Be Water Wise. Create and Maintain a Water-Efficient Landscape. Scott C. Scarfone, ASLA Principal & Founder Oasis Design Group

Transcription

1 Be Water Wise Create and Maintain a Water-Efficient Landscape Scott C. Scarfone, ASLA Principal & Founder Oasis Design Group sscarfone@oasisdesigngroup.com

2 Benchmark Your Knowledge. Define a water efficient landscape. and What are the components of such a landscape? Definition

3 Define The Water Efficient Landscape The National Xeriscape Council, Inc., defines the water efficient landscape as a type of landscape that encompasses quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment. Definition

4 The Water Efficient Landscape Lloyd Crossing Sustainable Urban Design Plan, PDC 2004 Where All the Water Goes

5 The Water Efficient Landscape To understand how to conserve water in a landscape one must understand how water functions in nature and your landscape. Water cycle Micro-climates and aspect Soils Drainage Patterns/Water Movement Plant requirements Waters Role

6 The Water Efficient Landscape Benefits of properly managing water: Conserves water and/or returns it to the water column Protects downstream water channels Filters out contaminants Prevents erosion Protects native soils Prevents damage to structures Water Cycle

7 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Solar orientation Existing vegetation Prevailing winds Slopes/topography Soils Site Analysis

8 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Aspect - Sun/Shade Patterns Site Analysis

9 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Sun Angles Site Analysis

10 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Aspect Exposure Site Analysis

11 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Impacts of Slope Site Analysis

12 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Microclimate Influencers Site Analysis

13 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Sun/Shade Patterns Site Analysis

14 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use What is Soil? How does it impact water use? Soil Definition Soil Analysis

15 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Soil Components Soil Analysis

16 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Water Holding Capacity Soil Analysis

17 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Sand Silt Clay Soil Classification Soil Analysis

18 Analysis Factors That Influence Water Use Construction Impact Soil Analysis

19 Planning for the Design First Step Determine Soil Composition Take a Soil Test* ph Mechanical Analysis (sand, silt, clay) Mineral Content Organic Content * Contact your local extension agent or Soil Conservation Agency for soil testing labs Soil Type/Characteristics Soil Analysis

20 Planning for the Design Ensure soil structure and texture: Air Water Organic matter Minerals Soil Management Build Good Soils

21 Planning for the Design Introduce nutrient transfer capacity: ph Microbial activity Soil nutrients Soil Management Build Good Soils

22 Planning for the Design Create water holding capacity: Organic matter Pore/air space Soil Management Build Good Soils

23 Planning for the Design Water uptake variables in plants: Rooting habits Drought tolerance Stage of plant lifecycle and rate of growth Plant Selection

24 Planning for the Design Based on existing soil type and exposure select plants that: Meet cultural requirements Have minimal watering requirements Are native or Are not invasive Plant Selection

25 Planning for the Design Consult Known Plant Lists for Plants: Soils Types (sand, silt, clay) Moist Soils Wet Soils Poor/dry soils Dry shade Exposed Sites Plant Selection

26 Planning for the Design Irrigation systems (zone) are designed according to: Plant water requirements: Turf Annuals Perennials Shrubs Micro-climatic conditions: Full sun Various shade conditions Southern exposure Northern exposure Prioritize Water Use Water Use Zones

27 Planning for the Design Three basic water use zones: High Lawns, annuals, vegetables, newly planted areas, containers, large oaks Medium Exposed plantings, perennials, shrubs, shallow rooted plants Low Impervious surfaces, natural areas, meadows, groundcover areas Prioritize Water Use Water Use Zones

28 Planning for the Design Prioritize Water Use Water Use Zones

29 Planning for the Design Water runs downhill!! Water Movement Planning for Run-Off

30 Planning for the Design Three types of systems to move water: Open Systems Closed Systems Leaching Systems Planning for Run-Off

