1. Introduction and Purpose - Granicus

Public Landscape Installat ion and Maintenance Guidelines City o f Sarasota Publ ic Works Department

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1. Introduction and Purpose

The Public Landscape Installation and Maintenance Guidelines (Guidelines) are intended for all landscape installations and maintenance within City of Sarasota (City) rights-of-way (R.O.W.) and public open space areas. Public landscapes are highly visible assets that require proper installation and maintenance. It is the intent of this document to minimize landscape maintenance requirements, be environmentally friendly and sustainable, and reduce economic expenditure requirements caused by poor design, installation, and/or maintenance. In addition, maintaining public health, safety, and welfare are important tenets in the development of these Guidelines. Benefits A properly designed, installed and well maintained landscape can provide many benefits to the community including increased property values, improved air quality, reduced soil and wind erosion and reduced storm water runoff. Landscapes provide habitat for a variety of wildlife thus promoting a healthy ecology. Landscape plants clean the air by capturing dust particles and other pollutants while absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Energy conservation is realized by reducing the urban heat island effect and cooling the community in hot summer months. Accreditation These Guidelines were developed to obtain accreditation from the American Public Works Association based on the Public Works Management Practices Manual, fifth edition

a. Create impetus for organizational self improvement and stimulate a general raising of standards

. This manual provides the framework for an objective evaluation of a public works agency. The purpose of the accreditation program is to provide a means of formally verifying and recognizing public works agencies for compliance with the recommended practices set forth in the manual. It is a voluntary, self-motivated approach to objectively evaluate, verify and recognize compliance with recommended management practices. The objectives of the accreditation program are to:

b. Offer a voluntary evaluation and educational program rather than government regulated activity

c. Recognize good performance and provide motivation to maintain and improve performance

d. Improve public works performance and the provision of services e. Increase professionalism f. Instill pride among agency staff, elected officials and the local community

Following these Guidelines may also aid the City in obtaining a “Florida Green Local Government Designation” from the Florida Green Building Coalition. As with any standards, periodic review and refinement is recommended to ensure that the desired quality end product is being realized. Personal Protection Equipment and Safety Protective equipment, including personal protective equipment for the eyes, ears, face, head, and extremities, protective clothing, respiratory devices, and protective shields and barriers shall be provided, used, and maintained in a sanitary and reliable condition wherever it is necessary by reason of hazards of processes or environment, chemical hazards, radiological hazards, or


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mechanical irritants encountered in a manner capable of causing injury or impairment in the function of any part of the body through absorption, inhalation or physical contact. All personal protective equipment shall be of safe design and construction for the work to be performed. The workplace shall be assessed to determine if hazards are present, or are likely to be present, which necessitate the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) prior to work being performed. Regulations These Guidelines are not intended to supersede any established Ordinances, Regulations or Specifications that may apply to public landscapes. This includes standards such as the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials’ “Green Book”, and the City of Sarasota’s Engineering Design Criteria Manual among others. Reference all applicable regulations to ensure compliance. This requires ongoing review; as the landscape matures sight lines, clearances and accessibility must be maintained.

2. Site and Soil Preparation

Existing Plant Material Existing healthy, desirable plant material will be preserved in place to the greatest extent feasible. Desirability can be based upon species, size, age, and other such factors. Preservation may require protective measures such as barricades and temporary irrigation systems during construction. The use of barricades would minimize damage to the existing root and branch structures and would avoid soil compaction over the root system and contamination that could be harmful to the plant. A tree protection detail has been incorporated into these Guidelines (Figure 8). If preservation is not possible, relocation of plant material should be considered as an alternative. Mature plant material adds aesthetic value that may justify the expense involved. Suitable relocation areas should have soil, microclimate, moisture and drainage characteristics appropriate to the needs of the plant to ensure good success rates for transplanting. All existing invasive plant material should be considered for removal. In some instances, invasive plant material may be allowed to remain, in which case it shall be approved by the City. All invasive plant material that is removed shall be collected and disposed of properly off-site. Composting or landfills designated for such materials are proper methods of disposal. Removal may be by manual or mechanical means or by application of herbicides depending upon the amount of invasive exotics and their surroundings. Follow-up control methods are critical to ensure that re-colonization of invasive plant material does not occur, since the disturbed soil creates favorable conditions for re-growth of seeds and root fragments. Right Plant – Right Place Principle Existing ecosystems play a major role in selecting a suitable plant palette. The best results are realized by adhering to the “right plant - right place” principle. An unsuitable plant growing in adverse conditions is always more prone to insect and disease problems that will generally require additional maintenance. The “right plant - right place” principle is adapted from the “Florida Yards & Neighborhoods Handbook, 3rd edition”, available at http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/index.html .

