Russian River-Friendly Landscape Guidelines

RUSSIAN RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

Sustainable Practices for the Landscape Professional in the Russian River Watershed RUSSIAN RIVER-FRIENDLY LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES

Sustainable Practices for the Landscape Professional

“A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community.”

SOURCE: ALDO LEOPOLD, A SAND COUNTY ALMANAC he Russian River-Friendly Landscape Guidelines were created for landscape professionals in the Russian River region by the Russian River Watershed Disclaimer: T Guidelines Association (RRWA), with permission and assistance from StopWaste.Org in The information in these is provided for consideration Alameda County. The Russian River- Friendly Landscape Guidelines are a Russian River revision of by landscape professionals in the Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines, the originally published by StopWaste.Org in 2003. course of designing, constructing and maintaining new or existing The Russian River-Friendly Landscape Guidelines are intended to aid landscape professionals in the landscapes. It is presented as a protection and conservation of the Russian River waterways, in the reuse and reduction of plant public service by the Russian River debris, and to support an integrated approach to environmentally-friendly landscaping. Watershed Association in an attempt to support environmental Guidelines The are organized around seven principles for protecting the environment. By viewing the landscape through the lens of these seven principles, we can see it in a different light, such practices in these Guidelines are as how plant selection can create or decrease waste or how soil preparation can prevent or strictly for use on a voluntary basis. They are not a substitute for the exercise of sound judgment in themselves each include many examples of applications. The applications are meant to be a particular circum stances and are starting point but are not meant to be comprehensive. It is likely that there are many additional not intended as recommendations applications for each practice. for particular products or services. Some of the practices are repeated under different principles because one practice can be integral to more than one principle. In other words, there are a number of critical practices that can protect the environment in more than one way. Using mulch, for example, reduces waste, nurtures the soil, conserves water, and creates wildlife habitat.

The principles and practices included in the original Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines were selected with guidance from many public the staff of StopWaste.Org. Acknowledgements for the many individuals, businesses, and agencies involved in the development of both the Russian River-Friendly Landscape Guidelines and Bay-Friendly Landscape Guidelines are listed on page 66.

300 Seminary Avenue 1526 Webster Street Ukiah, CA 95482 Oakland, CA 94612 www.rrwatershed.org www.BayFriendly.org

COVER PHOTOS: LEFT VIRGINIA PORTER UPPER RIGHT: SUSAN REYNOLDS PHOTOGRAPHY LOWER RIGHT: JANE HUBER RIVER-FRIENDLY LOGO: JOAL MORRIS ILLUSTRATION PRINTED ON 100% RECYCLED-CONTENT PAPER, 50% POST-CONSUMER, CHLORINE-FREE AND ANCIENT FOREST FRIENDLY, BY NEW LEAF, REINCARNATION MATTE. PRINTED BY FOLGERGRAPHICS INC., HAYWARD, CA AUGUST 2010

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Introduction to Russian River-Friendly Landscaping 2 Chapter 2

Russian River-Friendly Landscaping Menu of Best Practices 9 Chapter 3

Russian River-Friendly Landscaping Principles and Practices 12 1 Landscape Locally ...... 13 !!! ...... 20 3 Nurture the Soil ...... 27 4 Conserve Water ...... 34 5 Conserve Energy ...... 38 6 Protect Water and Air Quality ...... 41 7 Create and Protect Wildlife Habitat ...... 49 Chapter 4

52 Chapter 5

How to Start Landscaping in a Russian River-Friendly Way 58

Table of Tips

# #$& ...... 14 # &'* ...... 15 # +#/! ...... 26 # ;< ...... 30 # #/ ...... 31 # ...... 32 # =/'>;?=/';@ ...... 33 # ';+' ...... 37 # #K*X! ...... 39 # Z; ...... 44 # * ...... 47 # [;!\ Turf Areas ...... 48 # #[ ...... 50 # &>**Z; . 51 # ]^* ...... 60

1 2 1IntroductionINTRODUCTION 1 RussianRiver-FriendlyLandscaping Introduction to BASIC PRINCIPLESOFNATURALSYSTEMS Themorediverse theyare,themorestableare. 4 3 2 Nothinggoestowaste. 1 Naturalsystemsareinherentlybeautiful. ; VIRONMENT MATTERED,SEATTLEPUBLICUTILITIES. ADAPTED FROM:DAVIDMCDONALD,DESIGNWITHNATURE:LANDSCAPEASTHOUGHTHEEN-

PHOTO: MIKE HEACOX, LUCIOLE DESIGN 1 1 Introduction Introduction Russian River-Friendly Landscaping is. . .

whole systems approach to the design, construction and maintenance of the landscape A in order to support the integrity of one of California’s most rich and diverse ecosystems, the Russian River Watershed. The Russian River-Friendly landscape professional can create and maintain healthy, beautiful and vibrant landscapes by:

Landscaping in harmony with the natural conditions of the Russian River Watershed Reducing waste and recycling materials Nurturing healthy soils while reducing fertilizer use Conserving water, energy and topsoil Using integrated pest management to minimize chemical use Reducing stormwater runoff and air pollution Protecting and enhancing wildlife habitat and diversity

A well designed and maintained Russian River-Friendly landscape can cost less to maintain in the long run by consuming fewer resources. For public spaces, Russian River-Friendly landscapes embody community values for health, wildlife and the environment. For private property, Russian River-Friendly landscaping addresses issues that your clients care about, such as less PHOTO: CITY OF SANTA ROSA >>; increased customer satisfaction and referrals to new clients. As a landscape professional you can be proactive. You can be part of the environmental solution rather than waiting for more severe water conservation and pollution controls that are increasingly likely with our growing population.

3 44 1Introduction the resourcesusedfortheirconstruction?” How longwillittakeforourlandscapesto replace theecological,social,andeconomicvalueof carbon, moderatingclimate,andprovidinghabitat. — KarinaChilcott,WasteManagement Specialist,SonomaCountyWasteManagement Agency,SantaRosa “In SonomaCounty,92,000 tons — GeoffHall,Co-Founder,Sentient Landscape, Inc.,Sebastapol P that couldalsohavebeen turnedintocompostandusedtonurture thesoilwasinsteadwastedin !" warming. pollution ofourcreeksandrivers,erosion,global as greaterstormwaterrunoff,possiblyleadingto dependency onfertilizersandirrigation,aswell degrades soilhealth.Often,theresultisanincreased organisms. Itminesourlocalsoilsofnutrientsand of anespeciallydamagingpractice.Itremovesfood Removing allplantdebrisfromthesiteisoneexample plant debris. >> of fertilizersandpesticides.Itfrequentlyrequires non-native plants,abundantirrigation,andheavyuse Conventional landscapingoftenreliesonlargelawns, contributing topollutionofthesoil,airandwater, damage totheenvironmentbyconsumingfossilfuels, On theotherhand,landscapingactivitiescancause to propertyvalues. greenhouse gases,reducestormwaterrunoffandadd shade andreduceenergyconsumption,absorb environmental effects.Trees,forexample,canprovide beauty, therecreationtheyoffer,andtheirpositive > Commercial, publicandresidentiallandscapescan Conventional Landscaping “Our challenge is to create “Our to notonlysustainablepractices,butalandapproachthatishighlyproductive are commonlypracticed. to reuseplantdebrisinourlandscapesthan debris onsite,therearemoreopportunities While itmaynotbepossibletokeepallplant Keeping plantdebrison-sitecan:

'S Reduce greenhousegasemissionscausedby Reduce airpollutionandtheemissionof Reduce theneedforirrigation,fertilizersand Create healthierplants Retain andrestoretopsoil Improve soilstructureandreduce Increase theorganicmatterinsoil Foster livingsoils Ocean ''* stormwater runoffintolocalcreeks,the water, improvingwaterqualityandreducing plant debrisdecomposingwithoutoxygenin debris longdistancestobeprocessedor greenhouse gasesfromtransportingplant pesticides compaction of plantdebriswasturnedinto

landscapes thatinspireashift, 1

Why is Russian River-Friendly Introduction Landscaping Important? Over the last two decades, there has been a landscapes are “Our urban the Russian River Watershed, due in large part to really a major cause of environmental residential recycling programs and because many degradation and depletion.” households practice backyard composting. This — Bob Perry, Landscape Architect, ] Professor Emeritus Cal Poly, Pomona recycling plant debris and reducing waste. But more needs to be done, as tons of plant debris are still thrown away each year. Twenty-three Plant Debris Disposed of by states have banned or limited the disposal of plant Sector in Sonoma County }> and statewide, 2.7 million tons of plant debris are ! sixth out of the ten most prevalent material types in California’s overall disposal waste system. Other types of waste, including plastics and hazardous wastes, are also generated by conventional landscaping practices. The horticultural industry in the US throws away almost a half-billion groundcover each year. Annual disposal of leftover pesticides used by residents costs tens of thousands of dollars for the waste management agencies in our watershed — and only a fraction of the pesticides are disposed of properly. Residential 21% Russian River-Friendly landscaping minimizes the use of plastics and pesticides, and diverts plant Commercial 38% > Self-haul 41% > and fertilizing, reusing plant material through SOURCE: SONOMA COUNTY WASTE MANAGEMENT AGENCY WASTE CHARACTERIZATION STUDY FINAL grasscycling, and by using mulch and compost. REPORT, NOVEMBER 2007 (PLANT DEBRIS IS DEFINED AS INCLUDING LEAVES & GRASS, PRUNINGS & TRIMMINGS, Because generating plant debris is linked to a wide BRANCHES & STUMPS). range of landscaping practices — such as watering and fertilizing — this integrated solution is essential.

What is a Wasteshed? What is a Watershed? A wasteshed is all the land in a region from A watershed is all the land in a region from which waste is collected and hauled into a which water collects and drains into a common creek, river, lake or bay.

5 6 6 1Introduction 6. And, allcreeksandwaterways in our 6. &]> And onceinthestormdrain, waterisnot 4. Water fromirrigationandrainfall hasthe 3. In addition,urbansoilsthathavebeenminedof 2. Rooftops,asphalt,cement,andother 1. For themostpart,conventionallandscapesnolongerprovidethiscleansingfunctionbecause... water reachestheaquiferorwatershed. >!>> In healthylandscapes,waterfromrainorirrigationpercolatesthroughsoilthatisrichinorganicmatterandalive Returning organicmattertothesoil,informofplantdebris,islinkbetweenprotectingourwatershedand The LinkBetweenWasteshedsandWatersheds... wildlife andcancauseillnessinhumans. > *=> >]>'' complex arrayofnaturalecosystems. resources forsupportingthediverseand into creeksandrivers,whichareimportant treated! stormdrains. gardens, roadsandparkinglotsintogutters oil andothercontaminantsfromlawns, debris, petwaste,heavymetals,spilledmotor potential towashpesticides,fertilizers,plant pollutants outofthewater. > able tofunctionnaturally—theyhavelost with chemicalsareoftenlifelessandnolonger organic matter,compacted,eroded,andtreated from everreachingthesoil. impervious surfacespreventmuchofthewater *SONOMA COUNTY WATERAGENCY The landscape youdesign,constructormaintain canbethefirstlineof defense. the qualityofwaterandlifein theRussianRiverWatershed. Whether yourclient’ssiteisnext toacreekormilesaway,yourlandscapingactivities impact Rohnert Park,Sebastopoland Cotati. The watershedencompassesthecitiesofUkiah,Cloverdale, Healdsburg,Windsor,SantaRosa, to approximately30speciesoffish*,threewhicharelisted asthreatenedorendangered. near thetownofJenner.Itsuppliesdrinkingwatertoover 600,000arearesidentsandishome 110 milesfromitsheadwatersnearRedwoodValleyandPotter ValleyintothePacificOcean urban areaswithinSonomaandMendocinoCounties.The mainstemoftheRussianRiverflows The RussianRiverWatersheddrainsnearly1,500squaremiles offorests,agriculturallandsand The RussianRiverWatershed SOURCE: SOTOYOMERESOURCECONSERVATIONDISTRICT 1

The Link between Russian River-Friendly Landscaping Introduction and Global Warming We are experiencing global warming and there is You may be required to deal with the problems now “unprecedented certainty” that this is due to associated with: greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere Planting and hardiness zones that are changing when we burn fossil fuels.* Average temperatures are * increasing, rain patterns are changing and extreme >>] Z] heat waves and drought, are becoming more frequent. earlier Wildlife species that are shifting their ranges If you professionally design, install and manage landscapes, the climate changes due to global warming Studies indicate, for example, that increasing will create new challenges to the way you do business, temperatures could make aphids capable of producing and the expertise your clients will need from you. more than one million offspring in 2 months — up from the 300,000 that they can currently produce. Conventional landscaping practices contribute to global Drought-stressed plants are more attractive to aphids warming by relying on coal, oil and natural gas for and susceptible to disease. Tough, invasive pest plants powering equipment, transporting landscape materials are expected to be able to exploit new conditions and and waste over long distances, manufacturing pesticides expand their spread. Plant species native to the Russian and fertilizers, pumping and using water in the '> landscape. These practices are becoming increasingly have adapted changing dramatically. It may become subject to local, state and federal regulations, and are less attractive to your clients. food for wildlife, as caterpillars emerge before the Additionally, the consequences of global warming will leaves of their host plants, or bees arrive too early clearly impact the landscaping expertise needed to ]>> differentiate your business in the marketplace. food. Put on your Garden Gloves and Fight Global Warming You can distinguish yourself in the marketplace by preparing to deal with landscape problems associated with global warming and by becoming part of the solution. The practices detailed in these Russian River-Friendly How Russian River-Friendly Guidelines are effective steps toward a solution to the problem of global Landscaping Reduces warming. Direct and immediate ways to reduce the impact of the Greenhouse Gases landscapes you design, install or maintain, include: Less organic matter transported

>> = less CO2 releasing methane ! Decreasing the burning of fossil fuels by: = less CH4 # Reduced mowing & trimming # +> > = less CO # 2 # ; Fewer fertilizers & pesticides # '> = less N2O & CO2 # #> Reduced water consumption Mediterranean plants = less CO2 Nurturing the soil to maintain its ability to store carbon by: Increased soil organic matter # K = less CO # Z 2 # / # *

Planting and protecting trees * INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON CLIMATE CHANGE. 7 8 1Introduction sound, effectivesoil-buildingstrategies. >> listed onthepreviouspagethatarerelatedtomanagementoflandscapetrimmingsandgrassclippings.You critical toreducingtheemissionofgreenhousegasesthatcontributeglobalwarming.Considerpractices product canbethelinkbetweenprotectingourwatershedsandconservingresources,sotooisthisapproach …is againkeytoprotectingourenvironment.Justasmanagingplantdebrisifitisaresourceandnotwaste Returning organicmattertothesoil… Methane (CH Nitrous Oxide(N Carbon Dioxide(CO Gas Emissions Soil StrategiesforReducingGreenhouse

# # # # # # # # # + Verify needfornitrogenfertilizersbytestingsoils Maintain aerobicconditions Minimize soilgradingandtransport Build soilorganicmatter Minimize soilerosion expected Do notapplynitrogentosaturatedsoilorifrainis Apply nitrogenduringcoolweather Don’t leavefertilizeratthesoilsurface Apply duringtimesofactiveuptake Build organicmatterwithcompostandhealthyvegetation Maintain subsurfacedrainage Limit compaction Add compostandmaintainvegetation Maintain coverandminimizedisturbance 4 ) 2 O) 2 ) value ofthe RussianRiverecosystem. habitat, andreconnect yourclientsandthepublictobeauty valuable resources,prevent wasteandpollution,protectwildlife The landscapeyoudesign, constructormaintaincanconserve global climate. activities impactthequalityofRussianRiver Watershedandthe Whether asiteisnexttocreekormiles away, yourlandscaping $

from othersources. of carbondioxidereleases the impactonglobalwarming help offset This pooloforganiccarboncan carbon asthatintheatmosphere. approximately twiceasmuch Soil stores PRELIMINARY REPORTONTHESTANDARDS&GUIDELINES,NOV.2007. CHANGE ANDFOODSECURITY,SCIENCE,2004INSUSTAINABLESITESINITIATIVE, FROM: LAL,R,SOILCARBONSEQUESTRATIONIMPACTSONGLOBALCLIMATE Total Reduced waterneeds Reduced shearingandmowing Avoided transportation Waste keptonsite Measure Russian RiverFriendlyLandscaping Emissions ReductionsPerAcreof

* CARBON DIOXIDEEMISSIONS eCO Tons 4.0 1.1 2.5 .2 .2 2 * Chapter TWO

Russian River-Friendly 2 Menu of Best Practices

9 Russian River-Friendly Menu of Best Practices

1 Landscape Locally

%1. Select and evaluate the site carefully % 2. Assess the soil and test drainage % % %5. Use local, natural plant communities as models

2 Landscape for Less to the Landfill Menu

% 1. Select appropriate plants: % A. Choose plants to match the microclimate and soil conditions

2 % B. Choose plants that can grow to their natural size in the space allotted them % C. Replace sheared hedges with plants that can grow to their natural shape and size % D. Do not plant invasive species % 2. Keep plant debris on-site: % A. Grasscycle % B. Produce mulch from plant debris % C. Compost plant debris % 3. Prune selectively and properly % 4. Water and fertilize judiciously % ! % 6. Use salvaged items and recycled content materials % 7. Reduce and recycle waste % 8. Separate plant debris for clean green discounts

3 Nurture the Soil

% 1. Remove and store topsoil before grading % 2. Protect soil from compaction % 3. Defend against erosion % 4. Amend the soil with compost before planting % 5. Grasscycle % 6. Mulch regularly % 7. Aerate compacted soils % 8. Feed soils naturally % " #$%!& % 10. Minimize the use of chemical pesticides

# ! " 10 4 Conserve Water

% 1. Create drought resistant soils with compost and mulch % 2. Grow drought-tolerant California native or Mediterranean plants % 3. Minimize or eliminate the lawn % 4. Implement hydrozoning — group plants by water needs % 5. Design for on-site rainwater collection, recycled water and/or graywater use % '()

% 7. Install a dedicated meter to monitor landscape water use 2 % 8. Manage irrigation according to need % 9. Maintain the irrigation system so every drop counts % 10. Request an irrigation audit Menu 5 Conserve Energy

