Coping with the California Drought: Softscapes & Hardscapes

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services
The water-use restrictions in California are forcing property owners to come up with solutions to landscaping that are not only drought-tolerant but also attractive. There are many low-water plants, trees and ground covers that can be used and this is referred to as 'softscape'. In addition, the use of 'hardscape' landscaping includes the use of non-living elements to create pathways, patios and other areas of functional space. Using softscape in combination with hardscape is a creative solution that can produce a beautiful and interesting garden and also save 
valuable water resources and money.  

There are many choices of drought tolerant plants for softscaping that can thrive in Southern California. Mediterranean varieties as well as native plants are among the best suited for our climate. Lavender, thyme and oregano are plants that add beauty and fragrance to a garden and require very little water. Yarrow and California poppy are native plants that also have lower water requirements. Bougainvillea can provide a lovely infusion of color and height on a trellis. Milkweed is a wonderful native plant that helps Monarch butterflies. There are many ornamental grasses like sheep fescue and deergrass, that provide texture and color and can be a great substitute for lawns. Some examples of perennials that have lower water requirements are: mallow, lamb’s ears, catmint, coyote mint, California fuschia and penstemons, to name just a few. Succulents are another good choice for Southern California!                                                      
                                               
While softscaping plants must be chosen to fit the California climate, hardscaping ideas are practically limitless. Rock walls, patios, paths, and boulders are some design elements that can be used. Paths that wander through your garden are inviting and a wonderful way to create depth perception. Pathways can be made of flagstone, concrete, pea gravel, brick, bark, or cobblestone to name a few. Raised planters and divisions can add interest and bring beauty to your design. Adding a water feature with a recirculating pump, like a pond or a birdbath, attracts wildlife and brings tranquility. A garden bench, swing, and patio furniture invites you to relax in your garden. In addition, decks and gazebos are wonderful design elements that can extend your living space into your landscape.

Our professional team at Pacific Vista Landscape Services are experts with creating softscape and hardscape combinations. We can help design, plant, and build your perfect waterwise garden oasis!

Coping with the California Drought: Smart Watering Systems!

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

California's drought conditions are worsening, and with the water use restrictions imposed by the state, homeowners and commercial property owners struggle with how to keep their plants and lawns alive. Well, it's definitely time to ditch the lawn (see: Coping with the California Drought: Ditching the Lawn!) Even drought tolerant landscaping needs some water until roots are established and deep enough to be 'tolerant', at which point they will require even less water, but why change your landscape and then have the same sprinkler system that pumps out too much water? Thankfully, there are a group of new products that provide a “smart” system that is designed to increase efficiency and reduce irrigation waste.

Smart Wifi Enabled Irrigation Controller

These innovative, high-tech controllers can assess the conditions of the landscaping in real time, and accordingly deliver the right amount of water. These systems include soil sensors to determine the amount of moisture in the soil and special sprinkler heads to limit runoff. The Environmental Protection Agency has stated that replacing the old clock timers with these smart controllers can save more than 8,000 gallons of water per year in the average home. 

The smart wifi enabled irrigation controller has “weather intelligence” which eliminates the need to schedule watering times. Weather and seasonal adjustments are made and watering is done automatically based on this data. The unit also reports on water use and calculates savings. This means that your garden can be watered automatically with the exact amount of water needed based on local forecast from weather stations and satellites. You can also assign zones in your yard and control each zone based on watering needs and plant types. The systems can help eliminate runoff by coordinating watering times with times when no watering is done. This type of scheduling helps to increase the ability of the soil to absorb the water.

Some of the smart controller units can operate on either a power line or a Wi-Fi network and can be easily controlled from anywhere with an Android or iOS smart phone or tablet. Thus, these smart sprinkler controllers maintain watering schedules while using as little water as possible to keep landscapes looking their best. If the product you choose is EPA WaterSense certified, the installation of one of these may qualify the owner to receive rebates from the local water municipalities. To see a list of the EPA approved products, go to www.epa.gov/watersense, or www.socalwatersmart.com.

At Pacific Vista Landscape Services, we are experts with the latest smart irrigation systems and can handle any size property. Our clients include everything from individual residential properties, HOA communities, small and large apartment complexes, and large commercial properties including universities and hospitals. Trust us with all your landscaping needs and let us help you save water and money!

Coping With the California Drought: Ditching The Lawn!

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

IS BROWN THE NEW GREEN?