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Soil Compaction Compacted and poorly drained soils contain very little oxygen, which plants need to survive and grow. Lack of oxygen in the soil causes plants to die, to grow poorly, or to be susceptible to insect and disease problems. If soil cannot be excavated by hand it is probably too compacted for proper drainage. Soil compaction is a function of soil composition and a suitable planting soil should have a compaction approximating 80% of the maximum dry density (AASHTO T-180-57). This compaction can be very easily obtained by backfilling around planted material in 3” to 5” lifts followed by tamping by foot or other suitable means. Since this level of compaction is easily obtained, actual testing of the soil compaction is not required. New soil around plant material should be thoroughly watered to complete the compaction process and eliminate large air pockets. Proper Drainage Prior to the installation of plant materials, it is important to ensure proper drainage of the planting site for the intended plant materials (right plant – right place). In many instances, poorly drained sites can be physically augmented with under-drain systems to ensure proper drainage. Evidence of poor drainage could include sour odors; the presence of confining layers of soil, such as clays or hard pan; planting sites located on or near re-contoured land (cut or fill); or, in the case of planting sites located near recent roadway construction, the presence of excessively compacted soils and roadway base layers. Refer to Figure 6, Poor Drainage Condition Detail, included in these Guidelines for suggested drainage improvements. Soil pH Regular soil samples should be taken in all turf and landscape beds to monitor pH levels. Levels should be maintained to provide optimum growing conditions for the specific plants. Soil amendments may be necessary to adjust pH levels. The pH level is particularly critical near the coastline, since filled areas along the coast often exhibit high pH levels due to salt content. The “right plant – right place” principle should be followed to ensure that selected plants match the existing pH conditions on the site. Refer to Sarasota County’s Cooperative extension website at http://sarasota.extension.ufl.edu/Hort/soiltest.shtml for more information regarding soil testing. Soil Properties and Characteristics Without testing the soil composition of existing soils, general soils properties and characteristics can be obtained from the Soil Survey of Sarasota County, Florida, at http://soildatamart.nrcs.usda.gov/manuscripts/FL115/0/sarasota.pdf. This document includes, but is not limited to, such properties and characteristics as: physical and chemical properties, mineralogical properties, soils series and classifications, hydraulic conductivity, permeability and general drainage characteristics, and pH. It also includes soils maps of Sarasota County. 3. Landscape Material Standards

Proposed Plant Selections Existing ecosystems play a major role in selecting a suitable plant palette. Plant selections should first consider using Florida native plants. If not native, specified plants should be consistent with the “right plant - right place” principle. It states that “plants selected to suit a specific site will require minimal amounts of water, fertilizers and pesticides”. Specific site considerations should include the following factors:

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• Sunlight requirements • Wet vs. dry soils • Prevailing wind direction • Strategic use of shading to save energy • Plant groupings based on water requirements and maintenance needs • Avoiding use of narrow turf strips; using groundcover instead

The “right plant - right place” is one of the “Florida-Friendly Landscaping” interrelated principles which help to protect natural resources and preserve Florida’s unique beauty. Refer to their website, http://www.floridayards.org for all nine principles, a Florida-Friendly plant database, and additional sustainability information. Florida Yards and Neighborhoods, a University of Florida program, is another resource for Florida-Friendly Landscaping and can be accessed at the website, http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/

