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LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION | OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT | SPORTSTURF | ARBOR AGE LANDSCAPE AND IRRIGATION GREEN MEDIA CONTACT DIGITAL 3 www.landscapeirrigation.com green media TM green on green TM GREEN MEDIA ENEWS ONLINE ABOUT US PRINT 12 May/June 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com Cub Cadet PRO Z 100 The strongest zero-turn riders in their class don't come along fast or easy. Cub Cadet dedicated more than 40,000 hours of engineering, design and testing to perfect the PRO Z 100 series. The process included direct feedback from landscapers across the country. Features include: • Heavy-duty design: Fully welded fabricated steel deck with top, bottom and leading edge reinforcements. • Commercial electronic fuel-injected engines: Fuel-efficient Kohler Confidant EFI engines are available on the 48-inch deck model (25 hp.) and the 54-inch and 60-inch deck models (27 hp.). A 23.5-hp. Kawasaki FX engine is also available on the 60-inch deck model. • Full line of new commercial-grade transmissions: The Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 features a 12cc pump and 16cc wheel motor design, offering responsive ground speeds up to 9.5 mph and 500 ft./lbs. of torque. • Comfort: Standard suspension seat, intuitive control panel and easier deck lift for less operator fatigue. It also offers high- performance lap bar or steering wheel control for added stability. • Commercial warranty: 2-year limited commercial warranty (no hour limitations) or 4-year/500- hour limited residential warranty. Ditch Witch CX-Series walk-behind trenchers The new line of Ditch Witch CX-Series walk-behind trenchers provide exceptional return on investment while enhancing ease of use, reliability and serviceability. The C16X, C24X and C30X trenchers share a common, compact frame, equipped with powerful engines ranging from 16 to 30 hp. and offer up to 48 inches of digging depth depending on the model. Designed with an exclusive, patent- pending CX track system with a longer right-side track, the trenchers increase jobsite traction and production. The tighter design also improves versatility — allowing the machines to maneuver in confined spaces — and easily fits on a variety of trailer options. The CX-Series walk-behind trenchers feature responsive, easy-touch controls that decrease operator fatigue. A simple, open design provides greater service accessibility and eliminates daily grease points to improve reliability and provide more uptime. Also exclusive to Ditch Witch, the CX-Series trenchers can be equipped with the new OptiCut digging system. The integrated chain design on the system creates less friction, provides smoother operation, and is maintenance free. The system makes more efficient use of the available horsepower, resulting in up to 15 percent less horsepower usage. Cat and TORC Robotics RemoteTask remote control system for Cat loaders TORC Robotics and Caterpillar announced the availability of the RemoteTask remote control system for Cat D Series skid-steer, multi terrain and compact track loaders. The RemoteTask system enables operators to precisely control the machines from outside the cab and at a safe distance from potentially hazardous tasks and environments (as far away as 1,000 feet). "Providing customers a solution to remove the operator from harm's way while operating Cat compact loaders in certain applications further supports Caterpillar's commitment to safety," stated Jeff Griffith, senior market professional for Caterpillar. "TORC Robotics and Caterpillar have teamed up on the development of this solution… and have an exclusive marketing agreement to distribute and support RemoteTask through Cat dealers." The RemoteTask controls feature virtually no lag in machine response time. With RemoteTask, the remote operator's performance is as fast and smooth as in-cab operation. The intuitive remote control interface is designed to closely mimic in-cab machine controls, creating an easy operator transition from manual to remote operation. Transforming a machine is simple. It only takes about an hour for a Cat dealer to install the RemoteTask system. With the system installed, the machine can transition from manual to remote mode at the turn of a key switch. The system is completely transferrable between units. The portable yet durable console allows the operator to move as needed for good lines of sight. RemoteTask can be integrated into 16 models of Cat D Series skid- steer, multi terrain and compact track loaders, and can control more than 200 work tools with all hydraulic functions controlled via the remote system. Landscape and Irrigation highlights the top products to hit the market in the past year Once again, Landscape and Irrigation has identified some of the standout new products to hit the market in the past year.