
(5) Black Locust |
(12) Cucumber Tree |
|
(6) |
(13) Mountain Magnolia |
|
(7) White Ash |
|
(d) Small Shrubs for Evergreen Screening
|
(1) Rhododendrons |
(5) Yucca |
|
(2) Mountain Laurel |
(6) Azaleas (limited varieties) |
|
(3) Yew |
(7) American Boxwood |
|
(4) Leucothoe |
|
(e) Large Shrubs for Evergreen Screening
|
(1) Yew |
(3) Sheared White Pine |
|
(2) Clipped Hemlock |
|
(f) Assorted Shrubs for Broken Screens
|
(1) Forsythia |
(6) Pfitzer Juniper |
|
(2) Hydrangea |
(7) Azaleas - deciduous and evergreen |
|
(3) Wiegela |
(8) Barberry |
|
(4) Sweet Strawberry Shrub (5) American Boxwood |
(9) Some Viburnums and other shrubs if recommended and sold by local nurseryman |
(A) Each of these trees will reach a height of at least 20’. Most are also recommended as shade trees and may be credited for meeting the 20% shading requirement for paved parking lots.
(1) Birch - Height 20-40'; spread 8-16'. This tree has a papery bark and a graceful branching habit, requires moisture, has no special pest or maintenance problems.
Yellow Birch (Betula lutea) - native
Black or Cherry Birch (Betula lenta) - native
European single or clump birch - white trunks
(2) Hop Hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana) - Height 20-30'; spread 15-20'. This tree has natural yet refined appearance. It is slow growing. Its fluted trunk is an interesting feature. It has no pests or special maintenance problems.
(3) Redbud (Cercis canadensis) - Height 20-30'; spread 12-25’. This native tree is covered with beautiful pink flowers in spring and develops a dense round crown when allowed to grow in direct sunlight. It has some pests and fruit pods may present a litter problem. It is drought resistant and tolerant of polluted city air.
(4) Dogwood (Cornus
(5) Blue Dogwood (Cornus alternifolia) - is also native to this area. It has white blossoms in a flat cluster, not as showy as the above. The berries are blue.
(6) Serviceberry or Shad Bush (Amelanchier canadensis) - Height 20-50’. A native and first to bloom in the woods in spring. Flowers appear in erect or drooping clusters before or with the leaves. Fruit is dark purple, ripening in June, sweet and edible.
(7) Sourwood (Oxydendrum arboreum) - Height 30-40’. A native tree with small white flowers in late summer that droop like fingers from which bees make excellent honey. Leaves turn a deep crimson in fall.
(8) Sassafras (Sassafras varifolium) - It is not usually over 40’; often seen more shrub-like. One branch may have three different shaped leaves, one mitten-like. It is very aromatic. The roots yield an oil used for flavoring. It makes an attractive tree, long-lived, almost free from disease. It could be used as a park or street tree.
(9) Silverbell
(Halesia
(10) Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) - is a native plant which attains tree size only in the mountains. The flowers have long slender petals that are pale to bright yellow in fall.
(11) Mountain Winterberry (Ilex monticola) - is a deciduous tree, height 15-35’. It has slender spreading branches forming a narrow pyramidal crown. The leaves are yellow in fall. Berries are showy scarlet.
(12) Common Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) - deciduous. It too has brilliant red berries after first heavy frost. It is good for naturalizing.
(13) American Holly (Ilex opaca) - Height 30', evergreen. It is not very hardy in this region.
(14) Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis or caroliniana) - This evergreen tree can be trimmed to any height or shape. The Canadian hemlock is the most abundant in this area. The leaves are short, flat, with two white streaks beneath; whereas, the Carolina Hemlock has flat leaves that point in all directions around the twig. It is the most used, versatile, hardy, abundant tree in the area. Salt put on the highway in winter is about its only enemy.
(15) White Pine (Pinus strobus) - It can be sheared to any height desired. Fast growing.
(16) Dwarf Fruit Trees - are most attractive when in bloom. However, dropping fruit may not be desirable in some locations.
(17) Mountain Ash (Sorbus Americana) - A native tree with compound leaves, grows above 3,000 ft. elevation, bears clusters of red berries in fall. It is a very attractive tree in a border or as a specimen.
(A) The following trees are ideal for screening large scale areas such as shopping centers and industrial sites. They are also effective in combination with other smaller screening plants. They are moderate to fast growers. They are not considered to be shade trees.
(1) White Pine (Pinus strobus) - Height 60-150’. Native and very hardy, rapid grower, takes a large space, has a fluffy softening effect, excellent background tree, good windbreak.
(2) Canadian Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) - Height 50-100'.
(3)
(4) Norway Spruce (Picea abies) - This tree is not native, but is widely used.
