Bexley commission approves revised landscape plan with tree‑protection conditions

The Bexley Tree and Public Gardens Commission on Sept. 17 approved a revised landscape plan for an existing private property application (noted in materials as application 24‑5) with conditions to protect two large on‑site trees and to install screening on the north property line as soon as feasible.

The plan, presented by Laurie Francisco Botkins of Oakland Nursery, adds a pool and pool house and repurposes historic bricks for a path edge. Walter Raines, the commission’s landscape consultant, said the revised design is “a vast improvement” over the prior conditions but warned that several mature trees on the lot require careful protection during construction.

“Three large trees that are remaining — a large ginkgo, honeylocust and sugar maple — need measures taken to preserve their root zones when construction begins,” Raines said. He detailed observations from a site visit and cautioned that construction staging and heavy equipment can compact soil in the critical root zone and hasten decline: “It is no reflection of the design, but… I have half a mind to think it’s gonna probably need to be removed within the next 5 to 10 [years].”

Commissioners questioned enforcement and long‑term responsibility. Matt Klingler, the city’s director of building and planning, said code enforcement can require tree protection and pursue noncompliance but that property owners ultimately bear responsibility for trees on private land. “If a tree is more than 50% dead or considered a danger, it must be removed,” Klingler said, noting a certified arborist would determine that standard.

As part of the approval, the commission’s formal findings required that the existing large honeylocust and ginkgo trees be protected per the Bexley tree protection plan and that the north‑side screening be installed as soon as construction conditions permit. The commission asked staff to notify the builder, architect and homeowner and to perform periodic inspections; Grant Archer was asked to verify installed protections.

Why it matters: mature street trees and large private trees contribute canopy, property character and environmental benefits. Commissioners emphasized that protective measures and timely screening are both a condition of the approved plan and practical steps to improve the chance that the remaining trees will survive construction impacts.

The commission recorded a vote adopting the findings and conditions; staff will circulate inspection requirements and follow up with the applicant to confirm implementation.