Xeriscaping: $aving Green by Going Green - Thursday, May 15 Presenter(s): Scott Burka, CMCA, AMS, PCAM Molly N. Peacock, Esq.
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Xeriscaping:
$aving Green by Going Green
Thursday, May 15
8 – 9 AM
Presenter(s):
Scott Burka, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Molly N. Peacock, Esq.
Fair Use: Copyrighted materials used by a presenter onsite during an educational session fall within Fair Use parameters. However, CAI Press sells the Annual Conference Resource Guide CD online in its bookstore, which is not an educational venue. Therefore, CAI will remove copyrighted materials—including individual slides from PowerPoint presentations—before creating the Annual Conference Resource Guide CD, unless the presenter provides CAI with written permission from the copyright holder. ISBN 978-1-59681-073-4 Conference Resource Guide 2014 © 2014 Community Associations Institute 6402 Arlington Blvd., Ste 500 Falls Church, VA 22042 Speakers/authors are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary permissions or licenses from any persons or organizations whose materials are included or used in their presentations and/or contributed to this work. This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional services. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional should be sought.—From a Declaration of Principles, jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers All rights reserved.
5/5/2014
Xeriscaping:
$aving Green By Going Green
Molly Peacock, Esq.
Scott Burka, CMCA, AMS, PCAM
Alan Joseph, Landscape Contractor
XERI-WHAT?!
Did you say “Zero-Scape?”
No…it’s pronounced “Zer-i-
scape.”
Is there a difference?
Yes! Some think that Xeriscaping
means you do zero
landscaping…Not true!
1
5/5/2014
A BRIEF HISTORY AND
INTRODUCTION TO XERISCAPING
QUESTIONS -
• Who invented the concept?
• What does it mean?
• Where and when did it all begin?
• Why is it necessary?
• How could it benefit my community?
A BRIEF HISTORY AND
INTRODUCTION (continued)
ANSWERS -
• In 1981, a Denver Water Authority (DWA)
employee coined the term “xeriscaping.”
• The name and logo are now registered
trademarks of the DWA.
• The DWA also established a rating system for
xeriscaped gardens called the “X” rating (!)
• In 1993, the EPA adopted xeriscaping guidelines.
2
5/5/2014
WARNING! XXX RATED…
(pun completely intended)
• X = Landscape requires 1”
water/week
• XX = Landscape requires 1/2”
water/week
• XXX = Landscape requires 1/2”
water every 2 weeks. A XXX
designation recognizes the highest
level of water conservation; it is
what all xeriscape designs strive to
achieve.
WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF AN
EFFECTIVE XXX DESIGN?
• Proper Planning and Design
• Minimal Turf Areas
• Efficient Irrigation
• Soil Analysis and Improvement
• Mulching
• Choice of Plants
• Landscaping Maintenance
3
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BOARD BUY-IN AND APPROVAL
• Numerous sources note that a large
percentage of water usage is
dedicated to outdoor use.
• Overwatering grass is the largest
source of outdoor water waste.
• Typical lawns can use 600
gallons/month.
• Xeriscaped landscapes require 70
gallons/month.
• Cost savings can be significant!
BOARD BUY-IN AND APPROVAL
(continued)
• The cost of xeriscaping projects varies
upon the size of the community and
the planned locations for the
xeriscaping.
• For an average xeriscaped garden, cost
ranges from $1500-4000.
• Some jurisdictions offer rebates or tax
incentives for installation of
xeriscaping. The value of these
incentives is usually based on how
water is “harvested.”
4
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BOARD BUY-IN AND APPROVAL
(continued)
• Do the benefits truly outweigh
the costs?
• How do I calculate the potential
return on investment (ROI) for
my community?
• Check out this study:
https://smartech.gatech.edu/handl
e/1853/32077
HOW TO DO IT YOURSELF (DIY)
Time to Dig in to the Nitty Gritty of Xeriscaping Design
5
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FOUR FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN ELEMENTS:
CREATING YOUR OPTIMAL XERISCAPE
• Site Analysis
• Soil Improvement
• Plant Selection
• Irrigation and
Maintenance
6
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1. SITE ANALYSIS: BACK TO THE BASICS
• Remember the four elements:
Earth, Air, Fire, Water
• Earth. Conduct a Soil Analysis
• Air. Windy Areas require more
water.
