Model Landscape Maintenance Specifications
The following
maintenance specifications are designed for ___________Homeowner Association
landscape. The site consists of a
unique soil, wind, sun, heat and cold variations that require a specific
maintenance routine to insure a healthy landscape.
This
specification is intended to be the guide for weekly maintenance, monthly
updates and annual tasks to be performed by the landscape contractor. The
property manager is responsible for managing compliance to the specifications.
This
specification covers common landscape maintenance tasks as well as those
specifically tailored for insert name of site.
There may be other landscape issues that require specific maintenance tasks in
the future.
Contents
I. Introduction
1.01 Project Concepts
1.02 Site Map
1.03 Irrigation Station and Hydrozone Map
1.04 Site Plant List
1.05 Emergency Phone Numbers
II. General Requirements
2.01 Protection of Existing Structures and Property
2.02 Safety
2.03 Owners Representative Liaison
2.04 Maintenance Schedule/Inspection Schedule
2.05 Contractor Supervision
2.06 Extra Work
2.07 Plant Material Replacement
2.08 Pesticide Regulations
2.09 Fertilizer Regulations
2.10 Water Management
2.11 Soil Analysis
2.12 Weed Control
2.13 Method of Payment
2.14 Reporting
2.15 Licensing
2.16 Insurance
2.17 Notice of Cancellation
III. Scope of Work
3.01 Soil Management Program
3.02 Water Management Program
3.03 Turf Management Program
3.04 Shrub Management Program
3.05 Groundcover Management Program
3.06 Tree Management Program
3.07 Green Waste Program
3.08 Mulching Program
3.09 Integrated Management Program
I. Introduction
1.01 Project Concepts
The Owner, responsible for the community property and landscape areas, seeks to provide attractive, colorful, shaded and resource efficient landscape for the benefit of the residents.
The Owner expects a high standard of horticultural service including the use of an integrated management program of soil, water, irrigation system, fertilization and pest management that optimizes plant health, resource efficiency and, therefore, cost-effectiveness for the site Owner.
Landscape Committee Mission Statement:
· Provide a beautiful environment for the homeowners
· Improve the value of the community
· Manage and direct the landscape contractor within the context of the specifications
· Improve the long-term landscape appearance
· Select plant materials for long-term and short-term improvements
1.02 Site Map
A site map will be developed by the Contractor. The map shall include:
· Meter locations
· Meter number/account number
· Acreage served by the meter
· Number of stations per clock
· Colored areas by valve
This site map shall be the foundation for determining water use efficiency, areas of retrofitting, and progress on various maintenance tasks throughout the year.
1.03 Irrigation Map
Same as above but with more detail such as locations of quick couplers and the types (brands) of irrigation equipment utilized on the various areas. The original irrigation brands (Rainbird, Toro, Hunter, etc.) shall be utilized whenever system repairs or upgrades occur. This “irrigation map” shall serve as the master list of irrigation equipment per area.
1.04 Site Plant List
The list is to be used as reference for plant replacements.
(See the specific area plant guide
attachment for the site)
1.05 Emergency Phone Numbers
All phone numbers including those of the Owner, Owner Representative, Landscape Committee and Contractor shall be listed, including numbers for 24-hour emergency service.
II. General Requirements
2.01 Protection of Existing Structures and Property
The Landscape Contractor shall take proper precautions when working on-site to protect any and all association structures, infrastructure and utilities. Any damages to association structures will be reported immediately to the Owners Representative. Any damages caused by Contractor action shall be corrected and/or paid for by the Contractor at no cost to the Owner.
2.02 Safety
The Contractor shall adhere to all state, federal and local
requirements related to the safe completion of all work. Contractor safety includes the use of safety
gear, traffic control and vehicle safety. Contractor provides appropriate OSHA
guidelines with contract bid or renewal for the Property Management file.
2.03 Owners Representative
The Owner shall designate a Representative to work directly with the Landscape Contractor. The Owners Representative shall have authority to call meetings, with a 24 hour notice, for purposes of discussing site issues, performance and needs. The Contractor shall provide reports, as designated in the scope of work, to the Owners Representative. The Owners Representative shall conduct all business with the Contractor.
2.04 Maintenance Schedule/Inspection Schedule
The Contractor shall provide service to the association on a (time to be negotiated). The hours to be determined by the scope of work. The Owner Representative and Contractor shall participate in monthly site review/inspections.