Plant material selections should consider the mature size of the plant and its ability to thrive under the given environmental conditions of a particular site. Adequate space for branch and root growth needs to be considered for successful long term survival. Establishing the right plant in the right place saves time, money, and labor by reducing future maintenance requirements. Diversity of selection is also critical. The selections should approximate the natural environment in its diversity thus eliminating establishment of monocultures. This diversity reduces the impact of adverse conditions to the entire landscape, since different plants have different tolerances to various stresses.

. Florida-Friendly Landscaping is an expansion of earlier “Xeriscape” principles and recognizes that individual landscapes are a part of a larger natural ecosystem.

Plant Palette The attached plant palette should be used as a guide for all public area plant selections to the greatest extent possible. This will ensure a consistent, well-adapted and easily maintained selection of plant materials throughout the City. Many of these plants are native and have been selected due to their past success in the various microclimates associated with the City of Sarasota. This palette also includes several non-natives that have proven to be consistent performers in the harsh conditions associated with public landscape areas. For a complete list of Florida-Friendly plants, visit the University of Florida/Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension website, http://floridayards.org/fyplants/index.php. Grades and Standards All proposed plant material shall be Florida #1 or better quality as outlined in “Grades and Standards for Nursery Plants”, latest edition as published by the State of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry. This document is available from the Division of Plant Industry website, http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/pubs.html. All plant material shall meet minimum specified size requirements and shall be in a healthy and thriving condition, free of pests and diseases when delivered for planting. Material shall be inspected at the nursery or upon delivery to ensure they meet specifications. If not planted immediately, plant material shall be kept moist and protected from temperature extremes until they are planted. Invasive Plant Material Some species of exotic plants are highly invasive and should be removed when possible. Invasive exotic plants can aggressively take over a natural habitat, altering the ecology of an area and crowding out native plants and animals. This results in a reduction of diversity that impacts the entire ecosystem. While it is a challenge to totally remove all of the invasive plants

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that exist, their control and maintenance should always be considered. Invasive species that have caused much ecological damage in Florida include:

• Australian Pine (Casuarina spp.)

• Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius)

• Melaleuca, Punk Tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia)

Refer to The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s “List of Invasive Plant Species” at the website, http://www.fleppc.org/list/07list.htm for a complete inventory. This list contains over 125 exotic plant species identified as Category I or II invasive pest plants and is updated bi-annually to reflect the latest adverse impacts on Florida’s plant communities. Proposed landscape projects should refer to this list during the design process to ensure that identified invasive plant species are not being planted.

4. Landscape Installation and Maintenance Standards Utilities Rights-of-Way often include multiple utilities, both above and below ground. Landscape conflicts can be avoided by contacting Sunshine State One Call at 811 or 1-800-432-4770 or online at www.callsunshine.com prior to design and installation. In Florida the law requires excavators to call 811 two full business days prior to excavating so that utilities can be located and marked, free of charge. Landscape material should be placed at a sufficient distance from utilities so that branches and roots do not interfere with them. Refer to the affected utility’s guidelines for appropriate plant species and setbacks from its installations. Florida Power & Light suitable plant species guidelines, “Right Tree – Right Place” are available at http://www.fpl.com/residential/trees/right_tree_right_place.shtmlUrban Trees

.

Urban conditions are typically not conducive to successful tree growth, especially underground. Trees require adequate volumes of soil for proper root growth. There are many methods and commercial products available to achieve proper soil volumes in impervious settings. These would include root paths, structural soils, and suspended sidewalks, such as the Silva Cell system. Refer to the UF/IFAS website: http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/urban_design.html for more information.