% 1. Shade buildings to moderate temperatures % 2. Reduce the heat island effect % 3. Shade air conditioners % 4. Design lighting carefully % 5. Choose and maintain equipment for fuel conservation % 6. Specify low embodied energy materials 6 Protect Water and Air Quality

% 1. Use Integrated Pest Management % A. Prevent pest problems % * +) % C. Educate your clients % D. Control pest problems with physical and mechanical methods % E. Control pest problems with biological controls % F. Control pest problems with the least toxic pesticide as a last resort % 2. Eliminate high input decorative lawns % 3. Minimize site disturbance % 4. Choose and maintain your materials, equipment and vehicles carefully % 5. Keep soil and organic matter where it belongs % 6. Minimize impervious surfaces % 7. Plant and protect trees % 8. Maintain and manage the irrigation system carefully % 9. Design a system to capture and treat water

7 Create and Protect Wildlife Habitat

% 1. Diversify % ; % 3. Provide water and shelter % 4. Use organic pest management % 5. Conserve or restore natural areas and wildlife corridors

11 12 Principles Chapter THREE

Russian River-FriendlyLandscapeFeatures: & Practices Permeablepavingondrivewayand 1 Paverswithspacesandlowwateruse 4 Waterforwildlifehabitat 3 Waterfromroofchanneled tocistern 2 Frontlawnreplacedbydiverse 5 3 3 walkway tofrontdoor plants between invasive species groundcovers, shrubsandtrees, butno plantings withmanyCalifornianative Russian River-FriendlyLandscaping Principles and Practices 12 11 14 15 13 10 Allplantsgiven thespacetogrow 6 Plantsselected tomatchthe 7 Irrigationcontrollerwatershydrozones 8 Deciduoustreesplacedtothewestand 9 Repository forleavestocollectunder 10 to theirnaturalsize microclimates and weather according toplantneeds,soilmoisture summer cooling southwest ofthehouseandpatio for trees asmulch 16 9 17 8 7 6 Dripirrigationforvegetablebeds,shrubs, 12 Mulchedpathskeepsoilcovered 11 Raisedbedsareconstructedfromplastic 13 Compostbinrecyclesplantandkitchen 14 Evergreenwindbreakblocksnorthwinter 15 Smalllawn inbackyardwherefamilywill 17 Treesnot toppedbutprunedproperly 16 4 5 trees andelsewherewherefeasible or compositelumber debris winds use it 2 3 1 1. Landscape Locally

ussian River-Friendly landscaping recognizes that our landscapes, whether they are commercial, R institutional, residential or open space, are part of the larger ecosystem of the Russian River Watershed. It does not mean that the landscape must be wild and uncontrolled, but rather on the whole, it respects the natural attributes of our region and contributes to the health, diversity and sustainability of the Russian River ecosystem. landscape you design, construct or maintain. In addition, your clients are re-connected to nature through their landscapes. 1. Select and evaluate the site carefully “We are in the Description Careful selection and evaluation will reveal business of land management, both the opportunities and the limits of the site. Consider the unique features of and therefore ecosystem management. smaller zones within the site, which could

mean the difference between life and death The landscape industry is positioned very well to heal 3 for some plants. our ecosystems in urban and rural settings. Healing our Applications

Locate sites within urban growth & Practices Principles ecosystems will heal the ability of life to thrive!” avoid environmentally sensitive sites. Visit the site and among other features, — Jacob Voit, Sustainability Manager, Cagwin & Dorward, Novato identify on a site map the: fences direction of prevailing winds ! " # ] Visit Visit www.bayfriendly.org for a free copy of the Site Analysis template. Click on: ‘Landscape Professionals’ > ‘Scorecard, Tools & Resources’ > ‘Site Planning’ This knowledge is critical to all other Russian River-Friendly landscaping practices — particularly being able to select plant materials that match the site. It places the % River Watershed. In the long run, it allows '()(*+/0%120(34'()(5%/'2 you to collaborate with nature, saving you time and money.

13 14 Principles 3 & Practices Applications supplements. can bestsupportandanyneedfor the soilquality,typesofplantsit This knowledgewillhelpyoudetermine 67 poor drainage,orcontaminationwith problems suchascompactionlayers, 7 Know thesoil:itsorganicmatter, Description 2. Assessthesoilandtestdrainage

/4/')14!%(?*7@7)10 Characteristics ofSoilSampleTexture * the feelofsoilasyouareworkingitandusetablebelowtodetermine 70 <=75 knead thesampleuntilmoist. Try toformthesampleintoaball.Squeezeit Take a1or2tablespoonsampleofsoilintoyourhand.Slowlyaddwaterand longer. Soilfeelsverysticky. The soilcaneasilybeformed intoaribbon1inchor slightly sticky. strong untilitbreaksatabout 3/4inchlength.Soilfeels A ribboncanbeformed.Theismoderately . 1/2 inchlong A shortribboncanbeformedbutbreakswhenabout and willnotformintoaribbon.Soilfeelsslightlygritty. A castwillformbutitcan’tbehandledwithoutbreaking a grittyfeelingwhenmoistened. Soil willnotstayinaball.Looseandsingle-grainedwith drainage inseveralspots. probes, augersorshovels.Test Check forcompactionzoneswith 7 Visit thesiteandtakehandfulsof %67 http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov= Resource ConservationServiceat +4/0 soil surveymap(availablefromthe Locate thelandscapesiteona Soil TexturebyFeel Tips forSuccess A FLOWDIAGRAMFOR TEACHINGTEXTUREBYFEELANALYSIS, used onlyasneeded. to beplacedappropriatelyandfertilizers friendly manner.Plantsaremorelikely landscaping inanenvironmentally +

Do aninitialsoilanalysis,andthen Identify soilcharacteristicsonasite potential contaminants. samples forananalysisofthesoil nutrient requirements.Sendsoil that differentplantshave in thelandscape-andremember Sample thesoilfromdifferentzones 7 Watch theweeds.Clover,inturf,for Also doasoilanalysis: Russian River-Friendlylandscape. annually duringthetransitiontoa map.

problems When planningarenovation @(+%0/3(!/5%(0714+7 Clay Clay loam Loam Loamy sand Sand active control. protection. Invasivespecieswillneed areas suchaswetlandsmayneed vegetation, wildlifehabitatandsensitive 706 insight intotheecosystemhealthand 1]6 Description 3. Surveyandprotect professional. make thejobeasierforlandscape 706 fauna andhabitatprovidesyourclients 86] Applications

you createtheplan. 6 trees andshrubsorengagethe 466 endangered speciesregulations. ordinances andwetlandor Become familiarwithlocaltree that areofvaluetothem. Ask yourclientstoidentifyplants for restoration. they usedforfoodandshelter.Plan inhabited thesite.Considerwhat through thesiteorhavehistorically Learn whatwildlifeinhabitormove species andwetlands. natives, invasiveorendangered communities, especiallyCalifornia Identify plantspeciesand

'()(*?+08'/3/)1%4)%8) (!(%/0518(+0)2 LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT FOR WATER SAVINGS O2)(?/7 Description - Avoid plants with high oil )% content or that tend to River Watershed can be great, 6 and landscaping is a critical factor. <=7 + - Assure that trees are well- local weather are critical to designing spaced and pruned to 6 feet and maintaining a landscape that minimum above ground, and 7 that dense shrub plantings Plant selection is also very important to are separate from trees, to 6 minimize fuel ladders. ladders. Some species — “pyrophites” - Plant trees and tall shrubs — ignite readily and burn intensely. where limbs and branches Dense vegetation in hedges, screens or will not reach the building or " grow under overhangs as they mature. the competition for limited water, '()(*[%50/'(%)1% nutrients and space results in a large - /6 mulch. African Corn Lily (Ixia) bulbs produce amount of dry twiggy material. - Face and construct decks out of Applications U7 ground before late summer, leaving no !QU6 8 slopes, open space or wildland: for assistance in understanding the 3 Create a Fire Mitigation Plan QU additional guidance in reducing that risk, particularly for sites at the sensitive wildland or open space “To reduce & Practices Principles 6 urban-wildland interface. prevailing winds during the dry fire hazard, season, steep slopes (especially south and west facing that can Landscapes can be designed to reduce avoid plants increase wind speed and convey "U native to =6 standing of the risks, proper design and (particularly species that burn choice of plants. chaparral such =7 as chemise and some ceanothus. 6 establishment of a “defensible Favor flowering herbaceous zone” immediately surrounding the perennials instead of woody trees structure, that use one or more * and shrubs.” - Emphasize plants with low fuel — Denise Cadman, Natural Resource volume and/or high moisture Specialist, City of Santa Rosa content in planting plans.

Tips for Success Fire-Resistant Plants Most are broadleaf deciduous trees but some thick-leaf evergreens are also U7 Leaves tend to be supple, moist and easily crushed. Trees tend to be clean, not bushy, and have little deadwood. U

(+%81*%7?(%)#/04'7[%/PYROPHYTIC VS FIRE RESISTANT PLANTS, +8817

15 16 Principles 3 & Practices so oftenbeendegradedorlost. landscapes thatcanhelpreplacewhat’s work withnaturetocreatespectacular communities asamodelallowsyouto + Applications overlap andthattheychangeovertime. of plantswithinthesecommunities important toalsoconsiderthatspecies 7 ] 7 different regionsoftheRussianRiver pattern ofvegetationthatisfoundin A plantcommunityisarelativelydistinct Description communities asmodels 5. Uselocal,naturalplant

growing perennialsgetestablished. color andgreenerywhileslower ' 7 with theChaparralcommunityasitis choice ofplantselection.Becareful + which theplantsaresucceeding. and toevaluatetheconditionsunder recognize localplantcommunities Train yourselfandyourstaffto Learn aboutlocalplantcommunities. Russian RiverWatershedNaturalPlantCommunities 67 have adaptedovermanygenerationsto together. Thisisbecausenativeplants certain groupsofplantstendtogrow facing tonorthslopesorfrom recognize, asyoumovefromsouth 72 in anadjacentspace,andcompletely a givenarea,onlyoccasionallypresent particular speciesmightbeabundantin native wildlands,youwillnoticethata thousands ofyears!Ifyouvisitour to thisplace-they’velivedherefor grow easilybecausethey’readapted been socommoninthepast.Theplants irrigation thathave control, andheavy special fertilizing,pest be noneedforthe easily. Therewill become established planting willprobably conditions, thenew response tothesite If youchooseplantsin area. of thebeautifulnaturalqualitiesour landscape projectsthatassumesome practice ofhorticulture,youcancreate the scienceofecologywith concept toorganizeplantings.Blending processes byusingtheplantcommunity 72 ?6 Russian RiverWatershed. communities ofthe description ofthemostcommonplant representative speciesandabrief Following isashortlistof 5%!7 !([ Evergreen Forest,Chaparral,Valleyand %? series ofdistinctiveplantcommunities plains. Theseenvironmentssupporta 6] dry ridgetopsofthecoastalmountain the toweringRedwoodforest,to many differentenvironments,from Russian RiverWatershedconsistsof nomenclature. 6 natural distributionofplantsisvery “plant association,”and“series.”The “vegetation type,”“plantcommunity,” plants withtermslike“bioticprovince,” Ecologists classifythesegroupsof single species.The dominated bya consistency, often recurs withrelative of plantsthat describe agroup community” to the term“plant

'()(*[%50/'(%)1% Common Plant Communities of the Russian River Watershed

Chaparral Valley and Foothill Oak Woodland Shrubs Trees <8= <8O= <8O= 4

Chaparral Lying predominately in the rain-shadow slopes of the inner Coast Ranges, chaparral forms dense communities of shrubs and herbaceous perennials on dry slopes, 7)U plant community is often alive with color in the spring. '()(*8)2(!/0)/%(/

Redwood Forest %6 within the coastal fog belt areas of the watershed. Redwoods are adapted to capture moisture from the summer fog with their leaves, adding to precipitation and soil moisture. A Principles & Practices distinct group of understory species is adapted to the deep shade and highly organic soils of Redwood groves. 3 '()(*8)2(!/0)/%(/

Riparian Woodland (%%6 tributaries throughout the watershed, riparian woodland 6U67( of the tributaries and portions of the main stem of the Russian River, trees create a predominately deciduous overstory, with shrubs and herbaceous perennials occupying the understory. '()(*1/)O/2%15(0/3'/%^4)%8)

1818

Valley and Foothill Oak Woodland Covering large areas in the lower elevations within the Russian River Watershed, oak woodland communities are made up of dense areas of predominately broad-leaf evergreen hardwood trees including oaks, Bay and Madrone. Varied shrubs and herbaceous species occupy the perimeters and understory, with patches of grasslands interspersed. '()(*8)2(!/0)/%(/ 3

Mixed Evergreen Forest & Practices Principles Large areas within the Russian River Watershed support U6 and coniferous species. This plant community primarily _|_ moister than areas east of the highway. Dominant trees 4!)(8O numerous live oak species. '()(*8)2(!/0)/%(/

Valley and Hill Grasslands Scattered throughout the coastal hills and interior slopes and valleys are areas of grassland. Many are now dominated by availability and disturbance history, these communities may support native species of grasses and herbaceous perennials. '()(*8)2(!/0)/%(/

!(%?(%10!(%?/)(0/O(+)'3/0)8(??+0)108/3!(%0//04)0)1%+/0%[1%/)1%1411*(%04+!!_`x{INTRODUCTION TO CALIFORNIA PLANT LIFE; /21% /04^1131%U(3!1Y||YA MANUAL OF CALIFORNIA VEGETATION; O1)(133^05)/04133_``}30030900)97:*

19 20 Principles 3 & Practices !!$$"% #!"!!! conserves resourcesandcanreducetheamountofembodiedenergythatisconsumedbylandscape. !" Reusing planttrimmingsasmulch,grasscycling,andusingcompostimprovessoils,createshealthierlandscapes R Applications River-Friendly landscaping. many oftheotherprinciplesRussian thus animportantpracticeformeeting environmentally soundlandscapingand selection isthefoundationof conditions ofthelandscape.Plant Selecting therightplantsislinked Description conditions the microclimateandsoil A. 1. Selectappropriateplants pleasing forourcustomers andprovidehabitatforlocalwildlife.” Consider appropriate plant Consider appropriateplant with time. community maysucceedanother communities andhowone particular landscapesite. and soilinmicrositeswithineach Choose plantstomatch 2. LandscapeforLesstotheLandfill are generatedannually. as wellwateringandfertilizingjudiciouslyareimportantwaystoreducethetonsofplantdebristhat including beneficialinsects, birdsandsoilorganisms.Theresultwillbe aesthetically restore thelandusingCalifornianativesandnon-invasive plantsthatattractlocalfauna, an areabeforetakinganyactioninthelandscape. Thenyoushouldusenature’smodelto “It’s important often reduced.Debrisisnotgenerated conserved. Callbacksandplantreplace ment are Water canbe need forfertilizersandpesticides. susceptibility todiseaseandotherpeststheir Plants aremorelikelytothrive,whichreducestheir

to takeintoconsiderationwhatmighthavenaturally existedin

&'()(*+/'01#)'+#+2134($5+13+(3#035/0&1/( 1. Select appropriate plants B. Choose plants that can C. Replace sheared hedges D. Do not plant invasive grow to their natural size in with plants that can grow to species the space allotted them their natural shape and size Description Description Description Invasive plants used in landscaping Selecting a plant or plants to grow Shearing is a horticulturally unsound often escape into our natural areas, in too small a space starts a lifelong practice that is labor intensive and where they can spread rapidly and battle with the plant’s genetics, thereby " out-compete natives, degrade wildlife inviting disease and insects, generating that can lead to unhealthy plants habitat and increase the fuel load. unnecessary waste or increasing the fuel and increased waste. What’s more, Applications load. sheared hedges and screens have lots of deadwood under the dense green Familiarize yourself with locally important Applications crown because of the lack of light invasive species, some of which are listed Consider the mature size and shape reaching into the hedge. This dieback on the following page, and eliminate them of the plants you choose and place in the center of the plant increases its from the site. Sheet mulch can be very them in areas that will allow them to ! effective for weed control. Do not plant assume their natural form. invasive species. For more information Avoid over-planting for instant effect. Applications contact www.cal-ipc.org. Select trees with a mature height of If hedges are desired, select dense

67 species that will be able to grow to 3 power lines. their natural shapes and sizes. The cost of later pulling these species Reduce the number of plants in out of the landscape, neighboring sites and wild lands is avoided. Waste is & Practices Principles Labor, fuel and waste are likely to be remaining plants to grow into reduced and ecosystem diversity is reduced, cutting your costs. Plant health their natural form, if their size is protected. and resistance to disease is fostered. appropriate to the space. (! that sheared hedges be removed and replaced with plants that can grow to their natural form. Selecting the right 8! plant shear the hedges is lowered and at the same time, fuel load can be decreased, material for waste will likely be reduced and your disposal bills lowered. the right place will reduce unnecessary and undesirable outputs, but only if you train your employees to shut down the hedge trimmers and pull out the hand shears. It is hard to believe, but this actually saves time and green waste in the long term! Not to mention green house gasses, landfill space, etc.” &'()(*/'1$8#'##+903

21 Avoid Invasive Garden Plants of the Russian River Watershed Invasive Plants Non-Invasive Plants Latin Name Common Name Instead Try

2$ Myrica californica , :'"!<; (Italian <;

+'4 :'!+; :$+; :)05!;

Carex spissa, &2 @2 :#S!2; Nolina bigelovii Cotoneaster :!); :&2"; :)!; Rhamnus californica (California , (Sandankwa 9;

Scotch, Portuguese, :<5!; Spanish or French Broom :'!;:@B; :@; Ribes aureum !