2.05 Contractor Supervision
The Contractor shall provide qualified on-site supervision to insure high quality work and provide accurate reports. Property Manager and Landscape Committee shall establish standards of performance and review. Property Manager shall provide supervision of Contractor in relation to contracted tasks and provide evaluation of Contractor performance to the HOA. Contractor shall provide experienced on-site supervisor to manage the Dove Canyon maintenance crew. Supervisor shall have ability to communicate in English and Spanish.
2.06 Extra Work
Work determined to be beyond the tasks listed in the scope of work shall be considered “extra” work. Extra work will be planned, with estimated costs, line item costs of materials and labor rate. The proposed “extra” work is to be presented to the Owner Representative for authorization before performing the work.
Examples of “extra work” can include:
·
All plant/pest related activities such as
Snails, Aphids, Fungus, Whitefly, etc. (Rodent control to be the responsibility
of Rodent Control specialists.)
·
Use of Herbicides on an as needed basis.
·
Tree trimming above 15 feet off the ground
under the supervision of a certified arborist
·
Planting upgrades, based on bid prices for
plants/labor (see 2.13). Estimates for plantings should be detailed by line item and total for the project.
·
Irrigation system additions, repair of
leaks and broken or vandalized sprinkler heads, and/or upgrades constitutes
extra work. * Note: Preventive checks, pressure regulation adjustments,
straightening heads, unclogging heads, redirecting spray off of streets, meter
reading for irrigation schedules is considered part of the common maintenance
required in this contract.)
·
Addition of organic mulch and labor time.
·
Rose care is considered part of the monthly
maintenance contract. Regular feeding, pest spray, fertilization, etc. should
be estimated for the monthly maintenance contract. Biological control materials
are considered an extra for Rose care. (See attached Rose care guidelines.)
·
Repairs due to vandalism .
·
Annual color additions as directed by the
association.
2.07 Plant Material Replacement
Plant materials may require replacement for safety, aesthetics or damages. Plant materials shall be in keeping with the association plant list, or approved substitutions. Color plants, will need periodic or seasonal replacement and renewal as spelled out in “extra work”. Contractor shall replace plants damaged by the Contractor at no cost to the association. Contractor shall replace plants that do not survive planting after one year (not including annual color) at no cost to the association.
2.08 Pesticide Regulations
All chemicals shall be used in strict accordance with federal, state, county and local laws and regulations. Contractor shall be a Certified Pest Control Operator and provide verification upon bid/renewal of the maintenance contract. Contractor shall use only trained Pest Control Applicators at the site. Any use of chemicals shall be reported to the Owner Representative. (See 2.15) It is the intent of the association to maintain a healthy, sustainable landscape that will minimize the need and use of chemical controls.
2.09 Fertilizer Regulations
The Contractor shall adhere to the fertilizer programs described in the scope of work. The association requires using the proper amount of fertilizer necessary to produce a healthy and attractive landscape. Fertilizer shall be applied so as to not fall on streets and sidewalks causing run-off pollution downstream. The Contractor shall take soil samples to monitor the actual soil nutrient content. (See Management Program Calendar)
2.10
Water Management
The Contractor is responsible for landscape water and irrigation system management for the site. The Contractor is responsible for water charges over and above water budget allocation use (insert budget amount, i.e. % of ET, such as 80%, 75%, 60% etc.) The contractor is responsible for developing a water budget spreadsheet that tracks local weather, and to use the data for irrigation scheduling. Water Management includes (1) irrigation scheduling that tracks weather (ET) and changes irrigation schedules to meet the plant water need (not to exceed…), (2) monitoring and repair of all irrigation system components, (3) minimization of irrigation water run-off to protect the association property and reduce risk from environmental actions. (See Water Management Program, 3.03)
2.11 Soil Analysis
The Contractor shall perform a soil fertility test at least twice per year as designated in the scope of work. The intent is to apply fertilizer to maintain adequate nutrients for plant vigor, not beyond the plant use/needs. (See Management Program Calendar)
2.12 Weed Control
The Contractor is responsible for keeping all areas free of
weeds, particularly through the use of an organic mulching program, but may
include hand and chemical removal of weeds. Weed control is expected to be a
consistent weekly activity. Contractor shall survey the grounds to (1) identify
weeded areas weekly, and (2) implement a plan/method (i.e. hand removal, mulch
and/or chemicals) for removal. After weeds are cleared from a given area, mulch
shall be applied to reduce weed growth in the future. Letting weeds go to seed
produces greater numbers of weeds. Timely removal of weeds is expected along
with more permanent preventative measures, i.e. mulching. (See section 3.08)
2.13 Method of Payment
Monthly maintenance fee to be paid upon receipt of a monthly invoice.