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Planting Hole Planting too low is a common cause of plant failure. The planting hole depth should allow for the topmost root emerging from the trunk, or root flare if present, to be 1-2 inches higher than the adjacent grade and the hole width be approximately twice the diameter of the root ball. If the soil is poorly drained, it should be planted even higher. The bottom of the planting hole should be firm to prevent settling and the sides should be roughened with a shovel to enhance root penetration into the surrounding soil. Refer to the Planting Detail Figures attached to these Guidelines and The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) website, http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/plantinghole.html, for further information on proper planting procedures. Plant Installation Refer to Dr. Ed Gilman’s “Ten Steps to Proper Tree Planting” at http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/summaryplanting.html. Plants should be oriented to minimize conflicts with pedestrians, traffic and buildings at maturity. If branches are lower on one side, it should face away from areas of highest activity. If one side is more developed, it should face north or the direction of least sunlight. The less developed side will benefit from additional sunlight. If the top of the tree is not vertical when the root ball and trunk are straight, the root ball should be tipped to bring the trunk upright. When placing plant material, do not lift by the trunk, instead use straps or rope around the root ball. If the plant was container-grown, the container should be removed and circling roots should be cut to prevent future girdling. Refer to Dr. Ed Gilman’s research for recommended root pruning methods at http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/circleremoving.html. The outside of the root ball should be roughened to improve contact with the surrounding soil. If the plant was balled and burlapped, any non-biodegradable wrapping materials must be entirely removed from the root ball after planting. Biodegradable material should be sliced in several places to make it easier for roots to penetrate. Wire baskets and all associated ropes and handles or loops must be removed. There should be no packaging material left on the root ball. Backfilling The original soil excavated from the planting hole should be used as backfill, after rubble and other harmful materials have been removed. Soil should be added in 3-4 inch lifts and compacted firmly. Add water to ensure all large air pockets are removed from the planting soil. The root ball should be firmly in contact with the backfill mix without too much compaction that would inhibit new root growth. After the last layer of soil has been placed, there should be no exposed biodegradable root ball wrappings, ropes or handles. A 6 inch above grade earthen saucer should be formed at the perimeter of the planting hole to facilitate watering. For spaded material, the saucer should be one foot outside the edge of the spaded area. It should be filled with water when complete to aid in settling the soil. Saucers should remain until the plant is established and may require additional grading during this period to ensure they can contain the water. There should be no material or soil on the top of the root ball and water should not drain towards the trunk.

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Watering Adequate watering is vital to ensure the success of landscape plantings and development of deep roots. Supplemental irrigation is necessary for new plantings until root systems are firmly established. A watering schedule should be implemented since water requirements will vary based on physical location, time of year and amount of natural rainfall. Rainfall needs to be taken into account, since too much water can be as harmful as not enough water. A schedule should account for volumes of water and frequency of application for specific sizes of plant material. Watering times should be compliant with current water restrictions adopted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota. Efficient irrigation management should aim to reduce the amount of irrigation applied as a landscape matures. Refer to Section 6 – Irrigation Best Management Practices of these Guidelines for further information. Mulching The use of organic mulch provides many benefits including:

• A uniform aesthetically pleasing appearance

• Retention of soil moisture and reduction of evaporation, reducing irrigation requirements

• Improvement to soil’s absorption rate, thus reducing erosion

• Production of additional root growth within the mulch layer • Moderation of soil temperature, keeping soils warmer in winter and cooler in summer • Improvement of the organic content, fertility and structure of the soil as it

decomposes • Suppression of unwanted weed growth

• Reduction of plant damage due to landscape equipment • Inhibit certain plant diseases

Mulch should be used to supplement the plants within a landscape, but not used in place of them. Mulch Types There are two categories of mulch: organic and inorganic. Organic mulches should be naturally colored and made from sustainable materials such as recycled hardwood mulch, Melaleuca or Eucalyptus trees, or pine needles. Ensure that the wood material source is non-toxic and has not been treated with chemicals such as chromated copper arsenate (CCA) that can leach into the soil. Recycled mulches shall not contain yard waste due to the possibility of disease contamination. The use of cypress mulch is prohibited because harvesting depletes natural cypress wetlands. Inorganic mulches, such as crushed stone or pebbles, do not decompose or contribute to the soil’s nutrient content or water holding capacity. The use of inorganic mulch may be suitable in certain situations where organic mulches may wash or be blown away.