As difficult as it is for California garden lovers to process, UC Berkley soils scientist, Steve Andrews, says yes. Due to the ongoing drought conditions and the state mandate on water use reduction, a change of thinking regarding our gardens and landscapes and how we manage them is going to be necessary. Getting rid of their lawns is now a choice being made by many Californians because this one measure will reduce water usage by 25%, which is the amount every person in California must now do. However, choosing to ditch your lawn does not mean your garden has to be brown or drab. Many drought tolerant plants and ground cover are colorful and, mixed with hardscapes, can bring new dimensions to your landscape while saving water and money!

HOW DO I GET RID OF MY LAWN?

Applying for a lawn rebate is the best place to start. You must do this before removing your lawn to qualify. "The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California has paid just over $34 million in turf removal rebates. It has given the go-ahead to an additional $120 million in turf removal applications. The agency offers a rebate of $2 per square foot, which many cities have supplemented with their own rebate programs." (source:http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-lawn-rebate-explainer-20150416-story.html)

One way to get rid of your lawn is to apply a spray-on grass killer which may take a while to work and need to be used several times before they are completely effective. Make sure, if you use this method, that the product is safe for pets and is eco-friendly, as many are not. These products contain chemicals that are required by law to break down in the soil within 14 days so, depending on what you use, you might need to wait to plant new plants if you want to give them their best chance of survival.

Steve Andrews describes another method that is effective. He calls it the “lasagna method”, which is done by alternating layers of compost and cardboard or newspaper with layers of mulch. This causes the grass to die because it receives no sunlight, but another benefit of this method is that it feeds the soil underneath and prepares it for the new plants with lower water requirements. (Source:http://www.mercurynews.com/our-community-garden/ci_28014099/compost-and-mulch-will-help-lower-water-use)

Another way is to hire a professional landscaper to remove the lawn and replace it with materials and plants that use much less water.
CAN PROPER SOIL PREPARATION REDUCE THE AMOUNT OF WATER NEEDED?

Yes, the generous use of compost and mulch is very important. They will not only enrich the soil which in turn feeds the plants, but mulch and compost help to retain water, which in turn reduces the amount of watering needed for your yard.

WHAT CAN BE USED TO REPLACE OUR LAWNS?

Lawns can be replaced with a variety of plants and materials that don’t use much water. Native plants that attract birds and butterflies are a popular option. Drought tolerant herbs and ornamental shrubs are another idea. Succulents can be beautiful also as well as an occasional cactus can be used to add interest to a garden. There are also low-maintenance ground covers that look good and don’t require a lot of water. The need to water will drop even further when roots grow deep and are established. Hardscaping, using rocks, pathways, ornaments, gravel and patio areas is a great way to utilize a minimum of plants and shrubs and still have an attractive looking garden!

Let Pacific Vista Landscape Services come and assess your landscape needs! We can help guide you through the rebate process. Our professionals are experts with drought tolerant plants and smart irrigation systems, as well as creating hardscapes to transform your garden into a low-water oasis saving water AND money for years to come!

Using Greywater for Irrigation!

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

Diminishing water supplies is a world-wide problem. In the United States, with population increase and an increasing decline in water supply, the best current solution is a reduction in water use. To address this problem, many states and communities are imposing water use restrictions. In April, 2015, for the first time in the state’s history, California Governor Jerry Brown imposed an executive order for a 25% reduction in water use statewide. Restrictions to landscape watering is the most common. A great solution to reducing water use in landscaping is greywater irrigation!

WHAT IS GREYWATER?

Greywater is all wash-water waste generated by a home or business. This is water from the washing machine, the sinks, bathtubs and showers and can be re-used! However, toilet waste and waste from garbage disposals and dishwashers is blackwater which contains high levels of nitrogen and pathogens and cannot be used in irrigation.

GREYWATER CAN BE USED FOR IRRIGATION:

Yes, greywater can be used for irrigation; but the codes and regulations on this process varies from state to state. Californians, for instance, have used greywater irrigation systems illegally for many years. Due to these practices, the California Greywater Code was re-written with significant changes. This code designates three types of greywater systems:

Clothes Washer System: This is probably the most commonly used as it is the easiest to implement, but there are restrictions on its use. It can use only a single washing machine in a family dwelling, and must be a domestic, not a commercial machine. This system may only use gravity or the pump from the washing machine itself to irrigate the desired areas in the yard or garden. The washing machine system may use up to 15 gallons per day per person in the household. It does not require a construction permit as long as it does not require cutting of the pipes that exist.