English Ivy, Asarum caudatum"Baccharis Algerian Ivy, pilularisN!$!%, Cape Ivy, 3:<; Periwinkle 4:<;Heuchera maxima and hybrids&'!), :/$!; (Asian @;

Fremontodendron californicum *!%" Scarlet Wisteria Galvezia speciosa (Showy Island Snapdragon; :/!;(Autumn ;

050&)154$(*/0#+4($3+0+390+91&1)/(3/+#

221)150#)1$30)+91+3<(#50$1/0#+4($3+030)+91&1/+1

Invasive Instead Try

Cal-IPC also recommends that we don’t plant the following trees in the Russian River Watershed: :"%; :)'"; :'; :$("; :<21!; :<#; :&2; :#S!2; :/)); &'()(*<$+0330$+/'0$5(3 &'()(*<#1)13$1$8 %%%<#1)1/( :; For suggested alternatives, visit www.cal-ipc.org.

2222 2. Keep plant debris on site

A. Grasscycle B. Produce mulch from plant C. Compost plant debris debris Description Description Description 2!" Composting is the controlled on the lawn after mowing, so they Plant debris left on the soil or chipped decomposition of organic material. It decompose and release their nutrients and then spread evenly over the surface into the soil. of the soil nurtures soil organisms, and amendment. recycles organic matter and nutrients. Applications Applications Applications Mow often and when the grass is dry Enroll yourself or your staff in a

for the best results. Avoid removing leaves as they drop composting training program offered from the tree — designate areas Look for more details on how !"!/ under the tree and shrub canopy, to grasscycle in35 /"1 and away from hard surfaces 2 and stormdrains as a natural leaf 2www.BayFriendly.org to Encourage your residential clients to repository. Leaves should be picked download a free copy. purchase a compost bin and offer to up if they carry disease that can infect manage it for them. other plants, prevent low growing Design a site for composting Leaving the clippings on the lawn plants from receiving light, or if they 2www. after mowing saves time — one study are where they can clog stormdrains. 2 to showed that grasscycling reduced Regularly chip plant debris and spread 3 download composting brochures and mowing time by 38%. It also saves "!" money and reduces greenhouse gases www.mendorecycle.org/composting. Refer to the section that result from hauling the grass html for information on how to

in these guidelines or visit & Practices Principles 0 compost. www.BayFriendly.org to download a " free copy of 35 and 6 Composting on-site returns valuable . nutrients and organic matter to the soil and reduces pollution associated with “It is always best to let transporting waste, as well as disposal 3! costs. existing natural processes sustain created, waste is reduced, and the plantings without the dubious organic matter jumpstarts other natural help of chemical fertilizers.” processes. Sonoma County Water Agency supports Specialist, Sonoma County Water Agency +- provides an interesting landscape element ** &'()(*B13')/'+3

“We installed a 30 cubic yard compost system at a home owners association in Santa Rosa, eliminating the need to haul 25 truckloads of green waste annually, while producing 50 yards of rich compost at no additional cost to the customer. These layers of brown and green really do produce black gold!” )* &'()(*@('3B(&'191$

23 24 Principles 3 & Practices Construction *) */ minimized. more likelytoresistpests.Wasteis Trees andshrubsarestronger Applications and generatesunnecessaryplantdebris. spent; itneverends,weakenstheplant this typeofpruningisnotacostwell used todominateplants.Thelaborfor integrity oftheplant.Itshouldnotbe form andstrengthenthestructural Pruning shouldcomplementthenatural Description properly 3. Pruneselectivelyand

pruning. species thatwillrequirelittleorno grown toolargeforitsspacewitha frequent pruningbecauseithas a treeorshrubthatrequires Ask yourclienttoconsiderreplacing (5; or notunderstress(note:insome Prune whentheplantisdormant back toalateral. point oforiginorshortenbranches rather removebranchesattheir time ofyear.Donottoptreesbut including pruningattheappropriate 0Q77; 3+:03+ 0 Sustainable Landscape )(0' &'()(*)'13+/+&0#%0)1$5+)$+/)(4($0321/(3)8 + excessive plantgrowth,butalso the amountofpollutantsin fertilizers, wenotonlyreduce fertilizers weapply

+-). its waytotheRussianRiver to ourlandscapescouldfind “A portionofthe By reducingtheuseof when rainwaterflows across ouryards. Russian River.” / 4$( 3. Trimmingsgeneratedbypruning shalleitherbechippedand 6' 1. Treesandshrubsshallbeprunedselectivelyonlyasnecessary replacement ispossible. plant size,cancontinuetobe maintainedbyshearing,until past andthatdonothaveadequatespacetogrowmature 1"! an asneededbasis. or stemstointeriorlateralbranchesatappropriatelocations, on shall insteadbeselectivelyprunedbycuttingindividualbranches a. Shearingnewhedgesintoformalshapesisprohibited.Plants used asmulchonthesite,or separatedforplantdebrisrecycling. !! Topping oftreesisprohibited to enhancetheirnaturalshape. %%%<084$+135#8($2. 35 info. sections oftheseguidelinesformore into lowerlaborandfuelcosts. decreased. Lessmaintenancetranslates is preventedanddisposalbillsare Waste and hardscapesisminimized. Water damagetofences over-drive. Plants arenotpushedintogrowth to There aremanyapplications.Refer Applications plants andgeneratesplantdebris. rampant plantgrowththatweakensthe Watering andfertilizingwiselyprevents Description judiciously 4. Waterandfertilize and LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT FOR WATER SAVINGS WATER FOR MANAGEMENT LANDSCAPE 7 <8 5. Use goats or sheep 6. Use salvaged items and recycled content materials for controlling weeds and + Description contain chromium or arsenic for Description Salvaged materials are not remanufactured between uses. Finding ! 2! and using them takes time and ingenuity lumber. "! but in the long run, salvaging conserves Specify recycled aggregate (crushed O resources, can save money and adds ; 2 interesting elements to the design. road base or other uses. that are too steep for human crews. Recycled content materials such as )!S plastic or composite lumber make very require fossil fuels to get the job done, durable decks or raised garden beds Lower maintenance costs can recover and goats and sheep can reduce the fuel that do not rot, crack or splinter. the added cost of plastic or composite load in a short period of time. The costs lumber within a year. Compost Applications of renting a herd may be lower than provides superior erosion control

the costs of the labor for weeding and 2"! to silt fencing and doesn’t require disposing of the plant debris. hardscapes and other landscape disposal. Waste can be reduced, natural structures be constructed with Applications resources conserved, and markets for "4 recycled products strengthened. Consider renting a herd of goats or broken concrete for very attractive sheep. Ask for references of local retaining walls and ground glass cullet landscapers who have used goats for beautiful walkways. or sheep for controlling weeds or Find materials for reuse by contacting

/www.ciwmb. 3 ! "X/ or by visiting: desirable vegetation along with #www.recyclenow.org weeds: identify California natives and “Using

:/!; & Practices Principles ":; www.garbage.org onsite that will need to be protected from # :/!; the goats or sheep with temporary materials fences. Remove them from the #www.mendorecycle.org area before they have a chance to :/!; in our designs saves money, overgraze. Specify the use of recycled content time and emissions. It also materials or those made from rapidly helps us get creative about As the goats or sheep graze they reduce renewable resources. the fuel load, return nutrients to the Consider substituting compost the resources we have by soil and eliminate the need to haul off plant debris. silt fencing. learning to turn problems into Purchase biodiesel or biobased solutions.” lubricants for your equipment. !" -5+6* :4//;" /0* composite lumber is not appropriate. &'()(*51<($0'%0#)(3 /*) 01* /*) * 23Q* &'()(*509+52+#($1 1*+) 25 26 Principles 3 & Practices Applications materials. for collectionandstoringrecyclable the longterm,bydesigningspaces construction ofthelandscapeandin recycle waste,bothintheshortterm many opportunitiestoreduceand Russian River-Friendlylandscapesoffer Description 7. Reduceandrecyclewaste

materials. conditions requiredforrecycling and haulerstoidentifyterms Contact localrecyclingfacilities !Z7[ unused materialstoreachagoalof Specify therecyclingordonatingof construction materials. clearing wasteandotherlandscape plastic plantcontainers,land reduce constructionwasteincluding Develop andimplementaplanto generated atthejobsite. quantities ofmaterialsthatwillbe List thetypesandestimated materials forrecycling. to thecollectionandstorageof Dedicate aneasilyaccessiblearea ($/1*12/0#B+3 72"! +" O"P!Q ~ $}" | '" { At thestartofaproject,evaluateprojectsitesandold buildingsfor 5. PQ ^ ! Q Locate materialsearlyinthedesignprocesstoavoid majordesignrevisions 2. Let thematerialsinspiredesign. 1. salvage andrecycling. materials toreuse. project. when materialsarefound. Tips forSuccess 6 #035/0&10$/'+)1/)$151/1<1$6776 deductible. \5! provides rawmaterialsforfuture money byreducingtippingfeesand " Recycling anddonatingunuseditems #www.mendorecycle.org #www.recyclenow.org

containers. Allocate spaceforrecyclingbinsand unused items. Select suppliersthatallowreturnsof Donate healthyplantstolocal pallets tochipformulch. or takeapartnon-returnablewood Return woodenpalletstosuppliers employees whoreducewaste. (" :/!; :/!; "X/ orvisit: / (! recycler forprocessing. used containersorsendthemtothe materials arepurchasediftheyaccept 0!:; into mulchorcompost. in mostcases,thematerialisprocessed 8 in thecollectionfee. only andaskthehaulerforareduction sites, dedicateabintoplanttrimmings trimmings fromotherwaste.Atlarger feasible, takethetimetoseparateyard If reusingandrecyclingon-siteisnot Applications types ofwaste. debris ifitiskeptseparatefromother offer adiscountfordisposingofplant Description clean greendiscounts 8. Separateplantdebrisfor +/ *)* )* 3. Nurture the Soil

! S And although organic matter is a small fraction of the soil, it is a vital component. It includes plant and animal debris in various stages of decay as well as many bacteria and fungi. A cornerstone of Russian River-Friendly landscaping is creating and protecting conditions ! not the plant, to encourage a thriving community — a foodweb — of microorganisms, !"# Why Does Soil Life Matter? valuable processes: 3 Creating soil structure Storing and cycling nutrients & Practices Principles Protecting plants from pests Filtering out urban pollutants

Functions of a Healthy Living Soil

Store water Neutralization and nutrients Resists pests of pollutants Much like a giant sponge, Groundwater Living soil has an incredible healthy soil acts as a " array of organisms, most of intensive physical, chemical storehouse for water runoff reduction !' and nutrients. The slow and biological activity, thus release helps plants absorb "8 it can remove water and plants from disease through the correct amount. As a off by naturally maintaining air pollution. Soil rich in predation, parasitization, storage reservoir for both the water cycle and slowly organic matter contains competition and antibiosis. water and nutrients, healthy discharging to streams microorganisms that can 9 soil has a greater holding and lakes, and recharging immobilize or degrade cover leaf surfaces and capacity than soils that lack aquifers. pollutants, which the !9 microorganisms use as food. nematodes prey on harmful matter and pore spaces. nematodes.

$%$&'(%)*+/0THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL AND WATER, 1234+52'6%(&$*'/(2'+)2$'5*$*(7+5*4(7!

27 28 Principles 3 & Practices replacement costs. irrigation requirementsandtopsoil quality. Itcanminimizefertilizerand long run,andimprovestormwater likelihood ofmanyproblemsoverthe Conserving topsoilcanreducethe When gradingthesoilisunavoidable: Applications high waterandchemicaldependency. during construction,beginningacycleof Topsoil isavaluableresource,yetit Description before grading 1. Removeandstoretopsoil

construction. Re-spread aftergradingand compost qualityandplantselection. depending onsoiltypeandanalysis, $?@8BEG Send samplesforanalysis. Protect fromerosion. feet high. Do notstoreinpileslargerthan6 use. other gradingandstoreforfuture <= Remove thetopsoil(atleasttop construction. as aplacetostoretopsoilduring Identify areasthataretobepaved

! protected. Thesoiliseasiertowork to supportthemicrobesthatcycle Soil structureandthesoil’sability Applications adequate spaceforairorwater. the soil.Compactedsoilsdonothave deep astwofeetbelowthesurfaceof "H Description compaction 2. Protectsoilfrom

turning itoverwheneverpossible. Loosen thesoilwithaforkinsteadof such asincorporatingorganicmatter. or toodry.Tillaslittlepossible, Do notworksoilwhenitistoowet season. +8 distribute theload. ] If usingheavyequipment,selectthose heaviest equipment. Don’t assumeyouneedthebiggest, sites forparkingequipment. will bepavedorbuiltoveraregood equipment, includingcars.Areasthat temporary fencestorestrictheavy a limitedconstructionarea.Install Before constructionbegins,specify

construction for laterre-usein (*+7+24+2'*+Q$! Erosion Control? Why UseCompostfor COMPOST! &*(7(2'(%$'22+O$'+272 7+5*4(0*+%'6(*

compost. It strengthensthemarketfor Compost isallorganicandnatural. 4N@@G! Compost isannuallyrenewable. straw bales. standard BMP’slikesiltfencesor They canworkbetterthan ! chemical, biologicalandphysical Compost blanketsprovide costs areconsidered. maintenance, removalanddisposal Compost blanketsareless Waste ManagementBoardin: the CaliforniaIntegrated use forerosioncontrol. landscaping orseedingaftertheir The materialscanbere-usedin based products. It canavoidtheuseofpetroleum WAKE UPANDSMELLTHE 3. Defend against erosion 4. Amend the soil with compost before planting Description Description / A sediment and erosion control plan Compost is thriving with a planting hole for trees and shrubs that conforms to local sedimentation microorganisms — one teaspoon can ! and erosion standards or the California Some research indicates that young Stormwater Quality Association’s microbes. Adding good quality compost 4"V before planting turf, annuals, perennials, plants. Some specialists also believe = trees and shrubs brings life to the following objectives: ! a difference between the soil in the a. Prevent loss of soil during Compost is effective in improving hole and the surrounding soil that construction by stormwater runoff problem soils — in particular those that the roots don’t grow outwards — it and/or wind erosion, including are compacted, heavy clay or sandy, is as if they are growing in a pot. To protecting topsoil by stockpiling for poor in nutrients, or lead contaminated. prevent this problem, amend the reuse. It is one of the most important practices entire bed or create planting holes that are no deeper than the root ball b. Also prevent sedimentation of for a healthy, thriving, Russian River- and a minimum of 3 times the size of streams, stormwater drains and air Friendly landscape. the transplant’s root ball. Rough up pollution with dust and particulate Applications !/ matter. the hole with compost at a rate of Applications physical and chemical problems. Refer 1 part compost to 3-5 parts soil (by Do not remove valuable trees and to the section in these =!/ shrubs, especially near waterways. guidelines. shallower and create a mound in heavy clay soils. Protect them with fencing. If topsoil has been removed and 3 Schedule grading for the dry season. stored during building construction, Consider the conditions under 5 which the plant grows naturally. where possible. Consult your local 3-5 cubic yards of soil before re- Some California natives require less & Practices Principles Y spreading. fertile soils and compost may not be erosion control requirements. If the topsoil has not been removed necessary.

Construct earth dikes or install silt Quality compost is important. When fencing, sediment traps, and sediment means of adding compost and other feasible, use compost made from basins. organic matter while controlling local plant debris and food waste. Specify compost from a producer Terrace steep slopes. weeds. Refer to the tip on sheetmulching on page 31 for more 574

" information. Council’s Seal of Testing Assurance reduce bare soil, but do not over- V7'$=! plant for instant color. Annuals and For turf or groundcover installations: short-lived perennials can be used Incorporate 1-2 inches (3 1/3 – 6 2/3 =N@@@ Compost fosters a diverse, fertile, and H!/E8^ shrubs become established. Cover !6 inches of soil. 8 clients may see both long and short-

cover that also adds nitrogen and/or For preparing planting beds: Spread organic matter when it is later tilled 2- 4 inches of compost over the establishment, decreased fertilizer and into the soil. surface of the soil and incorporate pesticide use and lower water usage. Mulch regularly. it into the top 12-24 inches of the planting bed. Minimize the use of blowers. The likelihood of erosion is lessened, thereby maintaining the hydrologic cycle and protecting aquatic habitat.

on miles of

&"+'+0'"(/524&$ Q$'(*%7'*4'+) +*$23(4+52'6 LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT FOR WATER SAVINGS 96'+/$7"! 29 30 Principles 3 & Practices costs andprotectingwaterquality. E@G requirements canbereducedbyas made availabletoplants.Fertilizer 2 Applications array ofothernutrients. nitrogen needs,aswellsupplyan lawn, theycanmeetsomeofthelawn’s in them.Whentheyareleftonthe 3`G Description 5. Grasscycle

org todownloadafreecopy. " in " Look formoredetailedinformation wet ortoolong. time oftheyearwhengrassistoo Leave theclippingsonlawnafter IndicatorsofQualityCompost

'$V7'$=& 45744S7 request A nutrientanalysisisavailable fromtheproducerupon = The producercantellyouthe peaktemperatures(andhow Feedstock isnolongerrecognizable 2 Small, fairlyuniformparticlesize Sweet, earthysmell Dark browncolor 3www.BayFriendly.