* The Twenty for 2016 New Product Award winners, in alphabetical order, are as follows: 12x17-LI16MayJune-2-Twenty2.indd 12 5/9/16 10:20 AM www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation May/June 2016 13 Exmark suspended operator platform With the goal of maximizing productivity through increased operator comfort, Exmark introduced a suspended operator platform for its Lazer Z commercial zero-turn mowers. The suspended operator platform is available for 52-inch and 60-inch Exmark Lazer Z E-Series mowers, and 60-inch and 72- inch Lazer Z X-Series machines. It provides 3.6 inches of travel in vertical and fore-aft directions, with trailing arms to limit lateral travel and increase operator stability, while preserving the performance advantages that have led to the popularity of the Lazer Z. It significantly reduces the negative effects of mowing rough terrain on the operator. The design quickly adjusts for operator weight and ride quality preference without tools, making it easy to achieve the desired ride quality for any operator. Three hydraulic coil-over dampers ensure no harsh bottoming, regardless of operator weight, and the design eases access to hydrostatic-drive system components, making routine maintenance easier to perform. Suspended operator platform-equipped Lazer Z models are equipped with a new seat design that uses patented Elastomeric Vibration Control (EVC) stretch fabric and plush foam padding for maximum comfort. In addition, Exmark's patented Iso-Mount isolation system provides a controlled 3/4-inch of lateral and 1/2-inch of vertical isolation to further insulate the operator from bumps and vibration. Ferris Soft Ride Stand-on Z2 riding mower Ferris introduced the Soft Ride Stand-on (SRS) Z2 mower, featuring a first-of-its-kind adjustable operator platform for optimum comfort and unprecedented performance. "The new Ferris SRS Z2 mower is raising the bar for operator comfort," said Harold Redman, president of Briggs & Stratton's Turf and Consumer Products division. "Its patent-pending operator platform with adjustable suspension technology delivers a more comfortable ride by reducing stress on the operator's body, while its forward and reverse levers and ergonomic thigh pads help to further reduce operator fatigue." The SRS Z2 mower offers several features that deliver heightened productivity and commitment to quality. With maximum ground speeds up to 10 mph, the SRS Z2 cuts more grass in less time. Its easy-locking, three-position ground speed control ensures smooth operation in both tight and wide-open green spaces. Complementing the smooth speed of the SRS Z2 is a fan- cooled commercial mower Hydro-Gear ZT-3400 transaxle system designed to ensure the mower has enough power to muscle through the toughest lawn conditions. The SRS Z2 is available with either a 52- or 61-inch iCD cutting system with professional lawn striping kit. The ¼-inch Marbain steel blades require less sharpening. Customers can select between a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 810cc EFI or Kawasaki FX801V engine, both backed by a 3-year limited manufacturer's warranty. Honda Power Equipment VersAttach Multi-Purpose System Honda Power Equipment entered the split shaft trimmer market with the introduction of the Honda VersAttach Multi-Purpose System. Featuring two powerhead options and six different attachments, the VersAttach System combines the power and reliability of Honda 4-stroke engines with a robust lineup of tools to fit a wide range of lawn and garden needs. The Honda VersAttach System offers two powerhead models, the UMC425, powered by a Honda GX25 Mini 4-stroke engine, and the UMC435, powered by a GX35 Mini 4-stroke engine. The design of the Honda Mini 4-stroke engine provides for full 360-degree operation, allowing the VersAttach to be used — and stored — upright, sideways or even upside down, and eliminates the need to mix fuel and oil — saving the operator valuable time, money, and frustration of trying to get the right fuel/oil mixture. Each model can be paired with an optional interchangeable edger, line trimmer, blower, hedge trimmer, pruner and cultivator that fit quickly and securely into the attachment shaft by way of Honda's SureLoc joint locking system, saving time and effort for the user. The VersAttach system includes several technologically advanced design innovations, including the SureLoc joint locking system. This two-position joint mechanism operates with a click and a twist, allowing the user to easily connect and disconnect attachments with no tools required. The SureLoc feature, incorporating a durable high-modulus resin key, is wear resistant and offers intuitive assembly and instant, secure engagement of attachments. In addition, the anti-vibration system includes two rubber-mount shaft inserts between the shaft and clutch and the handle assembly, providing comfortable use — especially for long periods of operation. * Manufacturers were allowed to submit multiple new products for consideration, as long as each product was introduced to the market between June 2, 2015 and June 1, 2016. Products were judged by the Landscape and Irrigation editorial team based on Landscape and Irrigation editorial team based on Landscape and Irrigation