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Mulch Installation Mulch should be applied 2-3 inches deep around plants depending on the type used. The coarser the mulch, the thicker it can be applied. Around shrubs, a 3 inch space should be left between the stem of the plant and the mulch. For trees and palms, a 3-6 inch space should be left between the trunk and the mulch. The root flare should still be visible after mulching has been applied. ‘Volcano mulching’ is the practice of piling mulch against the trunk which hinders oxygen exchange to the roots and causes root rot. Volcano mulching shall be avoided. Mulch should be applied out to a plant’s drip line or at least a 2 to 3 foot minimum diameter per inch of tree trunk caliper. ‘Volcano Mulching’Organic mulches should be refreshed as needed. This will help ensure the proper depth is maintained as well as restore its aesthetic appeal. Existing mulch may be raked over if sufficient depth exists to refresh the color. Refer to the University of Florida/IFAS website, http://fyn.ifas.ufl.edu/handbook/Mulch.pdf for additional Florida Friendly mulch information.Staking Staking should only be used when it is absolutely necessary. Several staking details have been included in these Guidelines to accommodate different types and sizes of plantings. Staking is temporary and should be removed once the roots have been established. Stake removal is generally done 4 to 8 months after installation. Regular inspections should occur to ensure staking method is not causing damage to the plant. Fertilizing Fertilizer includes any material that contains one or more recognized plant nutrients and promotes plant growth. Fertilizers should be used to:

• overcome nutrient deficiency • increase vegetative growth or flowering • increase the vitality of the plant.

Fertilizer should not be applied when plants have sufficient levels of all essential nutrients so that growth rate and plant condition are acceptable, have the potential for certain pest problems, or have herbicide damage with residual activity in the plant. All fertilization applications shall adhere to the regulations of City of Sarasota Ordinance No. 07-4768, which adopts Sarasota County Ordinance 2007-062, known as the “Sarasota County Fertilizer and Landscape Management Code”

Nutrient needs are best determined through soil nutrient analysis to determine soil nutrient levels and salt content, plant analysis to determine nutrient content of the leaves and pH analysis to determine the acidity or alkalinity of the soil.

. These Ordinances serve to regulate the use of nitrogen and/or phosphorus fertilizers and promote sustainable fertilization practices.

Fertilizer to be used on all landscape material except for turf grass and palms shall be granular in form and have a 2-1-3 or similar ratio of N-P-K with at least 50% of the nitrogen and potassium to be slow-release. Fertilizer shall also contain micronutrients, specifically magnesium, manganese, iron and trace amounts of boron, copper, and zinc. Palm trees shall

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be fertilized with “Sure-gro Palm Fertilizer” or equal. This fertilizer has an 8-4-12-4 ratio of N-P-K-Mg with 100% of nitrogen and potassium derived from slow-release ingredients and contains no activated sludge. Refer to Timothy Broschet’s article, “Fertilization of Field-grown and Landscape Palms in Florida”, http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP261 for further information. All palms and trees shall receive fertilizer as per individual tree size (1-3 pounds for small palms/trees; 3-5 pounds for medium palms/trees; and 5-8 pounds for large palms/trees). Shrubs and groundcovers shall be fertilized at the rate of 1.0 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of area at each application. Drop spreaders shall not be used to broadcast fertilizer. Application should begin at 2”-6” away from the trunks and continue out to the edge of the intended root zone. Granular fertilizer shall not be allowed to accumulate on any plant leaves, crowns or at leaf bases. Fertilizer shall be swept or blown off all impervious areas immediately after application to avoid staining and washing into storm drains. Watering in shall occur within 24 hours of application. Pruning Proper pruning is both an art and a science. The natural shape of a plant should not be severely altered and never top a tree’s central leader. All palms and trees shall be pruned per the standards outlined in the “American National Standard for Tree Care Operations”, ANSI A-300. Pruning practices including tree inspection, tools and equipment, and pruning cuts shall per performed per ANSI A-300 standards, http://www.tcia.org/Public/gov_standards_a300.htmTrees shall be pruned according to pruning objectives, tree species, tree age/size, tree condition, location and use. Objectives may include reducing risk of failure, providing clearances, reducing shade and wind resistance, maintaining health, and improving the overall structure of the tree. All pruning shall be accomplished under the direction of an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) certified arborist. Refer to Dr. Edward Gilman’s