“Extra Work” must be approved by the association/property manager before work is implemented. The Association agrees to pay the Contractor as per the unit prices listed for plants, labor, supervision, equipment, mulch, fertilization, and/or any type of work not covered in the monthly maintenance contract.
1. Monthly Maintenance: $__________/month
2. Minimum number of man-hours per week to be provided is _________
3. Miscellaneous or “extra” labor at $_______/hour
4. Plant materials (w/one year guarantee):
Annual color (4”) flat………………….$___________/flat
Ground cover flat……………………...$___________/flat
1 Gal. Shrub……………………………$___________
5 Gal. Shrub…………………………....$___________
15 Gal. Shrub…………………………..$___________
15 Gal. Tree……………………………$___________
24” Boxed Tree………………………...$___________
5. Irrigation Labor @……………………..$___________/hour for system
damages caused by Acts of God, theft or vandalism, shall be charged at
$__________/hour
6. Emergency Service (after hours, Monday –Friday, Saturday,
Sunday, holidays) shall be charged at $________/hour
1.14 Reporting.
The Contractor shall use a variety of tracking tools, spreadsheets or word documents, to track costs, time, irrigation schedules, fertilizer applications, turf aerations, biological pest releases, etc. The specific forms/reports will be determined in concert with the property manager, and the landscape committee.
Reports could include:
· Repairs/damages (location, meter #, type, date, etc.)
· Retrofit location & cost (by meter, controller)
·
Water usage (by meter, schedule
times, use compared to ET, etc.
·
Water use related to the
site/meter water budget
· Fertilizer, aeration and de-thatching schedule
· Pest and/or herbicide spray schedule
· Other, as requested by the HOA rep/property manager
* Note: All resident calls shall be directed to the Property
Management company for proper direction or action.
2.15 Licensing
The Contractor shall maintain a valid C-27 license from the State of California. The Contractor shall also hold appropriate Pest Control Operators and chemical application licensing/certification.
2.16 Insurance
The contractor shall provide proof of insurance and adhere to the following limits of liability:
Worker’s Compensation - _______________________
Automobile/Vehicle Collision - __________________________
Comprehensive General or Professional Liability - _________________
2.17 Notice of Cancellation
The landscape maintenance contract is subject to 30 day written notice of cancellation by either party.
________________________________________________________________________
III. Scope of Work
The scope of work contained herein establishes a standard of landscape care and specific tasks for the site. The scope is specifically intended to produce an attractive, healthy and cost effective landscape for the Owner(s). The Contractor shall furnish all labor, equipment, materials, tools and specific skills required to perform the scope of work set forth in the maintenance specifications.
3.01 Soil Management Program
Soils Analysis: The Contractor shall conduct/provide a soil fertility test at least twice per year, or before major fertilization, (example: Turf, October and March) for analysis to determine proper fertilization type and amounts. Recommendations from the lab shall be implemented as described.
Soils Management: The area soils are generally low in Nitrogen, Potassium, Iron and organic matter. The fertilizer schedules included and types of fertilizer reflect the overall needs of the typical area soils. Two methods will be utilized to improve and maintain a good quality soil structure for successful plant appearance. (1) Organic mulching will be maintained throughout the tree, shrub and groundcover areas, and (2) a prescribed fertilization program will be a consistent task performed. (See Fertilization Program, 3.02)
Soil Probe Analysis: The site supervisor and site labor shall utilize a hand soil probe to physically determine soil moisture levels in various planting zones. The soil probe analysis is to be used (along with water meter readings and irrigation scheduling software) to monitor and adjust site irrigation schedules, to find wet or dry stations as well as observe plant root depth (especially in turf) and development. (Soil probes area available at www.waterright-soilprobe.com)
3.02 Fertilization
Program
Fertilization can be performed generally as described below for each plant group, Turf, Shrubs, Trees and Groundcovers. Fertilization schedule shall be reported as described in Reporting 2.14.
Turf Fertilization: Or
comparable products…
· Early Spring (March) and early Fall (early October), apply 16-6-8 @ 4 lbs. per 1,000 sf .
