Landscaping includes, but is not limited to, the planting of trees as a barrier, hedges, flowers, and changes in drainage. A master plan for landscaping is recommended even if planting is to be done in stages.

A homeowner's desire for privacy combined with small lot sizes presents a challenge to the open concept of Columbia. Residents are encouraged to arrange a variety of plantings in groupings which are strategically placed to provide privacy, yet leave visual breaks and diversity which preserves the atmosphere of a larger natural open area. Visual screening can often be created very effectively by staggered clusters of plantings. Residents may wish to consider plantings which screen the immediate area around the house, deck, or patio furniture, rather than the entire backyard. The growth characteristics and root structure of all proposed plantings and trees will be considered. The use of a variety of species, such as hollies, arborvitae, privet, euonymus, and forsythia should be considered. Homeowners should take into consideration the scale and location of the landscaping in relation to not only their lot, but also the adjacent lots as well. The delineation of property lines with opaque plantings of trees and shrubbery should be avoided.

An Exterior Alteration Application must be submitted for, but is not limited to, the following:

1. Removal of any tree whose trunk is over 20 inches in circumference (approximately 7 inches in diameter) when measured at a point 2 feet above the ground, whether the tree is alive or presumed dead.

2. Any plantings with four or more plants in a row or used as a hedge or windbreak or for screening purposes (see Guideline No. 15 - Fencing and Guideline No. 39 - Screening).

3. Landscaping that involves a change of slope and/or installation of a retaining wall or other structure.

4. Planting "islands" or clusters.

5. Major changes to existing approved landscaping.

6. Any edging materials not used as a part of foundation plantings (see Guideline No. 24 - Lawn Ornamentation)

An Exterior Alteration Application is not required for planting the following:

Individual shrubs (unless used as a hedge), plants around the foundation, small annual or perennial plantings, ground covers, and single specimen trees that at maturity will be in scale with the house size.
Stepping stones flush with the ground and of a color that blends with the surroundings.
Application Requirements:

Submit a site (plat) plan showing the location and a complete description of plant material, including the size of plants at maturity, the size and shape of flower/shrubbery beds, type of ground cover, and other preexisting landscaping.

Approved 7/7/97