Welcome
Cory Tanner
Urban Horticulture Extension Agent
Clemson Extension
Today’s Training
Advanced Concepts
in Water Smart
Landscape Design
Day 1: Landscape Planning and
Design
The Team

Cory Tanner, Urban Horticulture Extension Agent, Clemson Extension

Tim Davis, Areawide Imported Fire Ant Specialist and Master Gardener
Coordinator, Clemson University

Kerry Smith, Master Gardener Coordinator, Auburn University

Eve Brantley, State Water Quality Coordinator Auburn University

Frank Henning, Region IV EPA – CSREES Liaison

Paul. Pugliese, Agriculture & Natural Resources County Extension Agent,
University of Georgia

Marco Fonseca, Master Gardener Coordinator, University of Georgia

Ellen Bauske, Program Coordinator, UGA Center for Urban Agriculture
Funding
Learning Objectives



Understand the water cycle and
watershed concepts
Be able to conduct a landscape
assessment for Water Smart
management
Design a water smart landscape
Water Smart Landscaping
Why is our fresh water so valuable?
 Do I need to reduce my water use?
 How do I reduce water consumption?
 Can I use less water and still have an
attractive, healthy lawn/landscape?
 What is Water Smart Landscaping all
about?

The goal of a Water Smart
Landscape is to maintain
healthy lawns and gardens
while using less water
and
to reduce the environmental
impact of our landscapes
through sustainable
maintenance practices.
Facts About Water

We have the same amount of water on earth
today as we did when the earth was created

Of all the earth’s water, 97% is salt water
located in the oceans and seas

2% of the earth’s water is tied up in polar ice
caps

Only 1% of the earth’s water is fresh water
available for drinking, bathing and cooking
Knowledge & Perspective




The world’s population of nearly 6 billion
will double in the next 40 to 90 years
Per capita water consumption is rising
twice as fast as the world’s population
The World Bank says 22 nations
currently have severe water shortages
Global demand for fresh water will
double every 20 years
In the US …

Since 1965 the population of the US has grown
by 52%, while the demand for water has tripled

Today we are finding additional and different
ways to use more and more water than before

The average daily demand for water in the
United States is 338 billion gallons
More Facts About Water
•The average person could support their water needs
(drinking, bathing, cooking, etc) with about 15 gallons of
water per day
•Yet per capita water consumption in the U.S. exceeds 70
gallons/day/person
•If every household in the U.S. decreased their
consumption by 1 gallon of water per day, we would save
120 million gallons of water per day
•That’s enough water for a city the size of Jacksonville, FL
Household Water Use*
Source
Amount (GPD)
Toilet
18.5
Clothes Washer
Shower, Bath
Sinks, Faucets
Leaks
15.0
12.8
10.9
9.5
Dishwasher
Other Sources
Total Indoor Water Use
1.0
1.6
69.3
Total Outdoor Water Use
30 – 40
*Averages per day; source AWWA Research Foundation
In the Southeast…




The southeastern U.S. is one of the fastest growing
regions
Demand for water is increasing
Water storage capability is limited
Lack of water can harm
-wildlife
-environment
-landscapes
-business
-food/energy production
Georgia’s Water

9.5 million people
depend on a clean
water supply

The population is
increasing by more
than 2.2 % a year
making GA the 5th
fastest growing
state in the nation
© 2006 National Drought Mitigation Center
http://drought.unl.edu/gallery/2007/Georgia/LakeHartwell2.htm
The Price of Water

The average consumption of water in the US =
3.4 billion gallons/day

Treated water now costs an average of $2.84
per 1000 gallons --- $9.6 million per day (AWWA)

Consider the costs – waste treatment, trucking,
pumping, labor, environmental impacts, etc
An Impending Crisis
Southeastern states feuding over water rights.
Carolinas' waterway named most endangered in U.S.
“In June, South Carolina filed a lawsuit with the Supreme Court opposing plans
by the North Carolina cities of Concord and Kannapolis to pump up to 10
million gallons a day from the river.”
By Katrina A. Goggins
Associated Press Writer / April 17, 2008
Tri-State water wars still simmer in Southeast amid federal intervention
“An updated Bush Administration water-sharing plan for the Southeast is
prompting cautious praise in Georgia, and anger and worry in Florida and
Alabama that metropolitan Atlanta will be getting more than its fair share.”
By Billy House and Amy Dominello
Media General News Service / April 16, 2008
How Are We Coping?
Summer Surcharge: Rate increases
25% to 100% when use exceeds
average winter consumption
 Restrictions: Odd/Even outdoor
watering
 Bans on Outdoor Use
 Programs

Do We Need a Strategy?