· 90 days after March fertilization, apply sulfur coated Urea (a nitrogen only fertilizer), @ 4 lbs. per 1,000 sf. (Use soil samples or turf color to determine if nitrogen applications are needed every 60-75 days)
.
Tree, Shrub &
Groundcover Fertilization: Or comparable products…
· Early Spring (March) and early Fall (early October), apply 9-9-9 w/Iron @ 7 lbs. per sf. (controlled release).
· Soil samples should be taken in June and December to evaluate soil nutrient level
Soil Preparation and Soil
Activators:
· Managing the local soils to be able to utilize fertilizer nutrients may include the use of soil activators, such as Tri-C (available at Hydroscape), with Gypsum and Mycorrhizae additions
· These products can and should be used if the plants are not responding to normal fertilizer additions, as new plantings are made, to rejuvenate older landscapes, etc.
* Note: Trees, such as Oaks, Eucalyptus and others on the site may need specific nutrient applications as prescribed by Arborists. These actions would be considered “extra” as per the contract.
3.03 Water Management Program
The water management program is intended to maximize plant health, keep water bills as low as possible, minimize water damages to association hardscape and property, and eliminate any over-water-use and water run-off. With the high cost of local water and the potential for liability and/or water runoff fines,efficient water management is a priority task for the Contractor.
1. The Contractor shall maintain all components of the irrigation system in proper working order, as per manufacturers specifications (use the site irrigation map and equipment list as described in 1.03), by inspecting the entire system each season. (Inspecting requires a manual activation of valves to check for leaks, breaks, misting, blocked heads, water run-off, etc. This activity shall be recorded in monthly reporting as described in 2.14. Problems and/or needs for repairs/upgrades will be noted in reports and presented to the Landscape Committee.
2. Malfunctioning systems will be corrected within the week of detection (small repairs, i.e. broken heads, lateral line leaks) shall be repaired immediately to protect the association property. Methods of detection include: visual sightings of water on association hardscape and streets, through soil probing, weekly meter monitoring, activating valves, etc. High water bills should be avoided by preventative system checks and weekly meter readings.
3.
Irrigation controllers and
irrigation scheduling shall be performed as per weather changes (ET. Irrigation scheduling shall be performed once
per week in Spring (March-May), once per month in Summer (June-Aug),
once per week in Fall (Sept-Nov), and once per month in Winter
(Dec-Feb).
Updated weather information is available at www.ceresonline or by calling (949) 453-5451 to hear recorded weekly ET in ccf’s inches inches for Orange County areas (coastal, central and foothill... )
Turf
shall have irrigation schedules that applies
a maximum of 95% of local ET.
Trees,
shrubs and groundcovers shall have irrigation schedules that applies a maximum of 75% of ET. Deep water Trees one time during June &
August (i.e. multiple cycles to move water deep into the soil profile).
*Note:
Oak trees require approximately 30%-40% of ET with infrequent watering,
especially during the summer months.
* An irrigation scheduling chart
shall be kept on a controller/valve basis. All scheduling changes shall be
listed and supplied in monthly reports for the association.
4. Irrigation system pressure shall be checked and adjusted monthly/seasonally to insure efficient operation of irrigation stations. Representative areas can be chosen for monitoring. Locations of preventive checks shall be recorded for monthly reports.
5. All
irrigation replacement parts shall be as per original installation or approved
equals (i.e. the same manufacturer). (Use the site map to list and identify
appropriate irrigation equipment per valve.)
6. Turf spray heads shall be uniform in output (i.e. matched precipitation rate), be kept higher than turf height, and be kept straight. All irrigation heads shall be kept clear of plants (blocked heads). This is a consistent activity to be performed by the Contractor. Keeping heads clear of obstruction may require hand trimming of ground covers at the spray head, removal of inappropriately placed shrubs (i.e. in front of heads), etc.
7. Contractor shall list and report all irrigation system damages to the Owner rep/property manager with the cost estimate of repair/replacement.
8. Irrigation scheduling will be coordinated with all other maintenance activities, including mowing, aeration and fertilization to maximize the impacts of maintenance services. Example, irrigate within 48 hours of aeration, 12 hours of fertilization. Do not irrigate within 24 hours of mowing.
3.04 Turf Management Program
The goal of the turf management program is to maximize plant health, deepen turf roots, water as per local ET, reduce fertilization, mowing time, dump fees and water run-off.
