In California, approximately 60% of the water used in typical single family home is used for landscaping, at an average of approximately 100,000 gallons of water per home per year. As required by State law, even with recent rains MOST Cities and Municipalities have enacted new water efficient landscaping regulations which are still in effect. These regulations generally apply to new or replacement landscaping projects with planting areas and water features exceeding 2,500 sq. ft. in size.
Commercial Landscaping GUIDELINES to consider for your NEW projects:
□ The commercial landscaping and irrigation system should be installed as shown on the landscape maintenance and irrigation plans included with your Certificate of Compliance.
□ Prior to the installation of plant materials, all planting must be tilled as necessary and prepared with appropriate soil amendments as recommended by the soils analysis.
□ The irrigation system should be controlled by an automatic irrigation controller that utilizes either evapotranspiration or soil moisture sensor data to automatically adjust watering schedules, and a rain sensor that suspends irrigation during rain.
□ The automatic irrigation controller is programmed with the irrigation schedule prescribed by the irrigation audit report.
□ The irrigation schedule does not utilize overhead spray irrigation devices between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
□ The irrigation system is functioning properly and operating as designed.
□ There is no water runoff resulting from the operation of the irrigation system.
□ Soils analysis requirements: A soils analysis of the planting areas shall be performed prior to the installation of any plant materials, but only after any grading has been completed. The soils analysis shall be conducted by a qualified laboratory and shall include tests appropriate for the laboratory to make recommendations for soil preparation and/or amendments. Such tests may include soil texture, infiltration rate, pH, sodium, soluble salts, and percent organic matter.
□ Landscape irrigation audit requirements: A landscape irrigation audit shall be conducted by an EPA WaterSense Certified Manager
□ Irrigation System Auditor upon completion of the landscape installation. The following certifications meet this requirement:
- California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) Certified Water Manager
- Irrigation Association (IA) Certified Landscape Irrigation Auditor
- Qualified Water Efficient Landscaper Program (QWEL) Graduate
□ The commercial landscaping contractor must certify that the installed landscaping, irrigation system, and irrigation schedule meets the requirements of the City’s water efficient landscaping regulations. Specifically, they must verify the following:
□ The landscaping and irrigation system have been installed as shown on the landscape and irrigation plans
□ The landscaping and irrigation system comply with the Development Standards indicated on the Certificate of Compliance
□ The irrigation schedule included in the audit report utilizes the minimum amount of water require to maintain plant health
□ The irrigation schedule does not utilize overhead spray irrigation devices between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.
□ The irrigation system is functioning properly and operating as designed
FloraTerra provides commercial landscape management and irrigation services, including smart controller upgrades and landscape renovation. Our experienced team will work with you every step of the way to create a will enhance your office buildings appearance and create a water effcient landscape.
Give FloraTerra Landscape Management a call at 408.275.1200 or use our simple contact form to set up a meeting with our Bay Area commercial landscaping team team.
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HOA & Commercial Lawn Maintenance
FloraTerra provides commercial lawn service , multi-residential landscape management services, retail landscaping in and around the south san francisco bay area. Our commercial landscape care includes commercial landscape design for sustainability, landscape water management , Retail Mall Landscape Management, R & D Landscape Development, Luxury Apartment and Condominium Landscaping, Residential Estate Landscaping, HOA Community Landscaping Services for Multi-Building Developments, Commercial Office Park Landscaping and Corporate Campus Landscaping. Our landscape service territory extends throughout the greater South San Francisco Bay Area.
ABOUT FloraTerra Landscape Management
FloraTerra of Silicon Valley and its affiliates, are based in San Jose, California. As a leading landscape maintenance contractor for commercial and multi-residential properties, since its origin the company and its affiliates have installed and maintain some of the most prestigious properties throughout the san jose and greater bay area. For more information about FloraTerra please visit us at: http://www.floraterra.com.
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