More people using/needing water
Greater demand for water
Same amount of water available
Solution? -- Educate people how to use
water efficiently
In your backyard…
Your Watershed
What is a Watershed?
Your Yard!
A Watershed is an area of land
that drains to a single outlet.
Center for Watershed Protection
Water Quantity and Water Quality
– Amount of Water
Quality – Clean water
 Quantity

Point Source Pollution

Traditional focus of water
quality protection

Direct discharges from
factories, industrial
complexes, or
wastewater treatment
plants

Point source discharges
have largely been
addressed since passage
of the Clean Water Act
Nonpoint Source Pollution

New focus of water
quality protection

Stormwater runoff carries
variety of pollutants to
streams, rivers, and bays

Nonpoint source pollution
(or polluted runoff) comes
from many sources - We
all play a role in
minimizing its impacts
Impervious Surfaces
Falls Park on the Reedy River, Greenville, SC
Sedimentation
Pollution at the
Landscape Level
Why manage stormwater?
• To prevent flooding
during heavy rains
• To keep our rivers and
streams healthy
• To meet state and
federal requirements
• To provide for future
growth and development
Landscape Assessment
and Design
Outdoor Water Use
•
Outdoor water use is more discretionary
than indoor use
•
Average residential water use increases
30% - 50% during the summer months
when citizens turn on outdoor irrigation
•
Home-landscape water use can
consume up to 67% of total home water
demand (AWWA)
Landscape Benefits

Healthy landscapes
say welcome

Give our children a
safe place to play

Add beauty to our
personal space and
communities

Enhance the
environment of our
home
thurt@uga.edu
Landscapes…



Produce the oxygen
we breathe
Reduce carbon
dioxide
Moderate air
temperatures
resulting in lower
heating and cooling
costs
Landscapes…




Filter air and water
pollutants, noise
and dust
Reduce stormwater
runoff
Reduce sediments
Facilitate
groundwater
recharge
thurt@uga.edu
Recreational Benefits
• Sports safety
• Physical health
• Entertainment
Aesthetic, Economic & Other
Benefits
• Property value increase
7-15% (Gallup)
• Quality of life
• Mental health
• Social Harmony
• Community pride
•Reduce and/or absorbed
CO2 emission
Designing for Beauty
Traditional
considerations:
- Balance
- Variety
- Color
- Texture
- Form
- Organization
Include
Water Use
In Design
- from Kelly et al. 1991. Xeriscape: Landscape Water Conservation in the Southeast. Publication
EC 672. Clemson Cooperative Extension Service.
Coined in Colorado
in 1981
(Pronounced Zera-scape)
From the Greek Word
“Xeros”, which
means dry
A Better Term in the
Southeast?
Water Smart Landscaping
So, what exactly is Water Smart
Landscaping?

Landscaping for water-conservation




Improving soils, drought tolerant plants, mulching,
efficient irrigation, proper maintenance, etc
Implementing efficient watering techniques in
the yard and garden
Landscaping that decreases need for
supplemental watering
IN SHORT – planning & maintenance for a
water-efficient landscape
Seven Steps to Water Smart
Landscapes
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Planning and Design
Soil Analysis
Appropriate Plant Selection
Practical Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
Use of Mulches
Appropriate Maintenance
Not for the Southeast
1. Planning & Design
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Analyze site conditions & resources
Determine expected and desired
uses
Group plants by water use zones
Reduce lawn area
Reduce high water use areas
Reduce and direct runoff water
Implement efficient irrigation (Day 2)
Site Analysis

Select plants
adapted to the site

Right plant to right
place

Make site changes
(as practical) to fit
the plants

Group plants with
similar needs
Consider Site Resources

Balance Your
Expectations
with the Site
Soil type
 Drainage
 Shade/sun
 Existing
Resources
 Slopes

Expected and Desired Uses





Recreation/Sports
Entertainment
Relaxation
Wildlife
Others?
Site Analysis
- from Kelly et al. 1991. Xeriscape: Landscape Water Conservation in the
Southeast. Publication EC 672. Clemson Cooperative Extension Service.
Group Plants into Three
Water-use Zones

High Water-use Zones (Oasis Zones)

Moderate Water-use Zones
(Transition Zones)