.

“Pruning Shade Trees in Landscapes” at http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruning.htmlTrees with crowns which spread over roadways shall be pruned to maintain a 14-foot vertical clearance. Trees with crowns which spread over sidewalks and other pedestrian areas shall be pruned so that an 8-foot vertical clearance is maintained. Trees with crowns that spread over parking lots shall be pruned to maintain a 12-foot vertical clearance. Pruning may have to occur over a period of years to achieve these results. Young trees should never have more than 25% of their foliage removed at each pruning cycle.

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Palms should be pruned on a regular basis so that all brown lower fronds and flower stock are removed completely. No live, healthy fronds should be removed unless it is a safety issue. Healthy fronds above the “9 and 3” o’clock positions shall remain. All inflorescences and fruits shall be removed unless desired based on the species and location. Palm frond petioles shall be severed as close to the trunk as possible without damaging the trunk tissue. All loose frond bases shall be removed. All volunteer tree seedlings in the boots shall be removed. Refer to http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruningpalms.html for further information on pruning palms. All landscape areas shall be inspected on a regular basis to ascertain whether any pruning and trimming is needed to maintain plants within their intended bounds, to remove dead or damaged plant parts including limbs, branches, fronds, stems or flowers, and to keep plants from encroaching upon parking lots, driveways, sidewalks, streets, signs, lighting, etc. Hedges shall be trimmed to maintain the desired height and width and be allowed to produce new growth in between trimming operations. The base of hedges shall be maintained slightly wider than the top to allow for adequate sunlight penetration.

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Pruning tools shall be properly sterilized between pruning operations. All debris shall be collected at time of pruning and disposed of properly off-site. Composting or landfills designated for such materials are proper methods of disposal. Weed Control Weeds shall be removed by hand on a regular basis throughout the year from all landscape beds including ‘volunteer’ seedlings that may sprout up in palm trunks, hedges and shrub beds. If appropriate herbicides are utilized, they shall be applied in accordance with all applicable regulations. After adequate plant establishment pre- and post-emergent herbicides may be applied on an as-needed basis, however, the use of the herbicide Atrazine should be avoided due to its negative effects on non-targeted species. Plant Removal Guidelines Plants are removed for several reasons including safety, dead or dying condition, preventing spread of harmful insects or diseases, poor aesthetics, or if they are harmful to the environment. All resultant debris from removal should be disposed of properly including leaves, twigs, trash and soil. Damage to the site that may have occurred due to removal shall be restored. Stump Removal Stumps are any lower portion of a tree or palm that remains up to a height of 2 feet after the branches, trunk and foliage have been removed. The area for stump removal is that which causes the surface of the ground to be higher than the surrounding grade. Stump cutting flush with final grade is acceptable only if no plantings will be placed in the same location. Roots within the stump removal area should be removed to a maximum depth of 24 inches below finished grade. Root depth will vary and should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Contact Sunshine State One Call at 811 or 1-800-432-4770 or www.callsunshine.com

for existing utility locations prior to stump removal. All exposed surface roots beyond the stump removal area should be removed to a maximum depth of 12 inches below grade. Soil that has been displaced by deeper roots shall be leveled to the existing grade. The hole or depression left by a stump removal process shall be filled with clean topsoil. Do not leave the chips or debris left by the stump removal process on-site. This organic matter would eventually decompose and settle leaving a depression. Material should be disposed of properly through composting or delivery to an acceptable landfill.