Simple System: This system also serves a one or two family residence. The discharge of greywater is greater than the clothes washer system, and discharges up to 250 gallons per day. A construction permit is needed for a simple system.

Complex System: This is a greywater system that uses over 250 gallons per day, and also requires a construction permit. The simple and complex systems are subject to inspection and possible percolation tests until they are approved.To install a whole-house system is a fairly simple matter in new construction, but is difficult in existing buildings.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR USING GREYWATER:

Two inch covering regulation: The irrigation system using greywater must be covered by 2” of some kind of material to avoid contact with the greywater.

Drip system of greywater irrigation: The drip system works the best with graywater irrigation. Spray irrigation is not to be used with greywater. Also, greywater is not to have run-off or ponding, and cannot reach any body of water or storm drain.

No irrigation of crops intended for human consumption: Greywater may not be used for this; and, in addition, human contact with the system should be minimized.

(To read the entire California Greywater Code, go to:January 27, 2010 (2007 CPC, Title 24, Part 5, Chapter 16A, Part I – Nonpotable Water Reuse Systems)

Pacific Vista Landscape is focused on water conservation. Re-using your greywater to irrigate your landscape can not only result in water reduction, but is a great way to keep a beautiful garden during drought conditions. Our professional team are experts with the latest irrigation technology and can implement a greywater re-use system for your property. We will even evaluate your current system for free! Give us a call and see how we can save you water AND money now and in the years to come!

WATER RESTRICTIONS UPDATE APRIL 2015

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

This month California’s Governor Jerry Brown issued an Executive Order to reduce potable urban water use by 25%.  The State Water Board is implementing various restrictions to help reduce the amount of water used by Californians and an estimated 1.5 million acre-feet of water plans to be saved by the end on nine months. The latest water usage restrictions include:

• Replacing 50 million square feet of lawns throughout the state with drought tolerant landscaping in partnership with local governments
• Directing the creation of a temporary, statewide consumer rebate program to replace old appliances with more water and energy efficient models
• Requiring campuses, golf courses, cemeteries and other large landscapes to make significant cuts in water use
• Prohibiting new homes and developments from irrigating with potable water unless water-efficient drip irrigation systems are used
• Ban watering of ornamental grass on public street medians

This was in addition to the previous restrictions passed in October 2014 and March 2015 prohibiting Californians from: 

• Washing down sidewalks and driveways
• Watering in a way that causes runoff
• Washing a motor vehicle without a shut-off nozzle on hose 
• Operating a fountain or water feature that doesn’t recycle water 
• No watering during rain or 48 hours after rainfall
• Restaurants only can serve water to customers who ask for it
• Hotels must give guests the choice of not having their towels and linens washed on a daily basis. 

Across Southern California one can see violations that hopefully will be addressed with the new restrictions. The VA National Cemetery in Westwood, with acres of grass, had their sprinklers on during the rain the other week which violated watering during or 48 hrs after rainfall restriction. LADWP has many offices across the city with grass landscaping and they are offering rebates for people to switch out their grass for drought tolerant landscape! Speaking of grass, If you happen to drive on San Vicente Blvd. around 2 AM, watch out for the sprinklers watering the roughly four miles of grassy median which sprays into the streets, sometimes missing the grass completely and creating huge puddles of wasted water.  Replacing grass in the medians with drought resistant landscaping would save thousands of gallons of water that wouldn’t be wasted watering the grass (or street) every night.  According to the above restrictions, the city of Los Angeles is now banned from watering medians and will hopefully update these areas

with xeriscape in the future.

There are companies who have been pro-active. Anthem Inc. has taken a huge step in the right direction at their Woodland Hills, CA campus where 12.7 acres of lawn were recently removed and replaced with drought-friendly plants. By the end of the year, Anthem Inc. will have saved 12 million gallons of water simply because they removed their lawns.  The funds that were needed to make this change possible were provided by the LADWP.  Hopefully the LADWP will follow in Anthem’s footsteps and be the next to replace lawns that surround their buildings.  

At Pacific Vista Landscape Services, we are experts switching out lawns for native plants and drought tolerant options as well as non-vegetative landscaping additions. We also have the latest smart technology irrigation systems that can save you even more money in rebates. Call us for a free irrigation evaluation and let us help you save water and money AND have a beautifully landscaped garden!