Low Water-use Zones (Xeric Zones)
High Water-use Zones
Small “high-impact” or high visibility areas of the
landscape where plants are provided their optimum
water requirements at all time
• Entrance to the home or business
• Should be the smallest overall %
Limit high water demand areas to a smaller
scale; like this entryway
Moderate Water-use Zones
(Transition Zones)
Plants are watered during establishment.
Then, once established, they are watered
only when they show signs of drought
stress.
Azaleas, Dogwoods, Redbuds,
Herbaceous Perennials, other site adapted plants
Low Water-use Zones
Once established, plants receive no
supplemental irrigation, except during
periods of extreme drought
Juniper, Crape Myrtle, Yaupon Holly
Oaks, other shrubs & trees
Make “Native Areas”
Retrofit
House
Spirea
Fatsia Nandina
Driveway
Azaleas
Little Gem
Magnolia
Turfgrass
Native Trees
Native Oak
N
Street
G. Wade, UGA
Moderate
Low
High Water-use Zone
G. Wade, UGA
Pinestraw
Pinestraw
Year 1
G. Wade, UGA
Moderate
Low
Low
High Water-use Zone
Low
Year 1
G. Wade, UGA
Dwf Yaupon
Liriope
Holly
Mulch
Hybrid Bermuda
Gaura
Year 2
G. Wade, UGA
Low
Low
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Moderate
Water-use Zone
Low
Low
Low
Year 2
G. Wade, UGA
Seasonal Color in Container
Hardwood
Mulch
Prince of Wales or
Sergents Juniper
Liriope
Pinestraw
Asiatic Jasmine/ Daffodils
G. Wade, UGA
High Water
Use
Moderate Water Use
Low
Low Water Use
Moderate
Low
Low Water Use
Low Water Use
Moderate
G. Wade, UGA
Seven Steps to Water Smart
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Planning and Design
Soil Analysis
Appropriate Plant Selection
Practical Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
Use of Mulches
Appropriate Maintenance
Top Soil ???
Know Your Soil
•
•
•
•
•
Soil texture
Surface drainage
Internal drainage
Nutrients/pH – Soil test
Note differences across
property
Don’t Guess…Soil Test!
Add Organic Amendments





25% by Volume
3 inches incorporated to a 12 inch depth
1 cu. yd. / 100 sq. ft. = 3 in. on soil surface
Read the bags and do conversions
OR --- as much as you can get!
Use only decomposed organic material (right)
as a soil amendment
The Goal!
Seven Steps to Water Smart
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Planning and Design
Soil Analysis
Appropriate Plant Selection
Practical Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
Use of Mulches
Appropriate Maintenance
Select Plants Adapted to the Site and the
Stresses of the Environment
Drought tolerance is important, but also consider
potential insect and disease problems, sunlight,
and soil requirements.
Appropriate Plant Selection
Consider:
Ultimate size
 Light needs
 Soil type
 Invasive or weedy tendencies
 Litter
 Pest susceptibility or resistance
 Hardiness and heat tolerance
 Drought tolerance

Azalea
Shade
Hosta
Japanese
Pachysandra
Lenten Rose
Liriope
Mondograss
Sun
Zebra Grass
Sun Coleus
Mexican Heather
Purple Passion
Use Native Plants

Multiple
seasons/reasons of
garden interest

Or have a long season
Tough!
 Fit a niche

Difficult to find other
plants to fit there
 Has a unique
characteristic


Some are all three
Seven Steps to Water Smart
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Planning and Design
Soil Analysis
Appropriate Plant Selection
Practical Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
Use of Mulches
Appropriate Maintenance
Lawns Can Be Water Smart



Match size to
intended use
Rounded, compact
lawns more efficient
to water and mow
Design so lawn is
watered separately
from other plants
The E.P.A. estimates an average suburban lawn consumes 10,000
gallons (beyond rainwater) annually
86
Drought Tolerance of Turfgrasses
Hybrid Bermuda
Most
Zoysia
Centipede
Fescue
Least
Use Turfgrass for a Purpose



Aesthetic Value (Welcome Mat)
Recreational Surface
Erosion Control
Minimize the amount of
irrigated turfgrass
Avoid Using Irrigated Turfgrass Just to
Fill Space
Alternatives to Turf

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Wood chip play yards
Bark, stone or gravel walks, around
driveways and utility areas
Patios, decks, walkways
Groundcovers, especially for slopes and
under trees
Meadow areas – mowed once or twice a
year
Big planting beds of low water use plants
91
Seven Steps to Water Smart
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Planning and Design
Soil Analysis
Appropriate Plant Selection
Practical Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
Use of Mulches
Appropriate Maintenance
Irrigation can be a critical
component of a water smart
design.
Let the Plants Tell You
When to Water

