Morrisville Unified Development Ordinance - April 2019

Article 11: Interpretation and Definitions Section 11.5. Terms and Uses Defined 11.4.2. Exceptions and Variations

T REE C ANOPY The layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that cover the ground when viewed from above (excluding small openings in the tree crown). Such area may also be defined as the area within the drip line of a tree or group of trees.

T REE C ANOPY C OVER The proportion of a given area of land (and water) covered by tree canopy.

T REE C ROWN The branches, twigs, and leaves that make up the foliage portion of a tree.

T REE P IT A pit within a sidewalk, courtyard, or other paved area that is sized and filled with planting soil to a sufficient depth to accommodate the root ball of a tree. Tree pits may uncovered or covered with grating or other permeable material that allows the infiltration of water to the tree’s roots. T REE P ROTECTION A REA An area composed of closely grouped healthy trees designated for preservation and protection, delineated by both the critical root zone and drip line. T REE P ROTECTION P LAN A plan prepared by an ISA-certified arborist, registered landscape architect, or a registered forester that is intended to provide accurate information regarding the condition, welfare, maintenance, and value of existing trees. T REE S URVEY A survey performed by an ISA-certified arborist, registered Landscape Architect, or a Registered Forester—including, but not limited to, species, location, general health, and DBH of all individual trees or stands of trees selected to be applied towards the minimum existing tree canopy coverage on site. T REE , M ATURE Trees that have reached at least 75 percent of their final height and spread as listed in the Administrative Manual. T REE , S HADE A self-supporting woody perennial plant, usually with one vertical stem or main trunk, that naturally develops a more or less distinct and elevated crown and that, at maturity, provides shade to an area at least 35 feet in diameter. A shade tree may have two or more trunks, which is a natural characteristic of some species. T REE , S PECIMEN Any deciduous tree that has a DBH of 24 inches or greater, except any tree listed as a non-native invasive plant by the US Forest Service or the NC Forest Service. T REE , I NDIVIDUAL A tree that is not located within a stand of trees.

T REES , S TAND OF Three or more uniform, mature trees that form a continuous canopy.

Morrisville, NC

April 23, 2019

Unified Development Ordinance

Page 11-83