Xeriscaping: The Future of Landscaping

Smart Irrigation: Save Water & Money

A Greener Landscape: Re-Landscape with Lawn Rebates in Southern California

March 2015 Water Restrictions

October 2014 Water Restrictions

THE LATEST WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

As California’s water reservoirs continue to shrink, the need to conserve water is growing. According to recent reports, California roughly has about a year of water left. Time is of the essence, and taking action is necessary. People can do their part to conserve water by following the new restrictions passed by the California State Water Resources Control Board on March 17, 2015.

New restrictions were added since the ones previously enforced have done little to change the pace at which California’s water reservoirs are disappearing. Carrying a $500.00 fine, the regulations passed in October 2014 prohibited Californians from: 

• washing down sidewalks and driveways
• watering in a way that causes runoff
• washing a motor vehicle without a shut-off nozzle on hose 
• operating a fountain or water feature that doesn’t recycle the water 

These will continued to be enforced, and will be joined by new restrictions which were passed on March 17, 2015. The new restrictions include: 

• no watering during rain or 48 hours after rainfall
• restaurants only can serve water to customers who ask for it
• hotels must give guests the choice of not having their towels and linens washed on a daily basis. 

The latest restrictions are heading in the right direction to help decrease the amount of water used in California. However these steps are only the beginning of necessary water restrictions our state will be facing. People can choose to be pro-active; there is no need to wait until it's mandatory to make other cuts in consumption. Water recycling and catchment programs are an essential part of the solution. 

For landscaping, there are many things you can do to cut your water usage and save money: 

• swap out lawn for xeriscape and get a rebate 
• planting native plants and drought resistant landscaping
• using smart irrigation

At Pacific Vista Landscape Services, we can help create a climate friendly garden. We are experts when it comes to native plants and drought tolerant options as well as non-vegetative landscaping additions. We also provide the latest smart technology in irrigation systems that can also save you even more money in rebates. Call us for a free irrigation evaluation and let us help you save water and money AND have a beautifully landscaped garden!

More info:

Xeriscaping: The Future of Landscaping

Smart Irrigation: Save Water & Money

A Greener Landscape: Re-Landscape with Lawn Rebates in Southern California

 

Smart Irrigation: Save Water & Money

by Pacific Vista Landscape Services

In Southern California, water is one of our most precious resources. After three consecutive years of below normal rainfall, we are now in a 'drought emergency' and many areas of California are imposing irrigation restrictions. The biggest problem is the old school irrigation systems which are extremely wasteful and inefficient. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, "Residential outdoor water use in the United States accounts for more than 9 billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. Experts estimate that as much as 50 percent of this water is wasted due to overwatering caused by inefficiencies in irrigation methods and systems. Irrigation control technologies can significantly reduce overwatering by applying water only when plants need it." 

The latest irrigation systems use 'smart' technology and are very effective at saving water and money. A 'smart' technology irrigation system has a controller which takes in account the weather and landscape conditions so that only the amount of water needed is used, unlike automatic timers that act blindly. This technology, combined with low-volume systems

of delivery that can be tailored to specific landscape needs, can effectively reduce overwatering. These systems are designed to deliver water directly onto the roots or  underground through subirrigation, eliminating the problem of water waste through evaporation and overspray. According to the Irrigation & Green Industry website, "In this new green environment, low-volume irrigation has found its footing—or at least, its tubing. The national move toward drip makes sense. Whether the terrain is residential or commercial, drip or lowflow is a proven water-saver. With low-flow and drip, water is delivered in quantities measured in fractions of gallons-per-hour (gph), instead of gallons-per-minute (gpm). There are advantages to installing low-volume irrigation, too. Low-volume irrigation is unlikely to be banned during a drought, because of the minimum quantities of water delivered by low-pressure emitters, low-volume spitters, and bubblers.

Also, low-volume irrigation promotes healthy plant growth, because a precise amount of water can be delivered to a plant in a targeted way. Water can be steered to the trees, plants, and shrubs that need it and away from those that don’t, which reduces the chances of harmful diseases and fungi taking hold on stems or trunks." Water penetrating at the roots also encourages the roots to grow deeper, making the plants more hardy and drought resistant.

For many years, the Pacific Vista Landscape team has been delivering effective water management programs. We are experts on the latest irrigation technology and have multiple irrigation certifications. Our water management strategies help customers reduce water usage, save money and ensure a lush landscape. Our clients have saved thousands of dollars and more importantly, conserved hundreds of thousands of gallons of water. Through effective water management strategies and the use of 'smart' technologies, it is possible to achieve a lush, healthy landscape, while achieving water conservation and money saving goals!