Tips forSuccess Applications even whenwoodymaterialsareused. 2RS because theysupplynutrientsovertime. preferable overinorganicmaterials including chippedlandscapedebris,are !+ Mulch isanymaterialspreadevenlyover Description Grasscycling

control. weed particle sizemulchesarebetterfor Typically,larger to coverthesoil. times, oratleastuntilplantsgrow over thesurfaceofsoilatall Keep 2-4inchesofanorganicmulch adjacent LagunadeSanta Rosa.” it –whichisimportant toprotectthe the lawn,orapplyingherbicides tokill need forstrippingoutanddisposingof our installationcostsandeliminatedthe mulching process.Thisprocessreduced use plantsandediblesusingthesheet transformed aparklawntolowwater CityofCotati S"#$%# “In theCity trimming aroundtreesandpoles. weed growthandreducingtheneedfor your costs—bysuppressingannual your operations—therebylowering of thelandscape.Itcanalsosimplify growth ofplantsandtheappearance Mulch conserveswater,enhancesthe

free copy. www.BayFriendly.org todownloada " to informationin Look formoredetailedhow- remain asmulchaftertheyfall. from stormdrains,forleavesto Designate lessvisibleareas,away of Cotatiwe 3

&"+'+0%$O%3/+*( Tips for Success Sheet Mulching is... !!!!H!7 ! ]!' mulch, or a small area is left open to accommodate established plants. Sheet mulch can: Suppress weed growth (V= Reduce labor and maintenance costs: weeds and lawn are composted in place Improve nutrient and water retention in the soil Encourage favorable soil microbial activity and worms Enhance soil structure Improve plant vigor and health, often leading to improved resistance to pests and diseases Step 1: Prepare the site.1 ]!*!'

left will decay and add nutrients to the soil. Add fertizilers and amendments 3 !+0PYQ ' E@N@@

square feet. Soak with water to start the natural process of decomposition. It & Practices Principles is much easier to soak the ground now, before the remaining layers of mulch are applied. Step 2: Plant the 5 gallon and larger plants. Step 3: Add a weed barrier. ' that breaks down with time. It is essential that the barrier is permeable to water and air. Do not use plastic. Recycled cardboard, a thick layer of &"+'+703(+))"$$2%1$/$$9(22(''7(2'(2'$2%74$&(24! !/ & companies offer recycled cardboard or paper in rolls of varying widths. Two or three layers may be required to achieve an adequate thickness. But, if the !+<8 ! circulation around the root crown. Wet down the cardboard or paper barrier to keep it in place. Step 4: Layer compost and mulch. '!3 materials for this layer include chipped plant debris, tree prunings, leaves or straw. They must be free of weed seeds. Well decomposed, weed-free compost is also a good material but it should be spread directly over the weed barrier and covered with bulkier materials such as chipped tree prunings, to optimize weed control. In total, the compost/mulch layer should be 2-5 inches deep. Many materials suitable for the top layer often have an attractive appearance, making sheet mulch a versatile practice. Step 5: Plant. Punch a hole in the cardboard and place plants in the soil under the sheet mulch. Smaller plants can often be planted right into the mulch/compost layer. Add a small amount of compost around the rootball if compost has not been included in the top layer. !"0 As with any mulch, do not pile materials up against the trunks or stems of plants to prevent disease. Especially during the dry season, small seedlings will need protection from snails and slugs that will seek cover under the mulch. Protect young trees from rodents with physical guards.

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31 32 Principles 3 & Practices Applications disease andinsectdamage. lawn’s susceptibilitytoweeds,drought, compacted, whichcanincreasethe turf subjecttoheavyusebecome construction. Additionally,soilsunder topsoil orotherwiseprotectitduring It isnotalwayspossibletoremove Description 7. Aeratecompactedsoils olop w.olopcm3/www.lyngsogarden.com / 3 SoilSoup, www.soilsoup.com www.growingsolutions.com; 7 3 EPM, Inc.,www.composttea.com; Equipment forBrewingCompost Tea: www.composttea.org; www.attra.org; www.soilfoodweb.com For moreinformation: the besttimeofdayforapplyingtofoliageisinevening. or tothesoilunderthem.Thoroughcoverageofleafsurfaces isimportantand it isproduced.Itcanbesprayedontolawns,thefoliageof treesandornamentals Compost teaisbestusedsoon—withinhoursandnolater than1day—after tea optimizesoveralldiseasesuppression,nutrientretention andcycling. crops, orfungalgrowthforuseonfruittrees.Butadiversity oforganismsinthe can beeffectiveinencouragingbacterialgrowthforuseof theteaonvegetable or otheringredientsareaddedtoenhancemicrobialgrowth. Differentrecipes !+ 9] Starting withaquality,fullymature,microbiallydiversecompostisimportant. 580 from thecompostduring‘brewing’process. !!!!2 CompostTeais...

or trenching. Reduce subsoilcompactionbyripping planting. aerated beforeamendingand Specify thatsoilbemechanically Decreases theneedforpesticideandfertilizeruse Improves soilstructure Cycles andretainsnutrients Suppresses disease

Tips forSuccess while diseaseisresisted. fertilizer requirementsmaybelessened, Water and are moreeasilyestablished. Root growthisstimulatedandplants

matter onthesoilsurfaceasmulch. have gonetoseed,leavingorganic in non-turfareas.Mowbeforeplants seeded tobreakupcompactedsoils Deep tap-rootedplantscanbe compost. around treesandshrubs.Fillwith to createholesincompactedsoil 5Y with compostfollowingaeration. doing sointhesummer.Topdress Aerating inthespringisbest. Avoid times willdependonuseandtype. at leastonceayear:thenumberof Mechanically aeratesoilunderturf Applications the soilwithcomposttea. perennials, shrubsortrees,drenching to thesurfaceofsoilunderturf, adding athinlayerofgoodcompost ' Description 8. Feedsoilsnaturally Redwood Valley *#+%# (#) E@G! Topdressing turfwithcompostcan protects waterquality,isnurtured. nutrients availabletotheplantsand A strongsoilfoodweb,whichmakes plants.” their soilwillnourish they needtofeedtheirsoiland What theydon’trealizeisthat

of thesoil. mulch anditwillsettletothesurface 6 also mulchedatanoptimumthickness. free ofweedseedsandtheplantis the dripline.Besurecompostis year tothebaseofplantorunder Apply compostonceortwiceeach results. 2-4 timesperyearwillshowgood compost: one-fourthofaninchapplied Feed turf,especiallyafteraeration, Refer tothetipon trees andshrubswithcomposttea. As analternative,feedthesoilaround

think “People their plants. need tofeed % they !"# release fertilizers Description Pest Management in the section Description / *.1 and Synthetic, quick release fertilizers and other soil dwelling creatures such visit the websites: www.ipm.ucdavis. frequently wash through the soil before !' edu or www.birc.org or www. they are even taken up by the plants. reduce the diversity of soil life, select ourwaterourworld.org for more They can also damage soil microbial for resistant organisms or even increase information. ] soil pathogen density. new plant growth that is very attractive to sucking insects. Furthermore, many Applications Minimizing pesticides reduces water well-chosen California native and Learn and offer integrated pest pollution and helps support soil life, Mediterranean plants thrive without manage-ment to your clients. If which cycles nutrients and promotes fertilizers. Most other plants do not pesticides are absolutely necessary, !6 need the quick release fertilizers that ! may then be reduced in the long run. are often applied on a scheduled basis. Refer to the description of Integrated Plant nutrient requirements can be met with compost, naturally derived fertilizers or slow-release synthetic fertilizers as a last resort. Tips for Success Applications

Kick the chemical habit: base !"!# a great feedings on a soil analysis or other 8!+/* 3 clear indications of need, not on a calendar. 5 are allowed or prohibited for use in organic crop production, including soil soil organisms and release nutrients V= & Practices Principles over the long term. acid, for cleaning drip irrigation. Many of these generic materials are relevant 7 !+/*B cover crops, then till them in before 2+ they go to seed. 7!6 5 the general materials or products listings, download the product catalog, or fertilizers that release nutrients in a +/*www.omri.org. 1- 4 month time frame. 5 resort and select fertilizers that B@G in slow release form. 1. Initial soil analysis shall be performed to determine drainage and nutrient Do not use weed and feed status and shall be repeated annually during the transition to Russian River- formulations. ) Do not fertilize within 25 feet of the ongoing problems. water’s edge. 2. A soil probe shall be used at every visit to assess water content. 3. Leaf drop shall become part of the mulch layer in the tree, shrub or Slow release fertilizers make nutrients ! available to the plants when they are Leaf drop shall not be allowed to enter the stormdrain. needed, and are therefore often a 4. Mulch shall be maintained under all trees and shrubs and on bare soil with a better value. Flushes of growth that B8!' result in pest infestations or plant [company name] shall give preference to mulch products that are produced waste are less likely. Avoiding synthetic on-site or from regionally generated plant debris. fertilizers can also reduce the likelihood 5. Fertilizing shall be done on an as needed basis, as indicated by a soil analysis thatch build-up in lawns and prevent !2 algae blooms and pollution in our local and/or slow release fertilizers are preferred. creeks. $%$&'(%)*+/0LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE PRACTICE FOR WATER AND GREEN WASTE EFFICIENCY,/524&$ Q$'(*%7'*4'+)+*$23(4+52'6!

33 34 Principles 3 & Practices and loweringwaterbills. thereby reducingtheneedfor irrigation permeability andwater-holding capacity, Compost andmulchcanincrease Applications with soilquality. #\ The amountofirrigationwaterrequired water foreach1%oforganicmatter. foot ofsoilholdsroughly1.5quarts water conservinglandscape:onecubic organic content,isthefoundationofa *#\ Description soils withcompostandmulch 1. Createdroughtresistant C !#" \) alternatives topotablewatersuchasrecycledwater,graywater,orcapturedrain.And,itreliesonthelatestin the waterholdingcapacityofsoiltocreatedroughtresistantsoils.Water-wiselandscapingmakesuse #\!( "#$%& !

! innoculants, availableasrootdips, applying highqualitymycorrhizal Finally, fordepletedsoils,consider in theseguidelines For additionalpracticessee soils andreduceevaporation. !# Regularly applyorganicmulchtoall shrubs andtrees,onturf. Topdress withcompostaround beds. 3.5% underturfand5%inplanting reach atargetsoilorganicmatterof into thetop6-12inchesofsoilto Incorporate 2-4inchesofcompost /! 4. ConserveWater the statewillfaceannualwatershortages,evenduringyearsofregularrainfall. alifornia’s climateincludeslongdrysummersandtheperiodicfailureofwinterrains.Waterisa Applications are established. summers withoutwateringoncethey Mediterranean species,toleratedry year. Manynatives,aswellmany including norainfor6monthsofthe to oursoils,wildlifeandclimate— with localecosystemsandareadapted California nativeplantshaveevolved Description

possible, chooselocalecotypes. the sitesoilandmicroclimateand,if Select thenativespeciesthatmatch soil. 798 like 78 native isdrought-tolerant:some, #0# #\ Keep inmindthatCalifornia’sclimate 7;8

provides optimalhabitatforwildlife. spreading non-localplantspeciesand >#? from traditionalandspecialtysources. native speciesarereadilyavailable reduce youroperatingcosts.California fertilizing andspraying,whichcan less soilpreparation,watering,mowing, Mediterranean typeplantsoftenrequire Appropriately sitednativeor

\ season andrequirelesswatertheir their rootsystemduringtherainy Plant infallsotheplantscanestablish irrigation. climates thatalsothrivewithlittle <= Minimize highwateruseornamentals. as possible. established, reduceirrigationasmuch < \ Water drought-tolerantspeciesfor

@B<)<"DEG;*H*0E 4. Implement hydrozoning — 5. Design for on-site rainwater the lawn group plants by water needs collection, recycled water and/or graywater use Description Description Lawns are useful for recreation or Different plants have different water Description places where family members and requirements. Dividing the landscape Rainwater can be channeled through !GJ into low, medium and high water use gutters and downspouts to a storage frequent watering to stay green during zones prevents over-watering. unit. During a 1-inch rain, 625 gallons our long dry season. or more of water can be collected from Applications NJ\ Applications Q! can then be used for irrigation. Recommend to your clients that needs (dry shade, dry sun, wet sun, Recycled water is wastewater that has they replace decorative lawns with 8 been tertiary treated at a wastewater water conserving California native Place thirstier plants in relatively treatment plant to a high quality suitable or Mediterannean groundcovers or small areas and if possible, in spots for landscape irrigation and other perennial grasses, shrubs and trees. that naturally collect water. approved uses, but not for human If lawns are desired, limit turf to no Plant a large perimeter area with >#% more than 25% of total irrigated area. drought adapted species. California, it provides a drought-proof For residential clients, suggest the Plan to discontinue or minimize supply of water. lawn be limited to a small part of the irrigation to those California natives Q backyard where it is more likely to that do not tolerate water in the bathroom sinks, showers, bathtubs ! summer after they are established and washing machines that is not Avoid planting turf on slopes greater — and be sure to separate them contaminated by human waste and N&O from plants that will need ongoing 0 3 wide, or in irregular shapes. irrigation. drinking, it is a resource that can be Where appropriate, specify grasses Create and identify irrigation zones used for subsurface irrigation of the

that can go summer dormant and on plans, based on the plants’ water roots of trees and shrubs. & Practices Principles require minimal mowing. Visit J! Applications 90#Q water holding capacity. Include a at www.cnga.org. Encourage the building architect, if summary table of the square footage possible, to pre-plumb for graywater of each hydrozone in construction and to channel rainwater from the documents. Water and energy can be conserved. roof to irrigate landscape areas.

U!X Separate valves and circuits for Promote groundwater recharge and NJN individual hydrozones. In particular, conserve water by channeling rainfall ?YJ ##78 from the roof to specially designed #!N planters, swales and other landscaped Water use can be more accurately areas. water bills and your labor for mowing matched to the plant requirements. Design, install and operate recycled may also be reduced. Chemical use This fosters improved health, resistance water irrigation systems (dual may be decreased and water quality to pests, and conserves water. Plant 8 protected. mortality is reduced, saving time and current and future use of recycled money. water. Check with local building code for ?] protection for rainwater, recycled water and graywater systems. > irrigation only. Educate your clients to use biodegradable soaps.

lawn can greatly The use of potable water to irrigate decrease water lawns and gardens can be reduced. usage, reduce QQ maintenance costs, gas emissions produced from pumping increase diversity water is reduced. and improve @B<)<"_(;Q(0(*@<;)E;

35 36 Principles 3 & Practices Applications parking lotsandmedians. odd shaped,denselyplanted,orin than overheadinareasthatarenarrow, runoff. Dripisoftenmoreappropriate overspray andevaporationreduce groundcover irrigation.Bothminimize #\ can applywateruniformlyandslowly \H]? plant rootzones,attheratethatit can applywateraccurately,tothe Drip andbubblerirrigationtechnologies Description !!"" 6. Designandinstallhigh

for rebates. Check withyour localwatersupplier specialist. supplier oratrainedirrigation by arepresentativeofyourwater and yourirrigationplansreviewed reference ETandhavethisbudget |& Design asystembasedonwater circuit. nozzles withineachcontrolvalveand > standard sprayheads. heads oroscillatingnozzlesinsteadof > \ a precipitationrateof1inchor irrigation orequipmentthathas Irrigate turfareaswithsubsurface R#\ \>R select therightsystemfor \#!" Investigate newdriptechnologies. a brokensprinklerhead. detect andrespondtoproblemslike sites, selectcontrollersthatcan For largecommercialormunicipal rain sensorshutoff. has, ataminimum,soilmoistureor Association (www.irrigation.org8 \( self-adjusting irrigationcontrollerthat Install aweatherorsensorbased, areas. O& greater distributionuniformityinturf \#j& recommendations toimprovetheir customers. Providethemwith Be pro-active,notreactivewith Applications commercial orresidentialmeters. !! for commerciallandscapes.Submeters require themonallnewwaterservice use inthelandscape.Localregulations the monitoringandevaluationofwater Separate irrigationmetersallowfor Description monitor landscapewateruse 7. Installadedicatedmeterto quality protected. Water billscanbelowerandwater disease andminimizeweedgrowth. evaporation andrunoff,butalsoprevent B\ =9\@ www.clca.org. information visit: \U landscape sitespriortoachieving levels foroneyearonactual \J #\ test tobecome pass awritten managers must \ money. CLCA- use andsave to cutwater customers in helpingtheir other greenindustryprofessionals assists landscapecontractorsand *79H9*8 The CaliforniaLandscapeContractors

water meter. ! possible, install asubmetertotrack If adedicatedwatermeteris not conservation achievements. customers abouttheirwater useand Provide detailedfeedbackto your budget. for leaksandmaintainawater Read theirrigationmetertocheck use. a thoroughunderstandingofwater sensor andmonitoringequipmentfor 9##] water meterforlandscapes. Specify theadditionofaseparate Applications ! irrigation requiresparticularattention sensor controller,managementofthe controller oraweatherbased season. Whetherusingatraditional ! Watering requirementswillvarywith Description to need #!! sewer bill. meter mayalsoreduceyourclient’s support waterconservation.Aseparate more preciselycandemonstrateand Monitoring thelandscapewateruse may bereduced. the needforpesticidesandpruning. reduces replacementcosts,as wellas growth, promotesplanthealth and Appropriate wateringmoderates plant

B # # # your landscapeneeds. 79(=(\8 Management InformationSystem Become familiarwithCAIrrigation \ minimize runoffandincreasethe the irrigationcontroller.Thiswill or ‘cycleandsoak’featureon by utilizingthe‘repeatstarttime’ rather thanonelongirrigation root zone.Waterforshorterperiods Water deeplyenoughtosoakthe and windiesttimesoftheday. Avoid wateringduringthewarmest signs thattheyneedwater. irrigating andwatchtheplantsfor probe tochecksoilmoisturebefore moisture sensingdevice,useasoil If thesystemdoesnotincludeasoil

ase irrigationon: so thatitcansoakintothesoil. especially onslopesorclaysoils, water slowlyorintermittently, Apply The soiltypesandslope. hour. inches perhour,dripingallons applied. Sprinklersapplywaterin B material. The waterneedsoftheplant $ 10. Request an irrigation audit system so every drop counts )\ Description E\H7EH8 Description FREE water use surveys for landscapes, Program, landscape professionals are Every drop of water that is supplied to offered by many local water districts, making a positive impact towards the landscape by irrigation should be provide your commercial or home- reducing landscape water demand protected from loss due to evaporation, owners association customers with \ overspraying or runoff. Irrigation practical information for improving landscape design, maintenance, and systems that do not leak, overspray or landscape quality and reducing water EH# gush water are critical to conserving > of educational water. demonstrate how to use irrigation foundation, based J\ on principals Applications of proper Keep the rain shut off device in Applications plant selection, working condition. irrigation system good source for information on water For overhead spray systems, check design and and adjust the system regularly for: conservation. Many offer free irrigation !* maintenance, and # =7=@;8 includes landscape area measurements irrigation system nozzles and an analysis of distribution programming and operation. # Low, buried sprinklers uniformity, irrigation scheduling, and EH#>\E@* WaterSense Irrigation Auditor # Incorrect nozzles overall system performance. 9\@Q # <# are eligible to become WaterSense # B# Additional practices for conserving Irrigation Partners (www.epa.gov/ 3 # Improper pressure \ WaterSense8U demon strate to the clients how your on becoming a QWEL professional, # Leaks near unusually tall, green skills can save them money on their visit www.qweltraining.com. & Practices Principles vegetation, muddy or eroding water bills. Customer satisfaction will spots be increased. Repair leaks and broken sprinklers >\ materials or materials of superior “Conservation and Water-Use Efficiency J\ are investments in our future. Benefits range from something as Keep in mind that it may take more diligence with drip systems to simple as saving money on water bills to concepts as complex as notice leaks and troubleshoot other combating global climate change…it is where these two concepts problems. overlap that people should capitalize!” Mulch to reduce evaporation. !"""#$ G(*\E@* Sensor Partner. Contact the Irrigation Association at www. irrigation.org. Tips for Success Properly maintained irrigation systems not only save water but can also avoid unnecessary plant, fencing and Many water providers offer free residential and commercial landscape irrigation asphalt replacement costs and increase audits, irrigation upgrade and turf removal programs. property values. They can also U!J99# decrease the use of energy for pumping ~N#J# and moving water, which in turn 9\;#~$Y reduces greenhouse gas emissions. #\! system. In both cases, a site survey is required in order to participate. It is estimated Contact your local water provider for current information on free services and that overwatering causes 85% rebate incentive programs. of all landscape problems. See in the Resource Section of this guideline for a listing of \<>;9E"*9<0\>=E;\Q>(DE)<*)E; 9<0\E;_*)(<0*=E;(9*0*)E;<;/\ water providers in the Russian River Watershed. *\\<9(*)(<0

