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<br />9 <br /> <br />Combined with poorly drained soil, these factors often activate normally dormant fungi to become <br />opportunistic and infect the tree, which can lead to the decline and eventual death of the tree. This <br />decline can be slow and may not be evident for many years. <br />When planning landscaping around a public tree, an evaluation of the tree and soil must be <br />performed to determine if there is a disease present. If the tree is diseased and it is reasonable to <br />expect that landscaping will contribute to decline, permanent damage or render it hazardous, it is <br />the obligation of the city to take reasonable measures to reduce or eliminate the conditions that <br />may cause the decline of the public tree. <br /> <br />F. Fertilizing <br />All fertilizers shall only be applied if specified by the arborist as part of a plant healthcare program. <br />Fertilizing may be specified for trees that will be impacted by an upcoming disturbance, grade <br />change, or a modified environment. Fertilizing in these instances may aid the tree to overcome the <br />stress caused by disturbance. The arborist shall determine specifications for fertilizing trees on a <br />case-by-case basis. <br /> <br />G. Watering Schedule <br />1. Newly installed trees, including drought tolerant species, are dependent upon <br />supplemental irrigation until established, typically for up to two years. If a tree is native <br />to areas of higher rainfall, then the tree will require supplemental water throughout its <br />life cycle, unless the tree finds a subterranean water source. Periods of extreme heat, <br />wind or drought may require more or less water than recommended in these <br />specifications. <br />2. During the establishment period, new trees shall be watered thoroughly as part of an <br />establishment program prescribed by an arborist. Local weather and environmental <br />factors should be taken into consideration when considering a watering plan. If <br />reclaimed water is to be used, please verify that the species of trees to be irrigated has <br />an elevated tolerance of salts. <br />3. Most mature public trees in the city are established in areas without formal watering <br />systems. These trees shall only receive manual irrigation when it is determined <br />necessary by the arborist in order to restore the health of the tree. In this case, the <br />arborist shall also determine the watering specifications. <br />4. Trees planted in association with the construction of public improvements (medians, <br />parkways, sidewalk tree wells, etc.) shall be irrigated by automated watering <br />systems when possible . The arborist shall determine the type of automatic irrigation <br />system used. Trees planted in public areas where no irrigation system exists shall be <br />hand watered until established. After that, a watering schedule determined by the <br />arborist shall be in effect until deemed no longer necessary. <br /> <br />Section 3: Routine Tree <br />Maintenance (continued)