Tree and Townscape Board

Landscape Plans
The general requirements for a landscape plan are found in the Landscape Ordinance, but the plan should include a calculation of the number of trees and shrubs required based on parking spaces and street frontage guidelines, the number of trees and shrubs proposed to be planted, and the species and size of the trees and shrubs submitted. The Landscape Ordinance does not require perennial or annuals plantings, however, the planting of flowers and grasses that provide year-round color and texture are highly encouraged. Landscape plans must show the locations in which the plant material is intended to be planted. In many developments, buffers are required. The landscape plan must show the location of the buffer, the areas plant material is intended to be planted, the tree and shrub size, and the distance between plants.

Existing Buffers
In many cases, when a development is planned, buffers are required along adjoining properties and there are existing trees and plant material already existing in the buffer areas. In this situation, the owner or developer must get permission from the Planning Commission to remove the plant material. This requirement is based on the premise that it does not make sense to clear out and remove all the plant material in areas where plant material is required to be planted as a buffer. There are circumstances in which grading to change the topography of a site may still require existing plant material in buffer areas to be removed. In those situations, however, the owner or developer is required to submit justification to the Planning Commission to clear a buffer zone. The owner or developer is encouraged to survey existing plant material in a buffer area to determine trees worth saving, and to develop in a plan in which quality existing plant material remains. With newly planted material, it usually takes years to form an effective buffer. When that material is already present, it only makes sense to try to preserve it.

Landscaping Philosophy
The Town of Jonesborough operates with the principles of Sustainable Landscape Design which includes the use of native plants. There are many native plants that are very beautiful, and the use of these plants in areas they would grow naturally increases the chances of survival and reduces maintenance. Jonesborough also uses landscape designers competent in Sustainable Landscape Design to develop design plans and detailed planting plans for most Town beautification projects. A proper landscape design is based on soil conditions, year-round effect, complimentary colors and textures, and effective plant placement.

Meeting Schedule
The Tree and Townscape Board generally meets monthly the fourth Wednesday at noon in the Board Room at Town Hall, 123 Boone Street in Jonesborough. If there are not plans to review or issues to address, the Board will not meet, and sometimes the meeting location will change. Meetings are posted on the Town website, and they are always open to the public. People wishing to be on the Tree and Townscape Board meeting agenda may contact Town Hall 423.753.1031 or the Tree and Townscape Board Chairman.

Tree and Townscape Fund
The Tree and Townscape Board is authorized to accept donations and to undertake fund raisers to raise money for beautification projects within Jonesborough’s town limits. The Tree and Townscape Board has a Tree and Townscape Fund in which donated or raised funds are placed. These funds are used at the sole discretion of the Tree and Townscape Board. The funds are accounted for through the Town Recorder’s office, and any of these funds remaining at the end of the Town’s fiscal year are retained and available as a beginning balance the next year. Projects undertaken by the Tree and Townscape Board include community beautification projects like the Adriana Woods Arboretum, neighborhood planting projects, landscape design planning, etc. Donations are greatly appreciated, and can be made directly to the Tree and Townscape Board or through the Town Recorder.

Tree and Townscape Nursery
The Tree and Townscape Board has an agreement with Jim Eldridge to use one acre of his property for a Townscape Nursery. The Tree and Townscape Board accepts donations of bulbs and roots for plants like day lilies, irises, and other perennials that are planted into the Townscape Nursery for future use in planting public spaces. Trees of various species are also planted in the Townscape Nursery to be grown to a more appropriate size for future use. Donations of plant material are very welcome and can be made directly to Jim Eldridge or by contacting the Chairman of the Tree and Townscape Board or Jonesborough Director of Parks and Recreation.

Ardinna Woods Arboretum
The Ardinna Woods Arboretum is a public beautification project at the entrance to the Pliny Fisk Composting and Recycling Center and Wastewater Treatment Plant property at the westend of Jonesborough. This area has been formally designated as an arboretum by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture’s Division or Urban Forestry. The area has well over thirty (30) different varieties of native tree species, and has many hard to find native perennials and trees including the endangered Tennessee Coneflower. The Arboretum includes identification signs for various plant species and education signs and brochures. Volunteers donate many hours of plant care and maintenance. Volunteers are always needed as well as the donation of funds for upkeep and expansion. To inquire about volunteering or helping financially, contact Town Hall at 423.753.1031

Current Projects
Jonesborough tries to design projects in advance, and because the Town implements most projects with Town staff, there are often landscape projects “on the drawing board” to be implemented. Contact Rachel Conger for projects planned or currently being implemented. 423.791.3869