37 38 Principles 3 & Practices energy. IncludetheseRussianRiver-Friendly,energyconservingpracticesinyourdesignorserviceprogram: Landscape designers,installersandprofessionalmaintenancestaffcanplayanimportantroleinconserving gasoline nationwide.Andenergyusemeansreleasinggreenhousegasesthatarecontributingtoglobalwarming. '3OO5 ()S+012' ''% $%& Applications can moderatebuildingtemperatures. them fromtheprevailingwinterwinds buildings inthesummerorprotect and placingtreestoshadeadjacent reducing thevelocityofwind.Selecting cooling theairthroughtranspirationand Trees conserveenergybyshading, Description 1. Shadebuildingstomoderatetemperatures T

http://cufr.ucdavis.edu following website: For moreinformation,goto the foundation. from thefoundation.Plantsmaller that havelowwaterrequirements. for thesoiltype,wateruseand Select treesthatareappropriate windbreaks. Select evergreentreesfor winter solargain. greater valueforsummercoolingand Large deciduoustreeswillbeof sun towarmabuilding. windows thatallowthelowwinter collectors orinfrontofsouthfacing Avoid plantingtreesthatblocksolar Plant treestothewestofabuilding 5. ConserveEnergy to supplywaterourlandscapes. continue tooccurthroughouttheWest.Energyandwaterarerelated—ittakesalotofenergy to conservewater.BothareincreasingconcernsinCaliforniaasenergyshortfallsanddroughts he needtoconserveenergyisasimportantRussianRiver-Friendlylandscapingthe emissions. !"# reducing summercoolingcostsby can reducetheinteriortemperature When properlyplaced,maturetrees

landscape, andorientation $6789;<1=>72$?$9202&=1@1$<8$$6D2&7 ;6<686G=1=>72$?$1&1897$1&<180<2?? 2. Reduce the heat island 3. Shade air conditioners effect Description Description Limiting the sun that shines directly on More shade = More energy ( an air conditioner will keep it cooler savings sources of heat and pollutants (parked Cleaner air = Better health and fewer hospital cars emit hydrocarbons that contribute visits %JK Applications Choose a shrub or tree that will More = Lower cost for as well as often being unattractive. stormwater stormwater Trees reduce the amount of heat stored match the soil and microclimate. management controls ]% 6' vines to provide shade. More shaded = Longer time which can contribute to increased streets between building and car temperatures. =]' resurfacing unit. 06+8$1O$1&<18?68+8>2&?6810<810128$;=2G0$2V The air conditioner runs more '' client’s utility bill. 3

;6<6O<;16??$16?$;187@>28<6& “Compared to a small-stature tree, %& a strategically located large-stature tree has a bigger & Practices Principles ' impact on conserving energy, mitigating an urban heat ()* island and cooling a parking lot.”

!"#$

Applications Check with your local municipality for minimum tree requirements in parking lots — then specify more. Select and plant trees that are appropriate for the site in terms of ' Choose as large a tree as possible Tips for Success but be sure it will be allowed to grow to its natural shape and size in the allotted space. Parking lots are thermal hot spots. Many cities in California have ordinances

+% that require shading of paved area by trees. Implement the suggestions below to 0]%% JO materials. Become familiar with local ordinances and their recommended tree lists. And consider shading paved areas Include only trees that are on the local ordinance’s recommended tree list. with photovoltaic arrays. Be sure crown diameters on parking lot plans are not overstated. Do not allow smaller-size substitutions after the plans have been approved. Patios and cars can be much more Follow-up to ensure trees are actually planted, as well as not removed after comfortable in the summer. Air quality planting, especially at sites near store fronts where trees could obstruct signs.

can be improved. Costs of cooling 2=2<1=?86DO $1&<18?68+8>2&?6810<81028$; adjacent buildings may be lowered. 2$?$06+<;)10<810128$;0<2<6&+0=2?6810<018G$1=2G0$2

39 40 Principles 3 & Practices

;6<6OZ@@1&9G2@=01& ' often recoverhigherinitialpurchase decreased. Loweroperatingcostscan Power andenergyusecanbe Applications minimize lightpollutionandtrespass. be designedtouselessenergyand +00 fraction oftheelectricityusedin 6 Description 4. Designlightingcarefully

light ontoneighboringproperties. ' Prevent lighttrespassbyselecting Sky Association. approved bytheInternationalDark darksky.org =(0(Gwww. %J68 0 of allnightillumination. photocell ormotionsensorinstead For security,uselightswitha !%# Specify EnergyStar,photovoltaicor Y@1=K' Y;=K +]! lowest acceptablelevels. Identify lightinggoalsanddetermine microwave, andacoffeepot!” system, steelshelvingfor toolstorage,aplantable,electricheater, a standard8’x10’trailer tocontainasolarelectricgenerating thus eliminatingtheneed todrawourclient’spower.Weupfitted to provideallelectricity neededforourlandscapeinstallations, "'+-'%. “We useacompany-built and localairwaterquality. while protectingthehealthofyourstaff, 7 economic senseformanylandscape Manual labormaymakethemost Applications cost ofoperatingtheequipment. the environment,whilelowering landscape professionalcandotoprotect of themostimportantpractices reducing fossilfuelconsumptionisone ;'% Equipment ismostoftenselectedforits Description conservation equipment forfuel 5. Chooseandmaintain

that consumption. consumes andsetgoalstoreduce Track thegallonsofgasyourbusiness carefully. sites andplanmaintenanceroutes Require employeecarpoolingto hauling. minimize fuelconsumptionfor Recycle plantdebrisonsiteto vehicle tuned. Keep everypieceofequipmentand % operate onbiodiesel—orconvert low emissions.Selectvehiclesthat vehicles, selectforfueleconomyand As youupgradeyourequipmentand the jobdone. emission machineryrequiredtoget ' When usingmachinery,choosethe blowers. Minimize theuseofgas-powered of thework. possible andtakeprideinthequality +'3' Applications supports localeconomies. consumption andairpollution items theleastdistancereducesfuel Transporting and adaptablelandscapes. embodied energyistodesignlonglived factor inreducingtheimpactof The singlemostimportant product. % item, fromtheacquistionofnatural associated withtheproductionofan consumed byalltheprocesses Embodied energyisthe Description energy materials 6. Specifylowembodied transporting materials,suchaspollution. as thehiddenenvironmentalcostsof reduces thecostofanitem,aswell embodied energyproductsoften Buying locallyproducedandlow

limestone shippedfromtheMidwest. + landscape, includingstone,gravel, energy ofallmaterialsinthe Consider thesourceandembodied synthetic fertilizers. petroleum-based products,including processed materials,andavoid + better. delivery. Smallerplantsalsotransplant increase thenumberofplantsper Select smallercontainerstockto mobile solargenerator 6. Protect Water and Air Quality

Russian River-Friendly landscaping can Russian River-Friendly landscaping can help protect our water from pollution help protect our air from pollution by: by: Reducing fossil fuel consumption Recycling plant debris on site Reducing contaminants in runoff /0-2 and absorb Increasing the soil’s ability to remove pollutants air pollutants from runoff Air pollution from power equipment used in conventional In an undisturbed landscape, as little as 15% of the landscaping takes an enormous toll on our environment. rainwater leaves the system through surface water 36S / living, biologically diverse organisms break down vehicles that pollute the air, and once there, the materials $ groundwater or our waterways. greenhouse gases. As land is developed into residential or commercial

landscapes, roads and parking lots, major changes 3 occur. More water runs off the surfaces — as much as !] & Practices Principles waterways without moving through soil. The soil supports less microbial life and is less #$&' ()! Pollutant load also increases. An acre of parking lot collects as much as 4 gallons of oil, gasoline and diesel fuel each year. When it rains and water runs off the *$ into local creeks where they may eventually enter ++- metals, pesticides, nutrients from fertilizers and pet waste, trash and suspended soil particles from poorly vegetated ground. Stormwater runoff, from both residential and commercial sites, thus becomes a large source of pollution. Make the connection between Russian River-Friendly and reducing the emissions that cause global

warming — and distinguish yourself 8-+0'9THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOIL AND WATER, :;30-;<= in the marketplace. >'/(+

41 42 Principles 3 & Practices construction andmaintenanceby: Prevent pestsduringlandscape Design topreventpestsby: Applications become established. to tryingcontrolthemafterthey to preventpestsisalwayspreferable construction andmanagementpractices Applying thebestlandscapedesign, Description A. Preventpestproblems Integrated PestManagement strategies formanaging,butnotnecessarilyeliminating,pests. plant diseases,weeds,andotherpests.IPMprogramsintegratetheuseofmanyenvironmentally-sound your skillstoclientsbyprovidingthefollowingservices: <$/?* considers allviablesolutionsandusesavarietyoftechniquestocontrolpests,ratherthanturningonly /? and toout-competeweeds.AnIPMapproachrequiresanunderstandingofthelifecyclespests by fosteringahealthyenvironmentinwhichplantshavethestrengthtoresistdiseaseandinsectinfestations

uncontrollably. they gotoseed orspread '$ disease. plants andencouragespests stimulates newgrowth,stresses Pruning judiciously—severe pruning over-fertilizing. tests indicatetheirneed,andnot H soil atalltimes. Keeping mulchonthesurfaceof Sheetmulching, seepage31. watering. Watering thoroughlybutnotover- Planting attherightdepth. from diseaseandinsects. Selecting plantmaterialthatisfree Including compostinthesoil color effect. Avoiding over-plantingforinstant reach theirnaturalsizeandshape. adequate aircirculationandroomto from buildings,givingthemspacefor Placing plantsatproperdistances native species,includingspeciesthat Selecting resistantvarietiesandlocal are wellsuitedtothesite. Choosing adiversityofspeciesthat

reaching fortheherbicides: Try cultural,mechanicalandphysicalcontrolsbefore /'8<0>'8@(0<8K''<9 (>(/<'>@+-?L(+B'8#BB(? Select herbicidesasalastresortandusethe leasttoxic: 135 compost piletotemperaturesover $ disease —compostthedebrisonly plant materialthatisinfectedwith Cleaning upwood,fruitandother leaving aninfestedsite. clothing, toolsandvehiclebefore plant partsorseedsfromyour Inspecting andremovinginvasive Cleaning equipmentafteruse.

controlling weedsinsidewalksandotherhardscapes. @]* Create amapthatlocatesthespeciesanddensityofweeds. CD)E 8 Purchase onlyweedfreeplantsandcompost. also containessentialoilsthat enhancetheirherbicidalproperties. coating onplantleaves,causing themtodryout.Someoftheseproducts K$ or eyedamage. 6!* K* H The timingoftheapplicationisimportant,ifitusedafter weedshave Corn glutenmealisapre-emergentherbicidethatalsoacts asafertilizer. ]H Boiling water,hotfoamandhighpressuresteamworkto kill weedsandare o @$

is aholisticapproachtocontrollinginsects, @;'3(+>';;3N//ON6)(;>Q'=-;> First andforemost,IPMseekstopreventpests River Watershed. and protectingthehealthofRussian pesticides, therebyreducingpollution critical toeliminatingtheneedfor A healthy,diverselandscapethat B. Train your staff to identify C. Educate your clients D. Control pest problems and monitor pest and with physical and mechanical ! Description controls Many clients have unrealistic standards Description of absolute pest control and will require Description A critical part of an integrated pest education. Landscapes can tolerate # management program is “watchful certain levels of pests without causing source of unacceptable levels of waiting”— observing the site at regular damage, physical barriers or mechanical intervals in order to understand Small populations of pest organisms `$ whether populations are increasing or are necessary to establish healthy decreasing and what harm pests are populations of predators. line of control. doing. It is likely that most organisms Applications Applications B$ Educate your clients about the role Learn about and specify sheet * mulching to prepare the soil and suppress the fewer disease causing to consider some damage as a sign control weeds. organisms. Many insects naturally feed of a balanced, thriving ecosystem. Weeds can also be controlled by on other pest insects — some even Encourage them to raise their using drip irrigation and a minimum feed on weeds. Insects provide food for threshold of acceptable damage. 2-inch layer of coarse mulch. birds, reptiles and amphibians. Raptors Ask yourself and your clients if ] and snakes eat rodents. Immediately treatment is even necessary before K pulling out the big guns in the form developing a strategy for managing a 3

* pest problem. Spray aphids with a strong jet of water. organisms along with the pests, which Fact sheets on alternative pest can lead to more problems as the control strategies are available at ** balance between the two is disrupted. www.ourwaterourworld.org or from to keep ants and other insects away. & Practices Principles 08/?/ K* Applications www.ipm.ucdavis.edu or the Seattle larvae as they appear. Provide your staff with the time and 33 Remove dead or diseased plants resources to learn to identify both www.ci.seattle.wa.us/util/proipm/ or plant parts — hot composting In the case of ongoing pests, the debris will kill disease-causing

Check plants often for vigor and signs advise your clients that removing a organisms. of pests. particular problem plant may be the Train your residential clients to best solution. monitor and record pest populations. Pests can be kept at acceptable Clarify which problems are the result levels thereby reducing the need for of pests and not other factors, such Insects and other pests can be pesticides. Pollutants are kept out of as overwatering. accepted as an integral component of any ecosystem, in which case they Evaluate the results of any are not controlled until they cause treatments. an unacceptable level of damage. The

0* need for pesticides may be reduced or of California (www.ipm.ucdavis.eduE eliminated. or subscribe to the from the Bio-Integral Resources Center (www.birc.orgE resources and information. “Many things we do within the Russian River Watershed have the potential to help or hurt our river, its =]] tributaries and the lands that feed these aquatic environments. as they learn additional, valuable *Q We need the principles of integrated pest management to be the opportunity to control pests. If a embraced by landscape professionals, businesses and residents. problem does develop, you can catch it just as it is reaching a level that needs We all benefit from IPM.” control.

43 44 Principles 3 & Practices Applications $H the lifecyclesofpestandits organisms tocontrolpests.Knowing Biological controlistheuseofliving Description biological controls E. Controlpestproblemswith

8-+0'9:'BB=?-+(;(;>?(+=B-8'@B;< Use withCaution: Pesticides toAvoid: at www.hungryowl.org. species. Moreinformationisavailable predators thathelpcontrolpest $ returning nutrientstothesoil. vegetation andintheprocess, poison oak,blackberriesandother $ 3 broad spectrumpesticides,when Do notusepesticides,especially reputable source. Buy allbiologicalcontrolsfroma diseases. can suppresssomeleafandroot diverse populationsofmicrobesthat Compost teaintroduceslargeand Q]E ]C> kills caterpillars,includingthoseof $"%&##CQE for controlofsomepests. Parasitic nematodesareeffective Introduce naturalpredators, ] planting awidevarietyofplantsthat '

Fipronil Imidacloprid Pyrethrins Malathion Carbaryl Disulfoton Metaldehyde #

# # # Pyrethroids Permethrin 0] Cypermethrin Bifenthrin !!"# may reduceyourliability. applying dangerouspesticides,which = the costofpurchasingandapplying parasitize pests,potentiallyreducing Q (>(/<'>@+-? <] Parasitic andpredatorywasps Minute piratebug Lady beetles Lacewings ; K] "# Q Attract these

CORNFLOWER FARMSWILDLAND/AGRICULTURE CATALOG,{| ; suburban Novato,CA Tips forSuccess

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/K-<-9>(x>3-->?(; F. Control pest problems with 2. Eliminate high input Applications the least toxic pesticide as a decorative lawns Plant groundcovers, shrubs, or trees, last resort instead of turf. Description Replace lawns, especially those on Description Installing large turf areas solely for their steep slopes, in shady areas or near <$ *- creeks and wetlands with native plant pesticide is used only when monitoring { meadows or grassy swales that treat indicates that preventative and non- the cumulative cost of maintaining a stormwater and resemble native chemical methods are not keeping pests ~D grasslands. below acceptable levels. The goal is ~{ to reduce the population of the pest The need for irrigation, synthetic $ fertilizers and pesticides can be reduced that will control the pest but not harm or eliminated, thus protecting water the organisms or the environment. quality. Applications Do not use pesticides on a prescheduled basis. Sonoma County Regional Parks – County Center Learn the life cycle of the pest to Water Conservation Project – Phase 1 $H {80+/*> Consider naturally occurring the City of Santa Rosa and the Sonoma County Water Agency, completed Phase pesticides before synthetic. For 1 of a three phase project aimed at educating the public on the issue of water 3 $ '$ used for control of scale and other removed at the County Administration Building and replaced with low water use insect species. Sulfur controls fungal plants, permeable walking paths, point source drip irrigation and mulch.

diseases. Corn gluten is available as a & Practices Principles pre-emergent weed control. Acetic acid based sprays are becoming available for use on weed seedlings. 9$ and the least persistent. Do not assume a high percentage of inert ingredients means the product is not hazardous. West side BEFORE West side AFTER Do not use broad-spectrum, synthetic chemical pesticides. Spot spray weeds or use an ultra low volume sprayer to apply the absolute minimum amount. Keep pesticides out of gutters, stormdrains, and off sidewalks, driveways and other hard surfaces, and dispose of leftover product properly. North/East side BEFORE North/East side AFTER -] $ will reduce irrigation water use by 2.4 pesticide helps to protect water quality million gallons annually and weed growth and demonstrates your commitment N!( to the health of your clients and staff, the community and the Russian River in maintenance hours, carbon emissions Watershed. and the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. For more information visit: Permeable walking path http://www.sonoma-county.org/parks/water/ /K-<-898-;-?(0-;<=+'3-;(B/(+:8>'/(+

45 46 Principles 3 & Practices waterways. prevented. Sedimentdoesnotclog are undisturbedanderosionis Vegetation, topographyandhydrology Applications valuable resourceintoapollutant. It turnsnatureonitsheadbyturninga living componentandclogswaterways. topsoil depletesthesoilofitsorganic, to erosion,andtheresultinglossof >$ removed fromasitebeforebuildingor large trees,nativevegetationistypically $ hydrological featuresaredestroyedby - runoff anderosion,especiallyalong soil surfacesarehighlysusceptibleto $ )! Description $%!