1. The Contractor shall use grasscycling (the use of mulching mowers to keep grass clippings on-site) as the preferred method of turf clipping disposal. {Grasscycling will add nutrients to Dove soil, reduces labor time, transportation and dump fees.} Grasscycling need not be used when turf growth is considered too high {as after rain and mowing delays}. To insure attractive and effective use of grasscycling, mow no more than 1/3 of turf height at any mowing.
2. Turf areas shall be edged as needed to maintain appearance and keep spray sprinklers from being blocked. Turf spray nozzles shall be of a height to clear the highest unmowed turf growth height.
3. Aerification shall be performed in turf areas to promote deep rooting, water penetration, and avoid soil compaction. Aerification shall be performed as per the following schedule: early Spring (March/April), and early Fall (mid September to early October). Turf aerification shall be accompanied by complimentary cultural practices (i.e. top dressing with organic material and deep watering schedules) to insure the highest quality turf appearance and water efficiency. Cultural practices in combination with aerification and schedules are as follows:
Day 1 - irrigate turf normally
Day 2 - mow grass normally
Day 3 - aerify to a 3 inch depth {deeper if possible with equipment and soil type}
Day 4 - add organic top dressing (spring only) and fertilizer to turf, water normally (recommended top dressing is Aguinaga Turf Plus @ 100 lbs./1,000 sf.; add top dressing only in the spring aeration)
4. Turf
fertilization shall be applied as per the following schedule. (Use comparable products.)
Fall – 16-8-8 with 11% Iron, (controlled release), 6 lbs./1,000 sf.
Winter - Ammonium Nitrate (water-soluble) with King 22-3-9, 4 lbs./1,000sf.
Early Spring – 16-8-8 w/ 11% Iron, controlled release), 6 lbs./1,000 sf.
Late Spring (May/Jun) – Sulfur Coated Urea, 4 lbs./1,000 sf.
5. Turf irrigation can be based on a maximum of 95% of ET water budget (see Water Management 3.03). Irrigation shall be turned down significantly (perhaps off) during normal rain winter months. Contractor shall use weather station data to track ET and adjust watering schedules. Contractor will consistently use a soil probe to monitor turf root depth and soil moisture. Schedule irrigation to water slightly below the existing root depth. Allow the turf area soils to reach a 50% moisture depletion rate before the next irrigation. This will promote deeper rooting turf (and make it more water efficient, healthy and withstand hot summers and the windy fall season).
3.05 Shrub/Groundcover
Management Program
The goal of the shrub program is to develop a lush, natural appearance, promote as much flowering as possible and keep pruning and trimming to a minimum for cost-effectiveness to the association.
1. Pruning shall be done on an as needed basis only to maintain the natural plant appearance as much as possible. Shrubs/groundcovers are intended to fill planting spaces as much as possible. Shrubs on slopes are generally not to be pruned or shaped, but allowed to spread naturally. In mass plantings, shrubs shall be kept from growing into and over other plant species. Topping may be performed to promote spreading growth and a neat habit.
2. Shearing back of shrub stems and branches is not encouraged unless the plant poses a safety hazard, or unless directed by the Owner. Acacia and Myoporum may be trimmed down to encourage lower growth habit. Shrubs shall be trimmed so as to not block sprinkler heads.
3. Shrub/groundcover irrigation on flats and slopes can be based on a 50%-75% water budget (predominately Acacia areas can receive 40% - 50% of ET irrigation, often less). Irrigation scheduling will include multiple cycles, especially on slopes to limit run-off. Irrigation shall be turned off during most normal rain winter months. A soil probe shall be used on a consistent basis to determine soil moisture content and when to turn irrigation back on. Contractor shall use weather station data to track ET and adjust watering schedules.
4. Shrub/groundcover fertilization shall be performed as follows:
Fall (Oct) – Best Super-Iron (9-9-9 with 11% Iron, controlled release), 7 lbs./1,000 sf.
Spring (Mar/April)- Best Super-Iron (9-9-9 w/ 11% Iron, controlled release), 7 lbs./1,000 sf.
* Note: Apply only 1 application of fertilizer per year to Acacia (fall)
** Note: Roses require specific fertilization practices
3.06 Tree Management Program
The association seeks to maximize the growth and shading of tree species, while minimizing damages typically caused by trees or lack of proper tree care.
1. All new trees shall be staked to allow movement (at least 6”) by wind. Stakes shall be removed as soon as trees are deemed sturdy enough.