5. Turf Management

Proper mowing helps create healthy, dense turf with strong roots that reduce weed growth, limit storm water runoff, and better absorb nutrients and water. Mowing and Edging All turf shall be maintained at the highest acceptable mowing height based on the type of turf grass, using mulching, rotary type mowers. Mowing should be done once each week during seasons of active growth (April through October). From November through March, mowing shall be done only as necessary to keep turf areas neat and to keep weeds from flowering and setting seed. Necessary precautions shall be utilized to prevent the spread of disease from one area to another. This shall include the regular cleaning of lawn mowing equipment. Mowing shall never remove more than 1/3 of the leaf blade. Mower blades shall be kept sharp at all times to provide a clean cut. All edging shall be done at time of mowing. Cuttings shall


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not be blown into storm drains. Mowing shall be directed away from water bodies and impervious surfaces. Clippings shall be left on the lawn areas as a source of slow-release nitrogen. Large clumps of clippings shall be raked and disposed of properly or composted.

Turf grass Species

Suggested Mowing Heights

Optimal Mowing Height (inches)

Mowing Frequency (days)

Bahia 3.0 - 4.0 7 - 17

Bermuda 0.5 – 1.5 3 - 5

St. Augustine 3.5 - 4.0* 5 - 14 Zoysia 1.0 - 3.0 10 - 14

* Dwarf varieties of St. Augustine (Seville, Captiva, Delmar) are the only cultivars of

this species that should be mowed at less than 3.0”.

Fertilizing Turf shall not be fertilized if heavy rainfall is expected. All fertilization applications shall adhere to the regulations of City of Sarasota Ordinance No. 07-4768, which adopts Sarasota County Ordinance 2007-062, known as the “Sarasota County Fertilizer and Landscape Management Code”. In accordance with Sarasota’s Fertilizer Ordinance, from June 1st through September 30th no fertilizer containing nitrogen or phosphorous may be used on lawns or plants. At all other times, fertilizer shall contain no less than 50% of its nitrogen in a slow-release format. No fertilizer shall be applied within 10 feet of the edge of any pond, stream, water course, lake, canal or designated wetland, unless other regulations are more stringent. Refer to the pamphlet “Living on the Water’s Edge” available at http://www.scgov.net/EnvironmentalServices/Water/SurfaceWater/documents/WatersEdge.pdf, for additional information on landscape alternatives adjacent to water bodies. Fertilizer shall be applied at the rate of no more than one pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of area. Florida soils are naturally high in phosphorous so adding phosphorous fertilizer may not be required. A soils analysis may be utilized to determine specific nutrient requirements. If the soil test indicates that phosphorous application is necessary, apply 0.25 pounds per 1,000 square feet of area, not to exceed 0.50 pounds annually. Yellowing of turf may be caused by iron deficiencies. Apply iron to provide greening using ferrous sulfate at the rate of 2 oz. in 3-5 gallons of water per 1,000 square feet of area or a granular chelated iron source. The use of organic fertilizers is preferable to chemical fertilizers. Organic nitrogen is beneficial for its “slow release” and long lasting properties but it is only available in low concentrations and requires a larger quantity to be spread. Read and follow all safety and application instructions as outlined on fertilizer labels. Improper application or over use can be unsafe, increase contamination of storm water runoff, and damage plant tissue. Uniform spreaders should be used to ensure an equal distribution of

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fertilizer and should be applied during times of the year when plants will be able to uptake the available nutrients with sufficient moisture.