innovation and application within the market. iCD cutting system with professional lawn striping kit. The ¼-inch Marbain steel blades require less sharpening. Customers can select between a Briggs & Stratton Vanguard 810cc EFI or Kawasaki FX801V engine, both backed by a 3-year VersAttach Multi-Purpose System. Featuring two powerhead options and six different attachments, engine provides for full 360-degree operation, allowing the VersAttach to be used — and stored — pruner and cultivator that fit quickly and securely into the attachment shaft by way of Honda's SureLoc joint locking system, saving time and effort for the user. The VersAttach system includes several technologically advanced design innovations, including the SureLoc joint locking system. This two-position joint mechanism operates with a click and a twist, 12x17-LI16MayJune-2-Twenty2.indd 13 5/10/16 7:34 AM 26 January/February 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com BY BRANDON M. GALLAGHER WATSON In the upper regions of Siberia, nearly 450 miles above the Artic Circle, resides one of the world's toughest tree species. Larix gmelinii, known as the Dahurian larch, holds the distinct title of "World's Northernmost Tree Species." Living in this area, just above the permafrost layer, is not for the faint of sap. Air temperatures have been recorded at an astonishing negative 94 degrees Fahrenheit (-70°C) during the winter, and summer temps climb above the freezing point for just a few short weeks. The growing season is less than 100 days long each year with polar night lasting from September to February. This species has adapted to low seed germination rates with the ability to sprout new trees off its root system, forming forest colonies of "creeping larch." This growth habit is common among hardwoods, such as aspen, but uncommon amongst temperate conifers. Their tough wood and extreme cold keep insect and fungal pests to a minimum and, of the 268 other organisms that live on this tundra, there are no other tree species competing for sunlight. They can survive here for a long time. One individual was found to be 919 years old, while the root system may be as old as several millennia. Despite these inhospitable conditions, the Dahurian larch thrives here. The Dahurian larch endures the local climate with great success thanks to a fairly complex series of adaptations we generally refer to "cold hardiness." Hardiness is a measure of how well a plant can withstand adverse conditions, "Hardiness is a measure of how well a plant can withstand adverse conditions, and can include cold, heat, elevation, drought, flooding and even wind." ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY RAINBOW TREECARE SCIENTIFIC ADVANCEMENTS Just Chill: How Cold Hardiness Works TREE CARE LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Many things come to mind when dreaming about summer soirees — sunsets, the smell of dinner on the grill, ice-cold cocktails. But what about the actual patios, lawns, balconies and decks where these gatherings take place? Mariani Landscape Architects, one of the country's largest landscape design, installation and maintenance fi rms, knows a thing or two about creating the perfect setting for an outdoor party. From creating small spaces that interconnect, to establishing defi nitive destinations, such as fi re pit seating areas and outdoor kitchens, bringing the indoors out is a great way to add interest to your space. Some other outdoor features that Mariani recommends are subtle water elements that offer soothing background noise and strung twinkle lights to add soft, whimsical lighting. To highlight the possibilities for outdoor gathering spaces, the following is a photo essay of some of the fabulous outdoor areas that Mariani has created. Amazing projects highlight the possibilities for outdoor gathering spaces 18 May/June 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com Creating the Perfect Setting Designer: Multiple Mariani Landscape Architecture designers Details: This outdoor living room and stunning fireplace was another hub for the patio. The extra space allowed for flow of guests, and really tied the whole idea of "outdoor living" together. The spot that was chosen for this area of the patio also had wonderful views of the pool, grilling area and dining space. Location: North Shore of Chicago Materials: Brick, bluestone, limestone 18x22-LI16MayJune-PhotoEssay3.indd 18 5/9/16 10:24 AM LANDSCAPE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION Designer: Tony LoBello, design director Details: Large patio made into livable spaces. Center patio made for dining. Pergola with Wisteria vines provides shade, coverage and intimacy. The pavement patterns break up the spaces and provide a good flow for entertaining. Site challenges: Create a space that was consistent and complementary of the architecture of the home. Location: Western suburbs of Chicago Materials: Brick, bluestone, limestone ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MARIANI LANDSCAPE (MARIANILANDSCAPE.COM) Amazing projects highlight the