#"&"S( that keepsitoutofstormwater. / minimum areaneededtomaneuver. building pad,landscapeareasandthe Limit siteclearingtotheroad,utility B slopes. or donotincreasesteepcontinuous ] Retain naturaltopographicfeatures guidelines. in the""&$&!sectionofthese defend againsterosion,asdescribed Design andimplementaplanto

(>(/<'>@+-?9 organisms can often keeppestpopulations under thresholdlevels,making chemicaltreatmentunnecessary. <K effective. on aregularcalendarbasis.It islikelythetimingofsprayingbasedoncalendarwould betooearlyorlateto If apathogenorotherpestis present,itmustbetreatedatthecorrectpointinitslife cycle.Pestorganismsdonotgrow soil conditions,wateringorfertilizing practicesandotherculturalproblems. -{D? PRO IPMFACTSHEET,3+'';3(+>';;3/+-3+(?8'(<

or arsenicforanyapplicationthat that doesnotcontainchromium plastic orcompositelumberisnot 0E C@80 sealants, solventsandadhesives. 8Hx-0 carpool tosites. Consider yourroutesandalways creek ordrainagearea. Refuel carefully.Donotrefuelneara Dispose ofspentoilproperly. Don’t repairequipmentonsite. oil leaksimmediately. keep itperformingoptimally.Repair Inspect andmaintainallequipmentto ` stormdrain. washed orblownintothegutter to keeporganicmatterfrombeing in thesection""&$&!Be sure Amend soilwithcompostasdescribed Applications pollutant whenitentersthestormdrain. out pollutants.Butitcanbecomea in theformofmulchorcompost, - Description matter whereitbelongs 5. Keepsoilandorganic $ increases thesoil’spoolofsequestered protecting ourwatershed.Italso ability toremovepollutants,thereby pollutant butrather,increasesthesoil’s -

removing topsoil. use themcarefullysoyouarenot Minimize theuseofblowersand Sweep everydayduringconstruction. away fromcreeksandstormdrains. Store compostandorganicmatter stockpiled organicmatter. * shoreline. storm drains,creekbanks,andthe and otherplantmaterialsawayfrom Keep fallenleaves,grassclippings, ] mulch inareasofhighsurfacewater Switch togravelorcobblestone )%! 7. Plant and protect trees surfaces Description Description Trees help clean and cool the air Watershed quality decreases rapidly by absorbing dirty air and removing $ pollutants. Additionally, trees intercept )!= projects have 65% or more impervious thus helping to control stormwater surfaces. Asphalt and concrete for runoff. Their root growth also increases parking lots and driveways can be “Strategically formulated to be porous to address the ability of the soil to take in water. placed trees around this issue. Crushed rock and mulch add Applications a striking element to the design while Select trees that match the a building can increase / pavers which can include low growing microclimate and soil characteristics. energy efficiency and reduce

groundcovers or gravel also facilitate Select low water use California heat island effect through natives or Mediterranean species. microclimate enhancement Applications Specify large stature trees in as many Keep impervious surfaces to a appropriate places as possible. (seasonal shading and wind

Plant in groves and hydrozones. mitigation.) The ‘greening’ including permeable paving, and Provide adequate soil volume, $H amended as per a soil analysis. of a building with trees and 3 appropriate. Inspect tree health regularly. landscape also contributes

Avoid contiguous impervious Maintain and prune appropriately. to softening hard edges, surfaces. Do not directly connect >N!

creating foreground and entry & Practices Principles impervious areas to the stormdrain. $ Decrease parking lot sizes by trees and include penalties for experience, framing dramatic narrowing the aisles between rows destruction of protected trees in the architectural elements, and and increasing the ratio of compact to construction contract. full size spaces. For more information providing beauty for building contact the Center for Watershed occupants.” Protection at www.cwp.org. Appropriately planting more trees decreases runoff and protects water Remove all unnecessary impervious quality. Trees also absorb air pollutants, paving. Check with your local Land Design, Santa Rosa pavement or aggregate supplier thus protecting air quality. Dollar for for more information on where to dollar, larger trees deliver 8 times the recycle asphalt and concrete. Increasing porous surfaces decreases runoff, protects the biology of the Russian River Watershed and contributes to the restoration of our local streams, creeks and wetlands. Tips for Success 3 Pervious Concrete /$ 9 ?;/>'8 Provides for groundwater recharge K When compared to a conventional asphalt parking lot requiring ] concrete parking lots are by far the lower initial cost solution.

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47 48 Principles 3 & Practices the RussianRiverWatershed. money onwaterbills,whileprotecting reduced andyourcustomermaysave Water willbeconserved,runoff Applications and damagesproperty. wastes water,addstosurfacerunoff, A poorlymaintainedirrigationsystem Description irrigation systemcarefully *#

#&0&& Refer toapplicationsinthesection requirements, orsoilmoisture. weather conditionsandplantwater ] irrigation controllersthatadjust Install rainshut-offdevices. regular systemchecks. sidewalks immediatelythrough Eliminate leaksandsprayingonto needs, soiltype,slopeandseason. Match wateringscheduletoplant Identify theselandscapeareasand proposetoyourcustomers:

the spring /] Applying 3”ofmulch 8$CD)E Abandoning theirrigationsystem Create Non-IrrigatedLandscapesoutof DecorativeTurfAreas Tips forSuccess become moreRussianRiver-Friendly. business andhelpyourcustomersto a goodopportunitytosaveresources with non-irrigatedlandscapesprovides but notutilized.Replacingtheseareas areas thatareirrigatedandmaintained Landscapes oftencontainremoteturf \ Applications element. D higher ifthebuildingoverlooks,or leases ofcommercialbuildingsare Studies indicatethathomevaluesand beauty andvaluetothelandscape. stormwater runoff.Itcanalsoadd of pollutants,aswellminimize Catching, slowingandretainingwater Description 9. Designasystemtocaptureandtreatwater ] \

at least18inchesacross,and/orrock >] controls. or planterstripsothertreatment runoff fromparkinglotsintoislands 0 spouts toplanters,swalesor Divert rainwaterfromalldown runoff. treat atleast85%ofaverageannual vegetated swales,thataresizedto ponds, stormwaterwetlandsand/or landscape beds,detentionbasins, and treatmentcontrols,suchas Incorporate designmeasures ] natural topographicfeaturesthat patterns ofdrainageandretain B$ Q?9

“Spring Color”isagoodselling point: providesornamental Increased bio-diversity.Adiverse landscapemayresistdisease Elimination ofpropertydamage due tooverheadirrigation Water qualityprotection(needforfertilizersandpesticidesis +CE Reduced surfacerunoff #C)!E aesthetic withnoneedforirrigation and pestsbetterthatthosewith littlevariety E can beincreased. costs aredecreased.Propertyvalues biodiversity. Downstreamengineering removal ofpollutantsandencourages water returnedonsitefostersthe Stormwater runoffisreducedwhile

] cobble atpointsofconcentrated spray andrunoffoutofstormdrains. impervious surfacestokeepover- areas receivingsprayirrigationand Plant a24inchbufferzonebetween Specify turfalternativesforbioswales.

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lant and animal diversity is one of the many factors that makes the Russian River Watershed unique and beautiful. More than 1,400 native plant species bloom throughout the year, supporting hundreds of native P pollinators, beneficial insects and other organisms that can reduce the need for pesticides.B irds and butterflies are attracted, bringing with them beauty, song and interest to a landscape. Biodiversity is crucial to the health and resiliency of the local landscape, the Russian River ecosystem and its inhabitants. Yet the loss of habitat is threatening local biodiversity. The population of the Russian River Watershed is growing and expected to continue to do so. With increased populations comes development, which must be done with regard for wildlife habitat. And although we tend to rely on parks and open space for preserving wildlife habitat, both residential and commercial landscapes can also play an important role. Developed landscapes can provide food, water, shelter and nesting sites for birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and other creatures, thus helping to conserve valuable wildlife resources and restore damaged ecosystems. Small spaces or corridors, patched together over the entire Russian River Watershed, add up to a great opportunity for encouraging and protecting wildlife. Offer your skill and expertise to your customers through the following practices for creating wildlife habitat:

1. Diversify

Description 3 A diverse landscape includes herbaceous and woody plants, biennials

and perennials of many different sizes, Practices & Principles shapes, colors and textures. It includes evergreens and deciduous plants, species that bloom at different times of the year and those that bear fruit or berries. And it includes plants that

occupy different canopy levels and root s zones. n chi

Applications Hut en n Educate your customers and K

encourage them to embrace oto: diversity. Ph n Start with a trial zone, then plan for increasing diversity throughout the landscape over time. n Recommend to your clients that they convert a lawn that no one uses, or lam i that they replace part of it with a a w diverse border. n oto: k Select a rich array of plant species h p that includes many, if not all, California natives. n Remove weeds: extra effort to clear invasive species now will save labor n Specify layers of groundcovers, “Studies have shown shrubs and trees that provide a later. that even in urban landscapes, variety of nesting sites and that Benefits native plants are associated flower and bear fruit at different Biodiversity is fostered. A diverse times of the year. Refer to the landscape may resist disease and insect with the increased populations Tips for Success: Flowering Periods of pests better than those with little of native songbirds.” Beneficial Insects Plants in this section. variety, while providing a higher habitat — Denise Cadman, Natural Resource n Do not plant invasive species as they value and visual interest. A single insect Specialist, City of Santa Rosa often damage or destroy habitat. or disease infestation is less likely to be devastating. 49 50 Principles & Practices

P H OTO : KAMALA BENNETT , SENT IENT LAND SC APE , IN C.

while addingan interestingelementtothelandscape. Logs andlarge stones provideshelterforbeneficial soilorganismsandsmall reptiles 3wildlife isfostered. fertilizers andmaintenance.Local River Watershed,oftenwithlesswater, M Benefits n n n n Applications also begoodchoices. plants thatmatchthemicroclimatecan wild lands. consider forsitesthatinterfacewith and theyareespeciallyimportantto for RussianRiverlandscapesarelocal over exoticspecies. that indigenousbeesprefernativeplants them. Researchindicates,forexample, because localfaunaareadaptedto critical tocreatingwildlifehabitat California nativeplantspeciesare Description first 2. ChooseCalifornianatives

any nativesflourishintheRussian communities (refertopages17-19). Consider groupingnativeplantsin deadhead everythinginthegarden. for wildlife—don’timmediately Let someplantsgotoseedforfood plants, toattractnativepollinators. rather thanplantinginisolatedsingle stands ofatleast16 squarefeet, G the micrositesoflandscape. California nativespeciesthatmatch Select avarietyofappropriate roup floweringspeciesindense O ther Californianative T he bestnatives

G M E E Castro Clyde RobinSeedCompany www.centralcoastwilds.com Santa Cruz,(831)459-0655 Central CoastWilds www.calfloranursery.com Fulton, (707)528-8813 P B B www.albrightseed.com Carpinteria, (805)684-0436 Albright SeedCompany www.elkhornnursery.com www.cornflowerfarms.com Cornflower Farms www.clyderobin.com California Flora www.baynatives.com San Francisco,(415)285-2240 www.greenleenursery.com Chino, (909)393-6544 lkhorn lk etaluma, (707)559-7081 uckeye ay reenlee oss G N rove, (916)689-1015 L atives anding, (831)763-1207 V N

Tips for Success for Tips N alley, (510)785-0425 T California nativesatthefollowingnurseries: many arebecomingpopularinthenurseryindustry.Lookforthem,orother Sources of California Natives California of Sources N ative ursery here aremorethan1,400plantsnativetotheRussianRiverWatershedand ursery P N lant ursery N ursery they knowofthe interest. they’ll supplymore localCAnativesif Also askyourcurrentnursery — www.mostlynatives.com Fairfax, (415)453-0372 www.nativerevival.com A N T M www.matilijanursery.com M M www.larnerseeds.com B Larner Seeds www.hedgerowfarms.com Winters, (530)662-6847 Hedgerow Farms Carmel Rana CreekWholesale www.pcseed.com www.northcoastnativenursery.com www.yerbabuenanursery.com Woodside, (650)851-1668 Y www.thewatershednursery.com B T www.suncrestnurseries.com Watsonville, (831)728-2595 Sierra www.seedhunt.com Freedom Seedhunt www.ranacreeknursery.com L P O P N Suncrest www.sierraazul.com Watsonville, (831)763-0939 ivermore, (925)373-4417 acific CoastSeed etaluma, (707)769-1213 olinas, (415)868-9407 erkeley, (510)548-4714 omales, (707)878-2009 erba he Watershed ptos, (831)684-1811 ative Revival ostly oorpark, (805)523-8604 atilija orth Coast ’ D

onnell’s Fairfax A B N N uena V zul atives N alley, (831)659-2830 ursery urseries, Inc. N N ursery & N N ursery ative N N ursery ursery ursery N N ursery ursery G N ardens ursery 3. Provide water and shelter 4. Use organic pest 5. Conserve or restore natural management areas and wildlife corridors Description Providing nesting sites, shelter and Description Description clean, fresh water is also essential for Pesticides kill more than the target Careful site planning, especially for encouraging wildlife. But care must be pest species. Birds, bees, butterflies and new development along the urban-wild taken not to create breeding sites for other creatures are also vulnerable — interface is important for protecting mosquitoes. in many cases they are more sensitive biodiversity. Natural areas and to the toxins than the pests. Eliminating corridors increase habitat and range, Applications or at least using them only as a last supporting a diversity of organisms and n Place a birdbath in the garden. resort is one of the most important allowing them to travel safely between Remind your customers to change practices for nurturing wildlife. sites. the water every few days to keep mosquitoes from breeding. Applications Applications n Refer to the integrated pest n n Learn an organic approach to Become familiar with local open management practices in the Protect landscape maintenance from the space requirements. Water and Air Quality section of this Standards for Organic Land Care: n Limit earthwork and clearing of chapter. Practices for Design and Maintenance vegetation. n Use only products allowed by OMRI of Ecological Landscapes, from n Place impervious surfaces outside of (see page 33). the Northeast Organic Farming tree drip lines. Association, www.nofamass.org/ n Read the label on every pesticide n Specify, in the construction contract, programs/landcare. (including naturally derived penalties for destruction of protected pesticides) that you use for toxicity n Select groundcovers, shrubs, and soil, trees and other vegetation. trees that provide a variety of nesting to non-target organisms. 3 n On previously developed sites, sites. Benefits restore open space by planting native n Specify rockwalls and boulders as Beneficial organisms, which can keep vegetation. design elements that also provide Practices & Principles pests under control, are not harmed. n Build in wildlife corridors adjacent to habitat. The soil’s ability to filter out pollutants open spaces, wild lands, and creeks. n Install bird and bat houses in and suppress disease is fostered. n Consider corridors when designing locations that are secure and away roads and fencing. from a lot of activity. n Protect or create a diverse buffer of n Snags are dead trees left in place. dense low maintenance vegetation Consider leaving wood materials or Contact the Wildlife Habitat Council along monocultures, creeks and the downed trees if they don’t threaten river. structures or parking areas or create for information on how both private a fire hazard. and corporate landscapes can be Benefits managed for wildlife habitat at Benefits The Russian River Watershed’s open www.wildlifehc.org. space, plant and animal diversity are Water and shelter support wildlife protected. Runoff is slowed, streams are and add interesting elements to the cooled and bank erosion is prevented. landscape.

Tips for Success Flowering Periods of Plants that Attract Beneficial Insects Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Salix spp. (Willow) Ceanothus spp. Baccharis viminea (Mule Fat) Achillea spp. (Yarrow) Rhamnus californica (Coffeeberry) Prunus ilicifolia (Holly-Leaf Cherry) Eriogonum spp. (Buckwheat) Sambucus spp. (Elderberry) Heteromeles arbutifolia (Toyon) Myoporum parvifolium (Creeping Boobialla) Asclepias fascicularis (Narrowleaf Milkweed) Baccharis pilularis (Coyote Brush)

ADAPTED FROM CORNFLOWER FARMS WILDLAND/AGRICULTURE CATALOG 51 Chapter FOUR

Summary of Russian River-Friendly 4 Landscaping Benefits

“We are aware, now more than ever of the need to be even more responsible stewards of our environment. As our level of individual and organizational awareness drives us to action, we need as many successful and innovative models to follow as possible. Russian River-Friendly Landscaping is a model that provides those looking for a place to start with the confidence that they need to take those first critical steps toward lasting change. For those that have already taken the first steps, it gives them a road map to continue to focus their energy on sustainable change that will benefit their business, their employees and the environment.”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS, NORTH COAST CHAPTER OF THE CALIFORNIA LANDSCAPE CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION

1. LANDSCAPE LOCALLY BENEFITS Design Maintain Construct 1. Select and evaluate the site carefully This knowledge is critical to all other Russian River-Friendly landscaping practices – particularly being able to select plant materials that match the site. It places the landscape in the context of the Russian River Watershed. In the long run, it allows you to collaborate with nature, saving you time and money. 2. Assess the soil and test drainage Understanding the soil is critical to landscaping in an environmentally friendly manner. Plants are more likely to be placed appropriately and fertilizers used only as needed.

clients with a sense of place. Native plants can make the job easier for the landscape professional. ! understanding of the risks, proper design and choice of plants. 5. Use local, natural plant communities as models Using the local, natural plant communities as a model allows you to work with nature to create spectacular landscapes that can help replace what’s so often been degraded or lost.