(5) Oriental Spruce (Picea orientalis) - This tree is not native, but is widely used.
(6) Red Spruce (Picea rubra) - Height 60-80’. Native.
(7) Blue Spruce - Not a native, a lovely specimen tree with bluish needles.
(8) Fraser's Fir or Balsam (Abies fraseri) - Height 40-70'. This tree is a native usually found with red spruce, a very stiff appearing tree, attractive, fast growing, but subject to disease.
(A) The following trees may be used for screening, but they are recommended especially for shading streets and parking lots. Each species will attain a mature spread of at least thirty feet.
(1) Striped Maple (Acer pennsylvanicum) - It is a rather small native tree with light stripes on the bark.
(2) Mountain Maple (Acer spicatum) - It is very similar to the striped maple, but with serrated leaves.
(3) Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) - Height 100 feet or more. The leaves turn to brilliant shades in fall, rather slow growing, requires a lot of space.
(4) Red Maple (Acer rubrum) - A medium sized, native tree, quick growing, and relatively short lived. The leaves turn bright colors in fall, but inferior to a sugar maple.
(5) Black Locust (Robinia pseudocacia) - Height 80-100’. The leaves are feather like, has fragrant white flowers, a native tree and hardy.
(6)
(7) White Ash
(Fraxinus
(8) Tulip Tree or Yellow Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) - Height 60-100’. A hardy native tree having tulip shaped leaves and flowers. The leaves turn a bright yellow in fall.
(9) Beech (Fagus grandifolia) - A beautiful, large spreading tree with light gray smooth bark, lovely in summer or winter. The three sided beechnut has a sweet edible kernel.
(10) Chestnut Oak (Quercus
(11) Northern Red Oak (Quercus borealis maxima) - Height 70’. Leaves turn a brilliant red after frost, average rapid growth, general freedom from insects and fungus.
(12) Cucumber Tree (Magnolia acuminata) or (Magnolia fraseri) - Large white fragrant flowers before the leaves appear, red seeded pods in fall, eye catching in early spring.
Section E-14 Small Shrubs for Evergreen
Screening.
(A) The following shrubs are recommended for informal (unclipped) hedges or screens. Each species grows to a height of less than six feet.
(1) Rhododendron [Pink, (carolinianum); Purple, (catawbiense); White, (maximum)] - These are native and need partial shade. Full sun turns the leaves yellow. They like to grow through the woods under deciduous trees. They are usually free of disease.
(2) Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia) - locally called "ivy." An attractive native shrub with glossy green leaves, and clusters of pink to rose flowers. It blooms in late spring.
(3) Yew (Taxus specie) - There are several sizes and shapes to be found at nurseries. A very hardy shrub with very dark green shiny needle-like foliage. It is often clipped to some shape.
(4) Leucothoe (catesbaei) - Height 3-7’. Leaves a dark shiny green, creamy white fragrant flowers in May or June. It has a drooping habit. Plant in sun or shade. It is a nice native broad-leaved evergreen.
(5) Yucca (filamentosa) - Height 3-6’. It has large showy white flowers on a tall stalk. Leaves are needle-like, pointing upward in a rosette.
(6) Azaleas - A few sub-zero types are fairly hardy. Buy only at local nurseries.
(7) American Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) - It has dark green shiny leaves and a very neat habit of growth. It is rapid growing, likes full sun, needs low maintenance, practically free from disease and pests.
(A) The following shrubs are recommended for high hedges or screens. Each species grows to a height of more than six feet.
(1) Yew
(2) Clipped Hemlock
(3) Clipped White Pine
All three evergreens can be left natural for very high screening or clipped for lower screens. They are very adaptable and hardy.
(A) Most of these shrubs add color and interest to a border with their bright blossoms.
(1) Forsythia - Height up to 7’, beautiful golden yellow blooms before leaves appear in March, deciduous, good single or massed in borders and at corners.
(2) Hydrangea - Height up to 7’, large balls of pinkish blooms in fall, good for street planting, needs cutting back in late fall, disease free.
(3) Wiegela - Very bushy type plant, large, but can be cut back each year after blooming, very full of pink or red blooms in May.
(4) Sweet Strawberry Shrub - A native plant, about 4-5' tall, with dark red flowers that smell like strawberries, neat habit, not showy.
(5) American Boxwood - Evergreen, good to border walks or use around foundations, or to intersperse with azaleas.
(6) Pfitzer and other Junipers - Large and small evergreen shrubs, used much the same as boxwood.
(7) Azaleas - The native ones are deciduous, very hardy, good for massing.
(8) Barberry - A small shrub with thorns, deciduous, with red berries in winter. It is useful to block unwanted paths.
(9) Viburnums - These and other shrubs if recommended and sold by a local nurseryman.