possibilities for outdoor gathering spaces www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation May/June 2016 19 Creating the Perfect Setting 18x22-LI16MayJune-PhotoEssay3.indd 19 5/9/16 10:24 AM 50 May/June 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com STAYING CURRENT ILLUSTRATION ABOVE ©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/SMARTBOY10 ■ BY PAUL MENDELSOHN I recently wrote about Maryland's hearings on legislation to further regulate neonicotinoid (neonics) pesticides. Early in March, the Maryland Senate passed Senate Bill 198, a pollinator health bill that would eliminate the sale of neonicotinoid pesticides at the retail level; but the bill doesn't restrict neonic pesticide use by certified applicators. During debate, landscape professionals won a significant victory by successfully lobbying for the removal of the word "direct" from the legislation. Without this important revision, the proposal would have required pesticide applicators to work directly under the supervision of a certified applicator, a distinction that could potentially complicate daily business operations. The Maryland House of Delegates quickly concurred with the Senate and, as of this writing, a bill sits on the governor's desk awaiting approval. If signed as expected, Maryland will become the first state to restrict the retail sale of neonics. Maryland isn't the only location with these issues. The issue of limiting pesticides and fertilizers that lawn care and landscape professionals use on a daily basis is popping up in several different communities, often starting at the hyper-local level. The South Portland Maine City Council unanimously approved a first reading of a pesticide ban that would limit what chemicals landscape professionals can use to control lawn and garden pests in the city. The ordinance would apply to city property starting May 1 , 2 0 1 7 , a n d b r o a d e n t o p r i v a t e property May 1, 2018 — and it would prohibit the use of synthetic pesticides other than products allowed by the Organic Materials Review Institute or exempt from regulation by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These ordinances are problematic, not only for the companies who work in the affected areas, but they should be off concern to all professionals, because they can spread. In this case, if South Portland passes the ordinance, there are several other communities in Maine — including Portland and Harpswell — that will consider adopting similar language. It is interesting that bans are proposed when people don't understand the need for them or how they work, but when there is a problem, their use is recognized and required. Recently in Minnesota, the Duluth City Council resolved to stop using neonics on city property and instructed staff members to do their best to steer clear of plants that have been treated with the insecticide. However, councilors offered one exception — authorizing the use of neonics to protect high-value ash trees from the spreading threat of emerald ash borers. Many communities, particularly those located in the east and Midwest are seeing their population of ash trees decimated by this species of beetle, and one of the most effective ways to treat and protect ash trees is with the use Local bans on pesticides and fertilizers increasing of neonics. Without the use of pesticides, thousands of healthy trees are often sacrificed in order to try to curtail the spread of emerald ash borer infestation. With increasing frequency, the effectiveness of neonics as a method to protect trees from invasive insect infestation is ignored when activists push for pesticide bans in our nation's communities. Pesticides aren't the only issue; fertilizers are also under fire. Grayslake, Ill., recently unanimously approved a law designed to prevent fertilizer pollution in rainwater runoff. The new law bans the use of phosphorus-based fertilizer for lawn care and landscaping, except in certain situations. Grayslake isn't the first community in Illinois to do this however; it joins a number of other northern Illinois towns that are limiting residential use of fertilizers with phosphorus. Proposed fertilizer bans aren't isolated to communities in the Midwest. Recently, the Suffolk County (N.Y.) legislature began to consider a proposal to ban the sale or use of any fertilizer with greater than a 10% nitrogen concentration. For non-New Yorkers, Suffolk County is better known as central and eastern Long Island. Fortunately, in this instance, landscape professionals and our industry allies were quick to respond, and sponsors of the idea tabled the idea for further discussion. So what do we learn from all of this activity? First of all, in many of our nation's communities, pesticide and fertilizer regulation is an issue under consideration. Second, these issues aren't likely to go away on their own. Third, and perhaps most important from the perspective of landscape professionals, proposals to regulate fertilizers and pesticides are often narrowly conceived and a r e d o n e s o w i t h o u t t h e a c t i v e