31 Planning for the Design Open Systems Planning for Run-Off

32 Planning for the Design Closed Systems Planning for Run-Off

33 Planning for the Design Leaching System Planning for Run-Off

34 Planning for the Design Identify locations for water infiltration: End of downspouts Low points Low edges of paved surfaces Water Infiltration Water Infiltration Locations

35 Planning for the Design Water Infiltration Water Infiltration Techniques

36 Planning for the Design Water Infiltration Water Infiltration Techniques

37 Planning for the Design City of Portland Green Streets Master Plan Water Infiltration Water Infiltration Techniques

38 Planning for the Design Water Infiltration Water Infiltration Techniques

39 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Eliminate Irrigation! Is Irrigation Needed? Irrigate Efficiently

40 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape A non-irrigated garden can look spectacular! Is Irrigation Needed? Irrigate Efficiently

41 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape How do you reduce the need for irrigation? Improve soil composition Properly mulch Minimize turf Proper plant selection Water to the plants needs Is Irrigation Needed? Irrigate Efficiently

42 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape If irrigation is a must. Reduce the need for it; or Install an efficient irrigation system Is Irrigation Needed? Irrigate Efficiently

43 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Utilize water efficient technology: Automatic controllers Soil and/or rain sensors Drip irrigation Utilization of reclaimed water Designing Efficient Irrigation Irrigate Efficiently

44 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Step 1 Zone system according to: Plant watering requirements Soil type Micro-climatic conditions Designing Efficient Irrigation Irrigate Efficiently

45 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Design (zone) for actual water requirements according to: Varying plant water requirements: Turf Annuals Perennials Shrubs Varying micro-climatic conditions: Full sun Various shade conditions Southern exposure Northern exposure Designing Efficient Irrigation Irrigate Efficiently

46 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape More Frequent Watering Less Frequent Watering Weather Temperature Hot Cool Humidity Low High Season Summer Winter Wind Windy Calm Plant Maturity/Type Maturity Newly Planted Established Growth Rate Fast Slow Leaves Large Small, narrow, Resinous, fuzzy, Succulent or leathery Soil Texture Sandy Clay Mulch Bare Mulched Source: The University of Arizona, Arizona Cooperative Extension, College of Agriculture Designing Efficient Irrigation Irrigate Efficiently

47 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Step 2 Utilize water efficient technology: Automatic controllers Soil and/or rain sensors Drip irrigation Utilization of reclaimed water Designing Efficient Irrigation Irrigate Efficiently

48 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Automatic Controller Irrigate Efficiently

49 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Soil, Rain & Weather Sensors Irrigate Efficiently

50 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Drip Irrigate Efficiently

51 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Water efficiently: Before 10 am Deep Less frequently Management Choices Manage Wisely

52 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape And/or simply let it go dormant! Management Choices Manage Wisely

53 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Utilize drought tolerant turf Design/Management Choices Manage Wisely

54 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Design/Management Choices Drought tolerant/no mow turf

55 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Design/Management Choices Meadows/Natural areas

56 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Waltham Place Berkshire, England Sticky Wicket Dorset, England Design/Management Choices A New Aesthetic

57 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Don t bag. Mulch it. Management Choices Manage Wisely

58 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape And Increase mower height Top-dress Aerate Reduce fertilizer use Management Choices Manage Wisely

59 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Minimize fertilizer regimes. Base application rates (if really needed) on soil nutrient deficiencies only! Management Choices Manage Wisely

60 Manage the Water Efficient Landscape Properly mulch landscape beds. Management Choices Manage Wisely

61 In Summary.. Thus, to be more water savvy or efficient: Pay attention and acknowledge local and regional site micro-climatic conditions Design accordingly and take advantage of opportunities to reduce water Have a well developed water use goal and incorporate into design program Manage Wisely

62 Be Water Wise Create and Maintain a Water-Efficient Landscape Scott C. Scarfone, ASLA Principal & Founder Oasis Design Group sscarfone@oasisdesigngroup.com