2. LANDSCAPE FOR LESS TO BENEFITS THE LANDFILL Design Maintain Construct 1A. Select appropriate plants: Choose plants to Plants are more likely to thrive, which reduces their susceptibility to match the microclimate and soil conditions disease and other pests and their need for fertilizers and pesticides. Water can be conserved. Callbacks and plant replacements are often "

1B. Select appropriate plants:Choose plants that Labor, fuel and waste are likely to be reduced, cutting your costs. Plant can grow to their natural size in the space allotted health and resistance to disease is fostered. them 1C. Select appropriate plants: Replace sheared Your cost for the labor to regularly shear the hedges is lowered and at hedges with plants that can grow to their natural the same time, fuel load can be decreased, waste will likely be reduced shape and size and your disposal bills lowered. 1D. Select appropriate plants: Do not plant invasive The cost of later pulling these species out of the landscape, neighboring species sites and wild lands is avoided. Waste is reduced and ecosystem diversity is protected. 2A. Keep plant debris on site: Grasscycle Leaving the clippings on the lawn after mowing saves time – one study showed that grasscycling reduced mowing time by 38%. It also saves money and reduces greenhouse gases that result from hauling the #$ 4 2B. Keep plant debris on site: Produce mulch from Nutrients are recycled, habitat is created, waste is reduced and the plant debris $&$ natural processes.

2C. Keep plant debris on site: Compost plant Composting on-site returns valuable nutrients and organic matter to the debris soil and reduces pollution associated with transporting waste, as well as disposal costs. 3. Prune selectively and properly Trees and shrubs are stronger and more likely to resist pests. Waste is minimized. 4. Water and fertilize judiciously Plants are not pushed into growth over-drive. Water damage to fences and hardscapes is minimized. Waste is prevented and disposal bills are decreased. Less maintenance translates into lower labor and fuel costs.

5. Use goats or sheep for controlling weeds and As the goats or sheep graze they reduce the fuel load, return nutrients ' to the soil and eliminate the need to haul off plant debris. 6. Use salvaged items and recycled content Lower maintenance costs can recover the added cost of plastic or materials composite lumber within a year. Compost provides superior erosion control to silt fencing and doesn’t require disposal. Waste can be reduced, natural resources conserved, markets for recycled products strengthened. 7. Reduce and recycle waste ($ time and money by reducing tipping fees and provides raw materials for future projects. Donations may be tax deductable. 8. Separate plant debris for clean green discounts Your disposal costs are trimmed, and in most cases, the material is processed into mulch or compost.

Indicates a practice that is a primary issue in the design, construction or maintenance phase. Indicates a practice that is a secondary issue in the design, construction, or maintenance phase. Indicates that a practice is not often as relevant in the design, construction or maintenance phase. 53 3. NURTURE THE SOIL BENEFITS Design Maintain Construct 1. Remove and store topsoil before grading Conserving topsoil can reduce the likelihood of many problems over the long run, and improve stormwater quality. It can minimize fertilizer and irrigation requirements and topsoil replacement costs. 2. Protect soil from compaction Soil structure and the soil’s ability to support the microbes that cycle )!' $$! 3. Defend against erosion The likelihood of erosion is lessened, thereby maintaining the hydrologic cycle and protecting aquatic habitat. 4. Amend the soil with compost before planting Compost fosters a diverse, fertile, and disease suppressive soil. You and $*$ plant establishment, decreased fertilizer and pesticide use and lower water usage. 5. Grasscycle Nutrients in the grass clippings are made available to plants. Fertilizer requirements can be reduced by as much as 50%, thereby lowering your costs and protecting water quality.

6. Mulch regularly Mulch conserves water, enhances the growth of plants and the appearance of the landscape. It can also simplify your operations – thereby possibly lowering your costs – by suppressing annual weed growth and reducing the need for trimming around trees and poles.

4 7. Aerate compacted soils Root growth is stimulated and plants are more easily established. Water and fertilizer requirements may be lessened, while disease is resisted. 8. Feed soils naturally A strong soil foodweb, which makes nutrients available to the plants and protects water quality, is nurtured. Topdressing turf with compost can decrease fertilizer use by as much as 50%. 9. Avoid synthetic, quick release fertilizers Slow release fertilizers make nutrients available to the plants when they are needed and are therefore often a better value. Flushes of growth that result in pest infestations or plant waste are less likely. Avoiding synthetic fertilizers can also reduce the likelihood of soil compaction, *!$ pollution in our local creeks. 10. Minimize the use of chemical pesticides Minimizing pesticides reduces water pollution and helps support soil life, which cycles nutrients and promotes resistance to plant disease. Your costs may then be reduced in the long run.

4. CONSERVE WATER BENEFITS Design Maintain Construct 1. Create drought resistant soils with compost and Compost can increase permeability and water-holding capacity, thereby mulch reducing the need for irrigation and lowering water bills. 2. Grow drought-tolerant California native or Appropriately sited native or Mediterranean type plants often require Mediterranean plants less soil preparation, watering, mowing, fertilizing and spraying, which can reduce your operating costs. California native species are readily available from traditional and specialty sources. Using local natives reduces the risk of spreading non-local plant species and provides optimal habitat for wildlife. 3. Minimize or eliminate the lawn Water and energy can be conserved. For example, reducing the size of a 1,000 square foot lawn that gets 1 inch of water per week to 500 square feet can save approximately 10,000 gallons of water per dry season. Your clients’ water bills and your labor for mowing may also be reduced. Chemical use may be decreased and water quality protected. 4. Implement hydrozoning: group plants by water Water use can be accurately matched to the plant requirements. This needs fosters improved plant health, resistance to pests and conserves water. Plant mortality is reduced, saving time and money. 5. Design for on-site rainwater collection, recycled The use of potable water to irrigate lawns and gardens can be reduced. water and/or graywater use Groundwater is recharged. Greenhouse gas emissions produced from pumping water is reduced.

54 Conserve Water (cont’d.) +"$ ;$$ prevent disease and minimize weed growth. Water bills can be lower and water quality protected. 7. Install a dedicated meter to monitor landscape Monitoring the landscape water use more precisely can demonstrate water use and support water conservation. A separate meter may also reduce your client’s sewer bill. 8. Manage irrigation according to need Appropriate watering moderates plant growth, promotes plant health and reduces replacement costs, as well as the need for pesticides and pruning. Your costs and your client’s water bills may be reduced. 9. Maintain the irrigation system so every drop Properly maintained irrigation systems not only save water but counts can also avoid unnecessary plant, fencing and asphalt replacement costs and increase property values. They can also decrease the use of energy for pumping and moving water, which in turn reduces greenhouse gas emissions. 10. Request an irrigation audit #!$< then demonstrate to the clients how your skills can save them money on their water bills. Customer satisfaction will be increased.

5. CONSERVE ENERGY BENEFITS Design Maintain Construct 1. Shade buildings to moderate temperatures When properly placed, mature trees can reduce the interior temperature of a building by as much as 20 degrees, reducing summer cooling costs by 25-40% and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 2. Reduce the heat island effect Patios and cars can be much more comfortable in the summer. Air quality can be improved. Costs of cooling adjacent buildings may be lowered. 3. Shade air conditioners )$!! client’s utility bill. 4. Design lighting carefully Power and energy use can be decreased. Lower operating costs can !$ lamps. 5. Choose and maintain equipment for fuel Manual labor may make the most economic sense for many landscape conservation operations. You can cut the cost of fuel while protecting the health of your staff, and local air and water quality. 6. Specify low embodied energy materials Buying locally produced and low embodied energy products often reduces the cost of an item, as well as the hidden environmental costs of transporting materials, such as pollution.

6. PROTECT WATER AND AIR 4 BENEFITS QUALITY Design Maintain Construct 1A. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Prevent # pest problems is critical to eliminating the need for pesticides, thereby reducing pollution and protecting the health of the Russian River Watershed. 1B. Use IPM: Train your staff to identify and monitor Your staff enjoys greater job satisfaction as they learn additional, '?$ control pests. If a problem does develop, you can catch it just as it is reaching a level that needs control. 1C. Use IPM: Educate your clients Insects and other pests can be accepted as an integral component of any ecosystem, in which case they are not controlled until they cause an unacceptable level of damage. The need for pesticides may be reduced or eliminated. 1D. Use IPM: Control pest problems with physical Pests can be kept at acceptable levels thereby reducing the need for and mechanical methods @'$!< staff will not be applying dangerous pesticides, which may reduce your liability. 1E. Use IPM: Control pests problems with biological ?$ controls the cost of purchasing and applying pesticides. Your staff will not be applying dangerous pesticides, which may reduce your liability. 1F. Use IPM: Control pest problems with the least Using the least amount of the least toxic pesticide helps to protect toxic pesticide as a last resort water quality and demonstrates your commitment to the health of your clients and staff, the community, and the Russian River Watershed. Indicates a practice that is a primary issue in the design, construction or maintenance phase. Indicates a practice that is a secondary issue in the design, construction, or maintenance phase. Indicates that a practice is not often as relevant in the design, construction or maintenance phase. 55 Protect Water and Air Quality (cont’d.) 2. Eliminate high input decorative lawns The need for irrigation, synthetic fertilizers and pesticides can be reduced or eliminated, thus protecting water quality. 3. Minimize site disturbance Vegetation, topography and hydrology are undisturbed and erosion is prevented. Sediment does not clog waterways. 4. Choose and maintain your materials, equipment Fuel consumption is minimized. Air, water and noise pollution can often and vehicles carefully be reduced. Worker and community health will be protected. 5. Keep soil and organic matter where it belongs Organic matter does not become a pollutant but rather, increases the soil’s ability to remove pollutants, thereby protecting our watershed. It also increases the soil’s pool of sequestered carbon dioxide. 6. Minimize impervious surfaces Increasing porous surfaces decreases runoff, protects the biology of the Russian River Watershed and contributes to the restoration of our local streams, creeks and wetlands. Groundwater is recharged. 7. Plant and protect trees Appropriately planting more trees decreases runoff and protects water quality. Trees also absorb air pollutants, thus protecting air quality. "$$ trees. 8. Manage and maintain the irrigation system Water will be conserved, runoff reduced and your customer may save carefully money on water bills, while protecting the Russian River Watershed.

9. Design a system to capture and treat water Stormwater runoff is reduced while water returned on site fosters the removal of pollutants and encourages biodiversity. Downstream engineering costs are decreased. Property values can be increased.

4 7. CREATE AND PROTECT BENEFITS WILDLIFE HABITAT Design Maintain Construct 1. Diversify Biodiversity is fostered. A diverse landscape may resist disease and insect pests better than those with little variety, while providing a higher habitat value and visual interest. A single insect or disease infestation is less likely to be devastating. J Q((X! water, fertilizers and maintenance. Local wildlife is fostered.

3. Provide water and shelter Water and shelter support wildlife and add interesting elements to the landscape. 4. Use organic pest management ?$!' $)S fostered. 5. Conserve or restore natural areas and wildlife The Russian River Watershed’s open space, plant and animal diversity corridors are protected. Runoff is slowed, streams are cooled and bank erosion is prevented.

56 4

57 Chapter FIVE

How to Start Landscaping... 5 in a Russian River Friendly Way

A conventional landscape is transitioned to a Russian River-Friendly landscape. KAMALA BENNETT, SUSTAINABLE LIVING DESIGNS Conventional landscape

Lawn sheet mulched in place

One year later 5858 5How to Start 59

PHOTO: CINDY NELSON CINDY PHOTO: to look at real life, practical solutions “We meet with clients

Once interest is generated, we that submit proposals with ROI’s so also keep them apprised of pending and future trends of the industry — Duane Feloni, Branch Manager, TruGreen LandCare, Windsor You You Landscape professionals learn how to sheet-mulch. to your customer such as lower water to your customer such as lower water bills and increased property value. Include the practices and their ( may even want to request that your clients sign an agreement on the goals of their Russian River-Friendly Landscape program.

# !P#!Q %&' ussian River Watershed residents, business owners and policy makers are already thinking about thinking are already policy makers and business owners residents, River Watershed ussian want to make a difference. and they and the environment between their landscapes the connection Yet Russian River-Friendly landscaping practices require skill and expertise. Communicate your Communicate skill and expertise. practices require River-Friendly landscaping Yet Russian to loyalty, then expand existing customer and strengthen your to earn new clients expertise landscaper. River-Friendly yourself as a Russian practices, marketing include more Feel Feel

STEP 3: STEP 4: STEP 5: STEP 1: STEP 2: R STEP 1: The best strategy for offering Russian The best strategy for offering Russian River-Friendly landscaping to your clients is to start by identifying those practices that you already do. Then train yourself and your staff practices can protect your client’s health or that of the environment, save or increase the value of their property. Communicate your skills and the landscaping to your customers or potential new customers. free to share the information in these guidelines with them. Let them know you can help them landscape in an environmentally friendly manner with these Russian River-Friendly services. Emphasize that many of these services can save them money. Detail your skill quality control reports mailed to your 60 60 5How toto StartStart a sustainablesystemneeds toincludeallthree bench markisanexample ofgooddesign,yet $O&'(&' !"#" Landscape Designer,Santa Rosa *) !) instantly switchover. that youwillneedtoevolvetowardsgoalratherthan environment andourcommunity.Itismorelikely,though, listed inthisguide.Itisaholistic,integratedapproachthat constructed andmaintainedwithmost,ifnotall,thepractices The idealRussianRiver-Friendlylandscapeisdesigned, landscaping practices STEP 2:

!" Landscape Guidelines. maintained inaccordancewiththe Design professionals:askthatthelandscapesyoudesignbe Friendly services? What trainingdoyouneedtooffermoreRussianRiver- year, orthenext2years? all ormostofthepractices? strong, (suchas Under theprinciple(s)atwhichyourcompanyisalready about andimplementinthenearfuture? What additionalpracticeswouldberelativelyeasytolearn of BestPractices What otherRussianRiver-Friendlypracticesfromthe Why? than others? Do wecurrentlyoffermorepracticesfromoneprinciple # www.bayfriendly.org+R3&$ # &45&46 $%&'*% www.qwel.net. Clickon‘Graduates.’ program graduates.Foralistofgraduates,visit Friendly Landscaper.’ ! (pages10-11)mightourclientsalsovalue? Conserve Water)whatwouldittaketooffer sustainability “The keysto not onlytheDESIGN,but landscape designsthatconsider Russian River-Friendly are Menu .--./-- ..) R----. ! transition. over-fertilized willrequiregreaterskillandtimeto intensively treatedwithpesticides,over-wateredand simple andshortprocess.Landscapesthathavebeen landscaping maintenanceprogramcanbearelatively organic amendmentstoaRussianRiver-Friendly with fewchemicalinputsandsomeadditionsof Transitioning alandscapethathasbeenmanaged TransitionPeriod GuideyourClientsthrougha

Start byassessing thesoilandtestingdrainage. in yourcontract. Agree uponanacceptableperiod andincludethis greater duringthatperiod. communication, andthattheir expensescouldbe require skill,frequentmonitoring andincreased years ormoretomakethechange, thatitwill Let yourcustomersknowthatitmaytake2 Tips forSuccess )* landscape practices,andprovide Watershed, showthelinktoour issues “If weexplainkey in theRussianRiver

PHOTO: VIRGINIA PORTER 61

55HowHow to to StartStart 61 PHOTO: MIKE HEACOX, LUCIOLE DESIGN LUCIOLE HEACOX, MIKE PHOTO: “Russian River- Friendly landscapes are economically sound 1 ;] natural plant communities and using Learning about local, them as models natural areas Conserving or restoring many California native plant Diversifying and including species shelter Providing water and of pesticides Eliminating the use

"#$%&' (% machine use, less water, less maintenance, no toxic .*. comfortable and engaging, and make the people )).- ,& wildlife or maintaining in designing, constructing Specializing to grow and for your business another opportunity gardens is ]9 clients: them to new and existing Use of compost tea for disease management and nutrient cycling Hand pulling weeds Use of natural herbicides 7

State of the art irrigation management to prevent over watering Feeding with compost or other natural or slow release fertilizers after analysis or demonstrated need Integrated pest management that includes: Aerating, then topdressing with compost Phasing out the scheduled application of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides Grasscycling Feeding soils naturally with compost or compost tea Feeding soils naturally with compost or Avoiding synthetic fertilizers them Minimizing chemicals with a goal of eliminating altogether Amending the soil with compost Mulching regularly Assessing the soil and testing drainage Assessing the soil and topsoil during construction Removing and storing Protecting soil from compaction and erosion # # # #

Lawns continue to be a part of our culture. But maybe it But maybe it Lawns continue to be a part of our culture. lawn. Russian River- is time to rethink what we mean by a input lawns are Friendly landscaping emphasizes that high functional lawns not included solely for their looks. Small — can be — those that are used for play and relaxation and provide managed to minimize environmental impacts your clients with a safer lawn by including: #*

