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9. Recommendations For Implementation

• Since the majority of the potential direct cost savings with an alternative landscape are due to decreased water usage, the best first steps to take are ones that directly increase watering efficiency, including:

  • Installation of a new irrigation system for the lawns, capable of responding to daily evapotranspiration data. This system can be controlled via a computer program or the water budget method, both discussed on the CIMIS webpage (California Irrigation Management Information System)

  • Installation of drip irrigation for planting beds and new xeriscaped beds, similar to that used in the experimental garden

  • Replacement of existing planting beds with xeriscaped planting beds

• Before new irrigation system is installed, reduce watering to the lawns to the amounts shown in Section 5.1. This plan could be tested on an out of the way piece of grass before implementing it campus-wide

• Implement changes in landscaped areas one section at a time, this has the benefits of:

  • Reducing initial costs and providing immediate savings that can be used to subsidize further changes

  • Making it possible for re-landscaping work to be done by the grounds crew, reducing the costs of the alternative scenario

  • Giving the grounds crew time to learn about how to maintain the new areas

• Reduce fertilizer application rate to 2.4 lb fertilizer/1000 ft²

  • Again, this could be first tested on one piece of grass before implementing campus-wide. The grass to the east of Thomas-Garrett hall would be a good choice, as the groundwater could be tested with the soil water samplers while monitoring the grass for aesthetics

  • It would be beneficial to combine the fertilizer and water test sites to see what turf quality would result when both plans are combined

• Incorporate elements of Integrated Pest Management to reduce need for pesticides (Fundamentals of a Low Maintenance, Integrated Pest Management Approach to Landscape Design).

  • Select plants that are somewhat resistant to local pest problems

  • Install edging along pathways made of material with many joints. This will stop encroachment of weeds into walkway

  • Use landscape fabric (geotextiles) on top of soil and underneath 3"-4" of mulch to prevent growth of weeds. Thermally spunbonded fabrics are most effective at preventing fine roots from piercing the fabric

  • Hire an Integrated Pest Management Consultant to identify pests and help select least toxic solution

• Create more functional areas on campus for studying and relaxation

• Consider rising energy costs

  • Consider the energy use of landscape practices such as using fertilizers, pesticides, fuel, etc. These practices may grow more expensive, through direct energy costs and indirect economic costs

• Finally, consider long term economic costs associated with current HMC practices that may have small annual costs at this time.

  • Human health effects of chemicals, especially pesticides

  • Environmental costs of chemical use, especially fertilizer

  • Costs of water use in the face of growing water scarcity

  • Likelihood of growing water costs

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