involvement of landscape and lawn care representatives. As such, they don't take into consideration the knowledge and experience of those who provide landscape and lawn care services for a living. The National Association of Landscape Professionals is opposed to unnecessary fertilizer and pesticide bans that could negatively impact the services its members provide. There is a lot of misinformation and, too often, well-meaning city officials can be swayed by emotional rhetoric. In order for communities to make informed decisions, it is important to have all of the facts at hand, and right now that is often not the case. That is why we need local landscape professionals to become more engaged in our advocacy program. The best way to counter the arguments of special interest activists is for you to attend your town hall and council meetings to provide a first-hand account of what such a ban would mean, and to provide an expert account on the actual science of responsible fertilizer and pesticide use. Paul Mendelsohn is VP of government relations at The National Association of Landscape Professionals. Pesticides aren't the only issue; fertilizers are also under fire. 50-LI16MayJune-Current.indd 50 5/9/16 10:50 AM 30 July/August 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com IRRIGATION AND WATER MANAGEMENT overdue. The other big one for us is that mandate where you have to turn off all the water to city medians that have turf on potable water. Q: What percentage of your irrigation is potable water versus reclaimed? Collins: Statewide, we are 48 percent potable and 52 percent reclaimed. But here in Irvine, where we have been pioneering the use of it – we actually helped build the first reclamation center in 1968 – we're over 70 percent, with many more online coming, conversions to reclaimed. Q: Following up on what you said about the mandate to turn off water to medians, how do you think that will affect the overall appeal and/or your plant palette? Collins: Well, the medians, for us, happen to be in one of our most important areas in Newport Beach. So, there's no way we Clint Collins, senior director, landscape operations, Irvine Company Office Properties, was recently a special guest in an "Outsmarting the Drought" webinar series, presented by HydroPoint Data Systems. Collins spent 28 years with ValleyCrest Landscape; is a member of the board of directors BOMA/O.C.; and is responsible for the Irvine Company office portfolio, consisting of more than 500 buildings, 30 million square feet of landscape, 12 million square feet of turf and more than 50,000 trees. His insights from the "Outsmarting the Drought" series are as follows: Q: What has changed for you and the Irvine Company since the governor's executive order mandating water reduction? Collins: Well, the biggest change is the mandatory water reduction percentages on the potable water for each water agency. And that's a really important distinction. All of these mandates only apply to potable water. Prior to this, the water reductions have pretty much been voluntary. But, unfortunately, not enough people took that seriously, and they didn't make the changes that had been long Dealing with Drought Water Efficiency Best Practices ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HYDROPOINT DATA SYSTEMS 30-31 LI16JulyAug-Drought.indd 30 6/27/16 2:59 PM 24 April 2016 Landscape and Irrigation www.landscapeirrigation.com LANDSCAPE AND TURF MAINTENANCE ■ BY JAMIE BREUNINGER Spring can't come soon enough for the parts of the country that endure long winters. But for the lawn care operator (LCO), it's a race against the clock — or, more accurately, a race against Mother Nature. There is a lot of pressure on LCOs this time of year. Their window of opportunity is narrow, and they want to get to all of their customers before the weather warms and the phone starts ringing with weed complaints. Spring is the most popular time to make herbicide applications, but proper planning can give LCOs more flexibility and additional time throughout the year. Turf managers can use their annual lawn service program as a guide to predict what weeds will appear when, and the different products that are needed to control or prevent those weeds. When is the right time to use a three-way herbicide? When would products with amines or esters work better? Is a broadcast application needed in the fall, or would a spot treatment do the trick? Planning ensures that these and other questions are answered ahead of time. That way, LCOs have the necessary products available during the appropriate times, allowing them to address their customers' concerns year round. POST CONTROL AT PREEMERGENCE TIMING The timing of the first application of the season is critical. For effective preemergence control, an LCO needs to make that first application before weeds begin to germinate. For example, in the northern U.S., the first applications can begin in March after winter weather subsides. Ideal timing for first applications of fertilizer with a crabgrass preventer is when soil temperatures hit 50 degrees