• Fire. Identify Sun/Shade
Patterns.
• Water. Note the areas that
collect/drain water.
2. SOIL IMPROVEMENTS
• Soil Analysis
• Characteristics of Ideal Soil
• Soil Amendments:
• Compost, Manure, Peat
Moss, Chopped Leaves and
Grass
• 2-3” of Amendment needed
• Benefits of Amendments
7
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3. PROPER PLANT SELECTION…
CHOOSE WISELY
USDA PLANT HARDINESS ZONES
As seen on the USDA website,
this map is the standard by which
your community can determine
which plants are the most likely
to thrive in your location.
85/5/2014
PLANTING GUIDELINES
• Reduce Turf Areas
• Create Windblocks
• Select Native Species
• Group Plants in
Hydrozones
• Utilize Grasses and
Conifers
• Try Trees
PLANTING SUGGESTIONS
• Trees: Honeylocusts, Hawthorns, Oaks, Zelkova, most
Pines
• Shrubs: Knockout Roses, Berberis, Mahonia, Cotoneaster,
Junipers, Butterfly Bush, Cinqefoil, Spirea, Heather
• Perennials: Coneflower, Lavendar, Russian Sage,
Artemesia, Nepeta
• Ornamental Grasses: Pennisetum, Miscanthus*, Feather
Grass, Muhly Grass, Blue Fescue, Andropogon
• Succulents and Cacti: Sedum, Kalanchoe**
• Ground Covers: Lamium, Liriope, Sedum
95/5/2014
105/5/2014
LAWN ALTERNATIVES
115/5/2014
4. IRRIGATION AND MAINTENANCE
To Minimize Water Consumption,
• Encourage deep root growth
• Reduce evaporation
• Employ low volume drip
emitter, sprayers and bubblers
• Mulch at 3-4” depths
• Install timers and rain sensors
• Perform regular maintenance
HOW MANY LAWYERS DOES IT TAKE
TO CHANGE A LIGHTBULB?
125/5/2014
SIX! One to change the
lightbulb…and five to write the
Environmental Impact Statement.
SERIOUSLY, THOUGH…THERE’S A
LEGAL ANGLE TO XERISCAPING?!
• Of course!
• But it’s a (rare) good news
story…
• No one is litigating
xeriscaping; rather, the
legal trend is to
PROMOTE xeriscaping
through legislation and
financial incentives.
135/5/2014
A QUICK LOOK AT WHAT’S
CURRENTLY ON THE BOOKS
• Municipalities in 31 states
have approved local
legislation
• Florida, Texas and
Colorado lead the charge
with statewide laws.
• All legislation supports
the use of xeriscaping as a
valid method of water
conservation.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE LEADING
THREE: FLORIDA, TEXAS, COLORADO
• Florida Code Sections 373.185(1) and 720.3075 (4)
• Texas Code Section 202.007 (a)
• Colorado Revised Statute 37-60-126 (11)(a)
145/5/2014
HOW DO THESE LAWS AFFECT
COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS?
• Know the laws of your state
and municipality.
• Be clear and consistent in your
rules enforcement methods.
• Educate. Regularly publish all
applicable regulations (state,
local, association guidelines)
• Be proactive, prevent
complaints.
IF WE WANT TO XERISCAPE, WHAT
SHOULD WE DO?
• Focus on the Bountiful
Benefits!
• Evaluate whether your grounds
are suited for xeriscaping.
• Calculate the immediate
cost…and the long-term
$avings!
• Educate and seek feedback
from your community.
155/5/2014
QUESTIONS?
THANK YOU!
Please email any follow-up questions or comments to:
Molly Peacock Scott Burka Alan Joseph
mnpeacock@peacock.plc sburka@delbe.com www.diaslandscapes.com
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