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
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Gray-green color
Brown edges or tips
Curling leaves
Wilting (be careful)
Water deeply &
infrequently
Be observant
Drip Irrigation Saves
Uses 30% to 50% less water than sprinkler irrigation
Avoids spraying foliage; decreases foliar diseases
Very efficient
Only need to water
25% of the root
area
Adjust timers frequently according to
changes in rainfall patterns
A low-cost rainfall sensor will prevent the
irrigation system from running during rain
For most efficient use of water,
irrigate between 9 pm and 9 am
Avoid light, frequent irrigation
Seven Steps to Water Smart
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Planning and Design
Soil Analysis
Appropriate Plant Selection
Practical Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
Use of Mulches
Appropriate Maintenance
Benefits of Mulch
Reduces evaporative water loss
from the soil
 Reduces soil-borne diseases
 Insulates the roots of plants from
extreme heat and cold
 Reduces weed competition
 Decreases soil erosion

Best Mulch
Organic
Fine-textured
Non-matting
How Much Mulch To Apply?
• 3 to 5 inches is sufficient
• 1 bale of pine straw covers
approximately 50 sq. ft.
• Nine 3 cu. ft. bags of bark
mulch will cover 100 sq. ft. to a
3-inch depth
The neighbor’s trash is
your treasure!
Newspaper placed
under mulch, 2- to
3-sheets thick,
helps provide an
added barrier to
moisture loss.
Seven Steps to Water Smart
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Planning and Design
Soil Analysis
Appropriate Plant Selection
Practical Turf Areas
Efficient Irrigation
Use of Mulches
Appropriate Maintenance
7. Proper Care & Maintenance
Is Water Smart

Maintain healthy
soil
 Fertilize and
mulch

Maintain efficient
irrigation
Spent Time on the Planting Hole




Plant selection is only
one step in planting
Woody plants – dig the
hole at least 2x wider
than rootball, apply
mulch
Turfgrass – till and
amend soil as
recommended, rake
smooth
Annual/perennial beds –
till and amend as
recommended, rake
smooth and mulch
A Good Time to Plant
• Soil testing
• proper lime and fertilizer
• Appropriate soil amendments
• Plant in fall and winter
• during dormancy
• Prepare planting beds
• for better infiltration & water holding
• Mulch
http://apps.caes.uga.edu/urbanag/pubs/bmp_watercon.pdf
Timing Installation of Perennials
*Average from 1953 to 1992
**Average from 1971 to 1992
Evaporative Water Loss - Inches
Start Here!
9
8
7
6
5
4
*
**
3
2
1
0
Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May
Athens
UGA Farm
Don’t Plant Problems
Examples:
 Leyland Cypress
 Euonymus
 Red Tip Photinia
 Popcorn tree
 Etc, etc, etc
Pest Management


Pesticides include: insecticides,
fungicides, miticides, herbicides,
nematicides, etc.
Pesticides are classified as chemical or
organic
“organic” ≠ “safety”

Pesticides are just one component of an
Integrated Pest Management Program
Pesticide Use
- Health
- Effectiveness
- Expense
- Environment
About Using Pesticides

Select the pesticide and its formulation based on:




In general, use pesticides only as spot application


Blanket coverage can harm beneficial insects and desirable
plants
There is no magic pill


The target pest & affected plant(s)
Application equipment available
Hazards of the pesticide and the applicator’s experience
No single herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, etc. is appropriate for
all pest problems
ALWAYS read and follow all label directions when using
pesticides
Integrated Pest Management

IPM involves a variety of
tactics to control pests:
cultural, mechanical, biological
and chemical.






Use disease and insect
resistant plants
Hand destroy if pest numbers
not excessive
Rotate annuals to reduce
reoccurring pests
Prune out dead and diseased
plant parts
Mow lawns and apply
fertilizers for optimum lawn
health
Etc, etc, etc
Information on Pesticides
The Extension Service has information for:




Choosing the correct pesticides
Using pesticides correctly
Storing pesticides
Disposing of pesticides
Maintenance
Pruning and Weeding

Pruning





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
Limit shearing, selective
pruning less stressful
Remove dead, diseased
or injured parts
Remove cross
branching
Keep tools sharp
Understand space
requirements
Understand growth habit
Weeding

Decreases water
competition
Mowing
•
•
•
•
•
Mow at recommended
height for your turf
Keep mower blades
sharp
Mow regularly – 1/3 rule
Water and fertilize for
deep roots
And fewer weeds
•
Weeds add to the water
demand during drought
stress
Grasscycling
Let the Clips Fall Where They May
Clippings
Help Hold
Moisture
in the soil
Clippings DO
NOT Cause
Thatch
Clippings
Add
Nitrogen
Back
to the
Soil
Avoid frequent flushes of vegetative
growth brought on by:

Fertilization

Pruning
Excess Irrigation

Especially in Summer
It’s a Resource – Be Water Smart
Water Smart Landscapes
Save Water
 Save Time
 Save Money

Water Smart gardens are beautiful!
Make Every Drop
Count
Our Future
Depends On It!