6. Irrigation Best Management Practices

Irrigation system design should be customized to match the design of the landscape and be operated in an efficient manner that minimizes run-off and percolation beyond the intended root zone. Irrigation systems should not be utilized to replace rainfall but rather to supplement rainfall. ¾ inch of water per irrigation cycle dependent on weather conditions and time of year is adequate. Irrigation frequency and timing must comply with all water restrictions. Water schedules should be adjusted seasonally. Refer to the Southwest Florida Water Management District’s website for current regional watering restrictions at http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/restrictions/index.html or the City of Sarasota’s website for specific city watering information at http://www.sarasotagov.com/InsideCityGovernment/Content/CAC/Communications/Water_restrictions_page.html. The use of an automatic moisture-sensing shut-off device is required by state law. It should be in a location where it is exposed to unobstructed natural rainfall outside of the irrigated area and shall be adjusted to override the system if adequate rainfall has occurred. Plants with similar water requirements shall be irrigated on the same zone. Installed trees and vegetation shall be spaced and located to accommodate their mature size on the site and not interfere with irrigation spray patterns. Turf areas shall be watered on separate zones and shall be designed so that they are no narrower than 4 feet in width to ensure efficient head layout. Sprinklers and rotors for turf areas shall be installed and maintained to minimize irrigation overspray onto paved surfaces, structures, and non-vegetated areas; minimize runoff of irrigation water and operate at their designed overlap pattern of 75% to 100% head to head coverage. Pop-ups and rotors shall have matched precipitation rates and shall not be mixed in the same zone. Constant pressure regulation should be maintained to prevent water waste caused by misting and/or fogging at the irrigation head. Excess water pressure produces aerosolized particles that will evaporate and waste water. Micro-irrigation with low volume emitters should be used for all landscape beds on separate irrigation zones from lawn areas to increase irrigation efficiency. Bubblers shall be used on all trees and palms. Micro-irrigation is efficient because it applies water directly to the root zone. A ‘Y’ type filter shall be installed at the head end of the system. In-line pressure regulators shall be utilized to reduce pressure to a maximum of 15 p.s.i. Filters shall be installed to prevent debris from clogging the emitters. Reclaimed water or other non-potable water sources shall be used for irrigation when available. If the water source is from a well, a constant pressure control device or pressure tank with adequate capacity shall be required to prevent pump ‘cycling’. Routine irrigation maintenance shall include:

• Inspection for broken, clogged or non-functioning heads and valves

• Adjusting irrigation heads for proper coverage • Replacing and cleaning head filters

• Checking the automatic shut-off device

http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/restrictions/index.html�

http://www.sarasotagov.com/InsideCityGovernment/Content/CAC/Communications/Water_restrictions_page.html�


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• Seasonal adjustment of timer clocks

• Ensuring compliance with current water restrictions adopted by the Southwest Florida Water Management District, Sarasota County and the City of Sarasota.

• Removing plant growth and turf around irrigation heads

• Capping or modifying irrigation heads to adapt to changing needs as plants mature

7. Site Amenities and Landscape Lighting

Site amenities refer to items often used by people in the outdoor environment including benches, tables, bicycle racks, playgrounds, etc. Amenities need to be considered that are installed for their designed use while also preventing unintended uses. This would include installing center arm rests on benches so that they facilitate multiple users for seating yet discourage people from lying down. The use of recycled materials in site amenities has become more popular with a variety of products and price ranges available and may be a viable option once life cycle costs are reviewed. Landscape lighting provides security as well as visual enhancements to the outdoor environment. Many products and styles are available but selected lighting should be energy efficient and have a timing device so they are not on during the day. The use of solar energy for landscape lighting may also be an option to be considered on a case-by-case basis. All electrical lighting requirements shall be coordinated with the jurisdictional authorities.


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Typical Right-Of-Way Cross Sections (Refer to City’s Engineering Design Criteria Manual for specific R.O.W. section requirements)


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Plant Palette The following plant palette is intended to be used for the selection of proposed plant materials within the City’s public areas, with an emphasis on street rights-of-way. It is arranged in the following sections:

• Large Trees

• Small Trees

• Palms

• Shrubs

• Groundcovers

Documents

1. Introduction and Purpose - Granicus