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Article 11: Interpretation and Definitions
Section 11.5. Terms and Uses Defined
11.4.2. Exceptions and Variations
Morrisville, NC
June 23, 2017
Unified Development Ordinance
Page 11-83
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
,
I
NDIVIDUAL
A tree that is not located within a stand of trees.
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
REES
, S
TAND OF
Three or more uniform, mature trees that form a continuous canopy.