Soil is the foundation of a healthy, beautiful landscape. Soil is the foundation practices: Offer the following + Care Program Another important question to ask yourself as you expand to ask yourself as you question Another important them is how to market River-Friendly services your Russian are some suggestions for Russian River- to your clients. Here Packages that could be developed to Friendly Landscaping encourage customer demand: both respond to and STEP 3: 3: STEP !P #!Q 62 5How to Start AND ADAPTED FROM: " Compost paysforitselfoverthelongtermasyouand one ofyoureasiestsellingpoints Amending soilwithcompostmaybe 2000. 2%#45/1-43 tours andconferences throughoutthegreaterBay Area. information orto viewupcomingtrainings,workshops, garden Visit theCoalitionwebsiteatwww.bayfriendlycoalition.org for %9[& with clientsinAlamedaCountycan alsoenrollinthe3weekBay- case studiesandguestexperts.Landscape designprofessionals Bay-Friendly Coalitionagenciesoffer halfdaytrainingsthatfeature # Bay Area. available forprofessionalswithclientsinmultiplecountiesthe [&*[ Enroll inthe7-weekBay-FriendlyLandscapeMaintenance # Professional. $%& Successful completionoftheseclasseswillallowyoutomarket '#12 entire ninecountiesoftheSanFranciscoBayArea. the Bay-Friendlylandscapingandgardeningprogramsto landscapes andgardens.ThegoaloftheCoalitionistoexpand pollution, conservenaturalresources,andcreatevibrant

families Protecting theenvironmentandhealthoftheir Paying backthecostofamendingsoilin5-7years Increasing waterholdingcapacity Reducing plantloss Faster plantinginamendedsoils Healthier plantswithanimprovedappearance Bringing lifetothesoil ) 7) '# '# ' 2%#24#25)4#45/*4-&0%/-12'0%#/%5&+-4#1+6 Decreases stormwaterrunoff Reduces waterbillsforcustomer Irrigation costsarecutbyasmuch50% < Fewer callbacks Increases customersatisfaction Degrades pollutants Reduces needforpesticides Improves plantresistancetodisease Reduces theneedforfertilizers 7&* Coalition worksinpartnershiptoreducewasteand The '#7& USCOMPOSTINGCOUNCIL %-#/&0%/-12*2210-3

Environmental Design(LEED multifamily andcivicbuildings.TheLeadershipinEnergy RS Nationally, theUSGreenBuildingCouncilhasdevelopeda more information,visitwww.builditgreen.org. later adoptedbylocalgovernmentsthroughoutCalifornia.For Building Guidelines, performance. GreenPointRatedisbasedonthe guide homebuilderstoachieveincreasinglyhigherlevelsof credible yetaccessibleentrypointintogreenbuildingandto It isadministeredbyBuildGreenanddesignedtoprovidea family andmultifamilynewconstructionprojectsinCalifornia. GreenPoint Ratedisaresidentialratingprogramforsingle ' %& STEP 4: Visit www.sustainablesites.orgforupdatesontheirprogress. standards forsustainablelanddevelopmentandmanagement. the SustainableSitesInitiativetodevelopnational,voluntary Z] American SocietyofLandscapeArchitects,USGreenBuilding Also underdevelopment,throughapartnershipbetweenthe www.usgbc.org formoreinformation. different levels,basedonthenumberofpointsearned.Goto Q rating theenvironmentalimpactsandsustainabilityofboth originallydevelopedinAlamedaCountyand TM ) isavoluntaryprogramfor Build ItGreen

PHOTO: ANNE MARIE ALLEN 5How to Start 63 www.apldca.org www.asla.org www.ecolandscaping.org http://papaseminars.com Coast Chapter www.clcanorthcoastchapter.org www.regenerativedesign.org www.sonomaecologycenter.org Arboriculture www.wcisa.net cemendocino.ucdavis.edu/Master_Gardener578 groups.ucanr.org/sonomamg # *9 # ; # 4 # ** # # '4www.melc.us # 4www.oaec.org # }9< # ;4 # <; # <www.irrigation.org *"www.sonoma.edu/ sustainablelandscape Program www.qweltraining.com or that offer conferences, trainings, workshops, " soils, IPM and more: soils, IPM and more: # ~'' # ~;' * disciplines through its Environmental Horticulture department: www.santarosa.edu Sonoma State University offers a Sustainable Sonoma State University offers a Sustainable [4*S&4 $ Become a Master Gardener and learn about plants, Become a Master Gardener Degrees Santa Rosa Junior College offers Associate

# 12 businesses owners professionals, Green industry River watershed within the Russian and residents principles. Expand your with Russian River-Friendly by taking advantage of these professional knowledge which are aligned with all or some training opportunities }}$% Landscaping.

Invasive University California A Guide to Taylor Island Press, Natural Enemies Sustainable Landscape University of California The California Landscape University of California University of California Press, University of California Cachuma Press, 2005. Cachuma Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, University of California Press, 2006. 2000. ||| Schmidt, Marjorie G., Growing California Native Plants, Thompson, J. William and Kim Sorvig, Lowry, Judith Larner, Gardening With a Wild Heart: Restoring California’s Native Landscapes at Home, Oasis Ludwig, Art, The New Create an Oasis with Greywater, Design, 2006. Smith, Nevin, Native Treasures: Gardening With the Plants of California, University of California Cooperative Extension, Vol. I, Rainsource Press, 2006. Press, 1999. University of California Press, 1980. Construction: A Guide to Green Building Outdoors, 2000. Estimating Irrigation Water Needs of Landscape Plantings in California, wucols00.pdf Bornstein, Carol, David Fross and Bart O’Brien, and Bart O’Brien, Carol, David Fross Bornstein, Flint, Mary Louise and Steve Dreistadt, STEP 5:STEP #) & Shrubs, Dreistadt, Steve, Pests of Landscape Trees for District, Plants and Landscapes East Bay Municipal Utility of the San Francisco Bay Region, Summer-Dry Climates 2004. www.ebmud.com. May Francis, Mark and Andreas Reimann, Gilmer, Maureen, California Lancaster, Brad, Native Plants for the Garden, Native Plants Randall and Marc Hoshovsky, Bossard, Carla, John Plants of California Wildlands, 2000. February 2004. of California Press, Pest Control, Handbook: The Illustrated Guide to Biological University of California Press, 1998. Garden: Ecology, Culture and Design, Press, 1999. Publishing Company, 1994. 64 5How to Start # # ### # # # # # # # # # ## Introduction Resources

- - www.livingsystemslandmanagement.com website atwww.ciwmb.ca.gov/CalMAX/ or: Integrated Waste ManagementBoard’s(CIWMB) CalMax [ www.livestockforlandscapes.com + For moreinformationonusinggoatsandsheepfor purchased fromwww.ansi.org ANSI A300-(Part1)-2001:TreeCareOperations,canbe org andwww.invasivespecies.org Invasive plantspecieswebsites:www.cal-ipc. Fire Prevention: Contact soilandcomposttestinglaboratories: soil survey,visithttp://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/app Service. Forusefulsoilinformationandafreeweb-based contacting theUSDANaturalResourceConservation Soil surveyscanbefoundatyourlocallibraryorby resources. Learnmoreatwww.lowimpactdevelopment.org LID techniquestohelpprotecttheirwatersandnatural stormwater runoff.Manyjurisdictionsareincorporating sensitive approachtodevelopinglandandmanaging Low ImpactDevelopment(LID)isamoreenvironmentally- www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/green GreenScapes Allianceat more aboutGreenScapes,orbecomeaparticipantinthe and recyclingofwastematerialsinlargelandscapes.Learn industry intoapowerfulforceforthereduction,reuse, The EPAGreenScapesAlliance,unitesgovernmentand www.goatsrus.com landscaping: } http://ceres.ca.gov/foreststeward/html/fuelsoption.html California ForestStewardshipwebsite For goatgrazing,contactwww.barlasboergoats.com or For sheepgrazing,contactwww.canvasranch.com or University ofCalifornia’sDivisionAgricultureand Options forManagingFireFuelLoad Soil &PlantLabwww.soilandplantlaboratory.com Soil Foodwebwww.soilfoodweb.com Soil ControlLabwww.controllabs.com Peaceful ValleyFarmSupplywww.groworganic.com Harmony FarmSupply&Nurserywww.harmonyfarm.com A&L WesternAgriculturalLabswww.al-labs-west.com ABC Organicswww.abcorganics.com http://ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8228.pdf http://ucanr.org/freepubs/docs/8322.pdf Home LandscapingforFire

canbefoundatthe

5 # # # # # # # # # *,

www.candswaste.com/california/salvage_shop www.garbage.org www.buildingsoil.org/tools/Soil_BMP_Manual.pdf Recycling Council’sBuildingSoilwebsiteat Plan Guidelines oncreatingandimplementinga To purchasesalvagedmaterialscontactorvisit: conservation efforts programs and provides informationandassistance onwater $ [4 www.epa.gov/WaterSense $ + seeks toprotectthefutureof ournation’swatersupplyby WaterSense isanEPA-sponsored partnershipprogramthat or SoilFoodweb,www.soilfoodweb.com growingsolutions.com; MicrobialMagic,www.soilsoup.com; www.composttea.com; GrowingSolutionsInc.,www. contact SustainableAgriculturalTechnologies, For informationandequipmenttobrewcomposttea org, www.composttea.organdwww.soilfoodweb.com Information oncompostteaisavailablefromwww.attra. mulching fromwww.northbaypaper.com Rolls ofrecycledcardboardcanbepurchasedforsheet www.sonomacompost.com the SonomaCountyCentralDisposalFacility available forpurchasefromSonomaCompostCompany,at Compost madefromSonomaCountyyardwasteis www.candswaste.com/california/solidwaste available forpurchaseattheUkiahTransferStation Compost madefromMendocinoCountyyardwasteis for LandscapeandEnvironmentalEnhancement. % CalRecycle websiteatwww.calrecycle.ca.gov/organics For listingsofcompostandmulchproducersvisitthe www.compostingcouncil.org/programs/sta Assurance programforensuringqualitycompostat The USCompostingCouncildescribesitsSealofTesting www.recyclenow.org www.sonomacountyhabitat.org www.mendorecycle.org Sonoma CountyWasteManagementAgency Sonoma CountyHabitatforHumanity’sReStore Mendocino SolidWasteManagementAuthority Garbage Reincarnation,Inc.www.garbage.org Salvage ShopattheUkiahTransferStation Garbage Reincarnation,Inc.’s“Recycletown” Heritage SalvagePetalumawww.heritagesalvage.com Daniel O.Davis,Inc.www.davisdemolition.com SonoMax MaterialsExchangewww.SonoMax.org canbedownloadedfromWashingtonOrganic Soil Management

Compost Use 5How to Start 65

The Milo Baker CNPS Chapter serves Sonoma County: The Sanhedrin CNPS Chapter serves inland Mendocino

Information on the hazards of lawn chemicals is available at Information on the hazards of lawn chemicals www.beyondpesticides.org/pesticidefreelawns at A porous pavement fact sheet is available Information is also www.epa.gov/npdes/pubs/porouspa.pdf. Council of Northern available from the Concrete Promotion California at www.cpcnc.org For on installing nest boxes visit www.hungryowl.org information ] Sonoma County Storm Water Program Program Storm Water County Sonoma www.sonoma-county.org/prmd/sw Program Rosa Storm Water City of Santa www.srcity.org/stormwaterandcreeks Contact, see contact Storm Water For local District Water’ in the ‘Conserve for local water districts information Resource Section. pesticide use at Learn more about safe www.epa.gov/pesticides/controlling Center (BIRC) offers the IPM Bio-Integral Resource at Sense Pest Control Quarterly Practitioner and Common www.birc.org pest management solutions for Environmentally-friendly an garden and landscape plants, including hundreds of pests of healthy lawns, is available from the UC interactive guide for www.ipm.ucdavis.edu Statewide IPM Program: at offers free Pro IPM Fact Sheets The Seattle Public Utilities www.ci.seattle.wa.us/util/proipm fact sheets For information on pesticides, water quality, visit (including lawn care), and less toxic alternatives, www.ourwaterourworld.org in pesticides visit To look up impacts of active ingredients www.pesticideinfo.org The California Native Grasslands Association is an excellent resource for landscaping with native grasses: www.cnga.org The Wildlife Habitat Council provides information on how landscapes can provide habitat: www.wildlifehc.org For information on fostering wildlife habitat for pest control in landscapes visit www.hungryowl.org and www.californiabats.com California Native Plants are described at California Native Plants are described Plant Society Your local chapter of the California Native on local native (CNPS) is a good resource for information plant species: An updated list of native plant nurseries is available at www.cnps.org/cnps/grownative/nurseries.php Information on California Oaks is available from the California Oak Foundation at www.californiaoaks.org For information on Sudden Oak Death visit www.suddenoakdeath.org www.cnpsmb.org County: www.cnps-sanhedrin.org

*,+ # #

Town of Windsor www.townofwindsor.com Town of Windsor www.townofwindsor.com City of Ukiah www.cityofukiah.com City of Santa Rosa www.srcity.org/wc City of Sebastopol www.ci.sebastopol.ca.us in Sonoma County Water Agency (For areas Mendocino County Water Agency City of Rohnert Park www.rpcity.org City of Cloverdale www.cloverdale.net City of Cloverdale www.cloverdale.net City of Cotati www.ci.cotati.ca.us City of Healdsburg www.ci.healdsburg.ca.us Mendocino County Water Agency Storm Water Management Program www.mendocountywa.com/storm. htm The International Dark Sky Association has a list of "www. darksky.org The Center for Urban Forest Research of the US Forest ; the urban forest, as well as many reports on their costs and "www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/cufr The PG&E website includes information on reducing energy consumption: www.pge.com Local water districts often offer information on water Local water districts often offer information budget conservation, landscape audits or audit/water check the training. Contact your water supplier or following websites: [&45&46 Auditor Program is a WaterSense labeled Irrigation "www.qwel.net The Irrigation Association is a national membership The Irrigation Association provides information and education on organization which and water management practices: irrigation equipment www.irrigation.org Information on the California Irrigation Management Information on the (CIMIS) is available at Information System www.cimis.water.ca.gov The Irrigation Training & Research Center at California The Irrigation Training San Luis Obispo offers Polytechnic State University, Landscape Water Budget classes: Irrigation Auditor and www.itrc.org The California Urban Water Conservation Council offers a Conservation Council Urban Water The California news including product services and information, variety of resources at www.cuwcc.org and technical The California Department of Water Resources has Resources of Water Department The California and demand at on water supply information www.water.ca.gov Unincorporated Sonoma County) www.scwa.ca.gov/conservation www.mendocountywa.com

,48

*- # # # # # # # # # #

66 5How to Start Authority Michael Sweeney–MendocinoWasteManagement Jennifer Silva–MendocinoWasteManagementAuthority Karina Chilcott–Sonoma WasteManagementAuthority City ofSantaRosa The WatershedProject Sharon Farrell&Tamara Shulman Bio-Integral Resource Center Tanya Drlik UCCE, AlamedaCounty Shauna Cozad&KarenWikler Design Works Rebecca Coffman Jensen CorporationLandscapeContractors Jake Cacciato Presidio Trust Michael Boland Katrine BenningerLandscapeDesign Katrine Benninger Baefsky &Associates Michael Baefsky Special thanksgotothefollowingfortheirinput,reviewandcommitment thecompletionof [email protected] StopWaste.Org Program Manager Teresa Eade '/1 [email protected] City ofSantaRosa Project Manager,Writer,Researcher, Debra Lane /1 [email protected] Graphic Designer David Gilmore 8 The RussianRiverWatershedAssociationgratefullyacknowledgesthe A specialthanksgotothefollowingfortheirinputandcontributions,sharingexpertiseindevelopmentof Water ConservationandResources Tasha Wright Tom Lococo Heaven Hix Lisa Grant Denise Cadman Steve Brady governments, aswellsustainablegardeningeducationforthehomegardenerinAlamedaCounty. a widerangeofresourcesforlandscapeprofessionalsinthepublicandprivatesector,modelpoliciestechnicalassistancelocal program fortheresidents,businessesandinstitutionsofAlamedaCounty.TheBay-FriendlyLandscaping&Gardening Program offers Recycling Boardactingasonepublicagency.Itsmissionistoplanandimplementthemostenvironmentallysoundwastemanagement The Bay-FriendlyLandscapinglogoisatrademarkofStopWaste.Org,whichtheAlamedaCountyWasteManagementAuthorityand ! enhancement. TheAssociationworkstopromotecooperationandimplementationofprojectsthatprotectwatershed The RussianRiverWatershedAssociationisanassociationofninecities,countiesandspecialdistrictsinthe Acknowledgements for generouslyallowingtheuseofcontentfrom [email protected] Association Expertise, RussianRiverWatershed Project Review,Writer,Plant Virginia Porter [email protected] Logo IllustrationandDesign Joal Morris [email protected] StopWaste.Org Program Manager Cynthia Havstad

City ofBerkeley Jerry Koch UC Berkeley Greg Harrington Cagwin &Dorwood Manual Gonzales California InvasivePlantCouncil Doug Johnson Sentient Landscape,Inc. Geoff Hall East BayMunicipalUtilityDistrict David Langridge East BayMunicipalUtilityDistrict Susan Handjian East BayMunicipalUtilityDistrict Christine Finch Duane Faloni–TruGreenLandCare Management Landscape Marizco – Erts Richard J.M. Baeli–Baelin,Inc. Town ofWindsor Agency Water County Sonoma County ofSonoma City ofUkiah Park Rohnert of City City ofHealdsburg City ofCotati Cloverdale of City */, [email protected] City ofSantaRosa Project Facilitation Jennifer Burke

[email protected] Technical Advisor Daniel Muelrath [email protected] Graphic Design David Gilmore

River-Friendly LandscapeGuidelines. Bay-Friendly LandscapeGuidelines: Four DimensionsLandscape Co. Michael Thilgen Mr. BurtTanoue New GrowthLandscape Nate Silin Wildheart Gardens Chris Shein Glen SchneiderLandscape Glen Schneider Alameda CountywideCleanWaterProgram Jim Scanlin Cal Poly,Pomona Bob Perry,ProfessorEmeritus Pacheco BrothersGardening George Pacheco Jacob Voit–Cagwin&Dorward Landscapes Creek Elder – Taylor Rick Management Landscape Marizco – Rasmussen Dan 9*N* 9N* Design Landscape APLD, – Markarian Dowd Susie Landscape Mountain Sonoma – Kopshever John Trathen Heckman – Daily Acts Organization Acts Daily – Heckman Trathen Sierra Hart–AllenLandDesign Geoff Hall–SentientLandscape,Inc. Program %N;;7; Russian River-FriendlyLandscapeGuidelines: [email protected] StopWaste.Org Program Manager Cynthia Havstad City ofSantaRosa Project Assistant Joel Grogan [email protected] Illustrations Joal Morris andthe Sacramento