Fahrenheit. So while an LCO is racing to get the first applications made to provide his or her customers' lawns with a quick green-up and crabgrass prevention, the dandelions, chickweed and clover, which have overwintered, are waiting to bloom. Coast to coast, dandelions reign as one of the most hated weeds by homeowners. Dandelions are a perennial weed present in lawns in the early spring, but are not yet actively growing. As soon as the temperatures start to increase and the rain comes, dandelions explode across lawns — and once the yellow blooms appear, the phone starts ringing. Most are customers calling to complain. Homeowners expect their lawns to be weed free if they are paying a professional to do the service. The sight of dandelions brings about strong emotions — and not good ones. There are many effective products on the market to control dandelions, but they typically should be applied later in the spring or summer when the temperatures rise and the weeds are actively growing. A product such as Defendor specialty herbicide provides postemergence control of dandelions and other high-anxiety weeds during preemergence timing, and can be applied in late fall or early spring. Designed to perform under cold-weather conditions, Defendor controls weeds early to help free up resources at critical times of the year when labor is limited. Defendor has a different mode of action than the auxins; and when applied pre-bloom, it stops the emergence of the dandelion seed head while the herbicide slowly controls the plant. The end result keeps the declining weed below mower height and nearly invisible to the homeowner. This gives the LCO a much earlier start on controlling dandelions, ultimately providing more flexibility when scheduling and making applications. This also is the ideal time to make crabgrass applications. A product such as Dimension specialty herbicide, with both preemergence and early postemergence control, will attack crabgrass prior to germination and prevent future outbreaks. Knowing when crabgrass is likely to be present is helpful in proper identification and control. Crabgrass germinates when soil temperatures reach a consistent 55 degrees Fahrenheit at a depth of 2 inches. Depending on the region, crabgrass may begin germinating as early as February and into May, and will continue to grow through August. If an LCO can get the crabgrass control down at the same time they're making the winter broadleaf weed applications (late fall or early spring), they could save a lot of time and money. TIMING CUSTOMER RENEWALS Customer renewals also can play a large part in planning herbicide applications. The earlier an LCO renews the customer for the Timing is Everything Herbicide application planning can help LCOs get ahead p24x25-LI16APR-LandTurf Herbicide.indd 24 3/9/16 2:12 PM www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation July/August 2016 31 IRRIGATION AND WATER MANAGEMENT can just have dead turf medians – that just doesn't work – so, basically, we're going to have to look at other alternatives, including re-landscaping with drip [irrigation] and drought-tolerant shrubs. Q: What steps have you taken to address water efficiency? Collins: Since Irvine Company was founded – and we were origi- nally an agricultural company, and we've been in business for more than 150 years – we've been thoughtful stewards of some of the most valuable land anywhere, conserving and reusing water by all means available. And we strive to build and operate our commu- nities and properties in a sustainable, environmentally sensitive way. And throughout our long history we've experienced numer- ous droughts, and we've made major investments in programs and pioneered systems and infrastructure designed to reduce that water usage up front, and then extensively reclaim and reuse that water whenever possible. Like I was saying, we pioneered the use of reclaimed water, and in the mid '70s we started using it for apart- ments, office, retail and communities in the City of Irvine. I think you can break good water conservation down into three best practice categories: the first one will be upgrading your irrigation infrastructure. We use smart controllers – we currently have more than 470 WeatherTRAK controllers just in office properties alone. We've converted to low-flow sprinklers in turf areas, this helps the soil to absorb the water instead of running off onto the hardscape. We use drip irrigation where possible, especially in parking lot islands, which has the added benefit of reducing cost for repairing water damage on asphalt. And we use master valves with flow sensing as much as possible to prevent water loss due to main line breaks and stuck valves. This has become an even greater priority due to recent changes in the law making any runoff illegal and subject to fines. I think the second best practice is basically the cultural stuff; and that is greater emphasis on installing low-water-use plant material on all properties going forward, and on some retrofits. Reducing the amount of turfgrass; keep in mind, focus your efforts on