2. Deep watering (June & August) to encourage deep roots and avoid surface root damages (this can be performed by hand or with multiple irrigation cycles. Soil moisture and moisture depth shall be checked by hand soil probes. Irrigation will approximate University of California recommendations for trees at levels from 50%- 75% of ET. Oaks shall be irrigated at 30% of ET. Redwoods shall be irrigated at 70%-90% of ET where possible.
3. Trees to be fertilized in accordance with the fertilizer program as described in 3.02 (except where special fertilizer and/or treatments are recommended as per Oak evaluations.
4. Shall be pruned back only for safety or structural clearance, otherwise, pruning shall be performed as a “thinning” or “opening” to promote tree spread and shading potential. No more than 1/3 of leaf area shall be removed at any pruning. (Utilize the International Arboriculture specifications). Prune dense trees in early Fall to protect from high winds.
5. Potential tree root damages will be inspected for on site walks and noted for root pruning to be performed to avoid costly damages to association and private property.
3.07 Green Waste/Trash Program
1. All turf, shrub, tree and groundcover areas are to be kept clear of trash and debris.
3. Use of blowers is permitted on site. Blowers should be used to clean gutters of turf clippings and leaves. The use of blowers to clean under shrubs is not necessary due to use of mulch. Leaves falling into mulch areas (natural leaf drop) shall be left in the mulch unless otherwise directed by Owners Representative.
3.08 Mulching Program
1. All shrub, tree and to some extent groundcover areas shall be kept “up” with organic, shredded, composted mulch. (See section 2.06) Landscape areas will naturally experience loss or “breakdown” of mulch as it decomposes. This process improves the soil quality and nutrient levels of the landscape areas. Replacement of mulch to all areas will be required on a consistent basis. At least a 2” layer of mulch is to be kept “up” at all times. New mulch will be added at a 4” depth. This mulch program will also eliminate weed growth over time. As shrubs grow to fill in planter spaces, less mulch will be needed. Do not remove leaf drop from under shrub plantings.
2. Soil may need to
be removed {and plants replaced} where soil is significantly higher than
hardscapes. (This is meant for areas where
the soil is level with the curb height. When Mulch is applied, irrigation
watering and rain can wash mulch off the soil if level with pavement.)
3.09 Integrated Management Program
To insure maximum management impact for the Owner, an integrated management program is required. Integration relates to all aspects of the maintenance program. Therefore, each specific practice impacts and shall be performed in conjunction with other practices in a time frame to utilize the benefits of the practices for the association landscape. Examples of complimentary or integrated actions include:
1. Turf watering and mowing schedule - Reduce or shut down turf watering stations 24 -48 hours before scheduled mowing; water within 24 hours of mowing.
2. Observe and analyze turf growth to determine appropriate mowing schedule, 5-10 day window as season dictates, for maximum plant health, root growth and appearance.
3. Follow the water/mow/aerify/amend schedule in 3.04 for seasonal turf care.
4. Use grasscycling and soil test analysis to reduce fertilizer costs and applications.
5. Use aerification, amending, Iron and slow release fertilizer to moderate turf growth.
6. Schedule irrigation as per weather (ET) to produce the most attractive and cost effective turf for the association.
6. Follow the fertilization schedule as described throughout and use seasonal soil analysis to determine if any changes need to be made in terms of application rates, or type of fertilizer. With the consistent addition of mulch, fertilization needs may decrease over time.
7. Apply organic mulch as described in 3.08
8. Perform preventative irrigation maintenance checks on a consistent basis (bi-weekly to monthly) to avoid water related plant and/or hardscape damage problems.
9. Specifically
check for observable pest damages (including, but not limited to Rats, Mice,
Gophers, Deer, Rabbits and Possum, etc.), observing plant leaf color for
nutrient signs, soil probing to monitor moisture, reading meters weekly to
check for unusually high water consumption (a sign of a leak or poor
scheduling), compare meter readings to actual ET data and establish appropriate
schedules as weather changes. Note
findings in “reporting” where appropriate.
10. Utilize biological pest control as a first option whenever feasible. Anticipate spring pest increase, especially with aphids on Roses, spider mites on Pines, spittlebug on Alders. (Chemicals may be needed to control certain pests.)
References:
University of
California Cooperative Extension – Irvine Blvd. Field Station
California Landscape
Contractors Association - (916) 448-2522
ET Data Access –
(949) 453-5451, Weekly Orange County Weather Station information.