your potable systems – that's where you get your biggest bang for your buck right now. I would try to keep your footprint to about 30 percent. Mulching to retain soil moisture; we always try to keep at least a two-inch layer of mulch at all times to keep the water from evaporating. And minimizing the scalping and overseeding of turf areas. We used to do that annually, and now we just do it in very select areas – if at all – because it takes a lot of water to germinate new seed. The third best practice is partnering and accountability. Just the infrastructure alone won't do it – you have to partner with your vendors and with the owners. One of the things we require is a monthly irrigation inspection. This is hugely important. Irrigation systems have a lot of rubber and plastic in them, and they need constant attention. If nobody is paying attention to that, you are inevitably going to have leaks and be wasting water. It's super important to water to your local ET, and make sure your vendors know what that allocation is each week based on that ET. And we also require them to read the water meter every week to make sure they are on track to stay with that allocation. So it's really important that you have some sort of informational campaign to educate the public on that. Then, moving to more of a big picture kind of thing, I think the single best strategy in this particular mandate is to pursue converting any potable property to reclaimed water. If you do that, you are going to be exempt from all of the regulations, and it's the right thing to do for landscape. Another tactic would be working with your water agencies to try to get them to adopt a tiered rate system based on ET allocations using warm-season grass as a crop coefficient. That's the model used by the IRWD here in Irvine, who I think are some of the leaders in water management. And if you upgrade to those infrastructures I just talked about, it's really not difficult to water to that standard. Any districts that go to a limited mandatory watering day – that's a great sound bite, and it makes it sound like you are doing something. But it's actually not really effective at saving water. And it actually works against you if you have invested in low flow and other water-saving technologies – you don't have a long enough water window to get the water out there. So, during those situations, people are going to tend to flood irrigate, and a lot of that water is going to run off and go into storm drains, which is sad. And turf has become the villain here. And it does use about 40 percent more water than non-turf on average. So a good strategy is to try to reduce your percentage of turf on your potable systems to the low-water use shrubs of drip, and take advantage of any available rebates. I would try to keep your footprint to about 30 percent of your landscape on the potable. Another strategy is that you can convert your existing turfgrass to a native grass or buffalo grass. A lot of these varieties use 75 percent less water than our standard tall fescue. But don't think that you are getting a tall fescue nice, beautiful, mowed lawn. They are just not that. They are not as green and lush, and a lot of them go dormant in the winter. You could always go full bore and completely re-landscape a property with full drought-appropriate landscape palette with drip and low flow. That would get you out of the woods forever, but it is a very expensive option. Article provided by HydroPoint Data Systems, provider of 360° Smart Water Management solutions. To watch the full interview/webinar, visit www.hydropoint.com/landscapeirrigation overdue. The other big one for us is that mandate where you have to turn off all the water to city medians that have turf on potable water. Q: What percentage of your irrigation is potable water versus reclaimed? Collins: Statewide, we are 48 percent potable and 52 percent reclaimed. But here in Irvine, where we have been pioneering the use of it – we actually helped build the first reclamation center in 1968 – we're over 70 percent, with many more online coming, conversions to reclaimed. Q: Following up on what you said about the mandate to turn off water to medians, how do you think that will affect the overall appeal and/or your plant palette? Collins: Well, the medians, for us, happen to be in one of our most important areas in Newport Beach. So, there's no way we ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HYDROPOINT DATA SYSTEMS 30-31 LI16JulyAug-Drought.indd 31 6/27/16 2:59 PM Content Every issue of Landscape and Irrigation delivers content for all facets of the industries for which it is named. With sections devoted to Landscape and Turf Maintenance, Irrigation and Water Management, Landscape Design and Construction, Business Management, Equipment, and more, here's why landscape and irrigation industry professionals look forward to every issue: Landscape and Turf Maintenance Every issue boasts articles on lawn maintenance techniques, trends, tools and tips. Landscape Design and Construction Project profiles, hardscapes, design trends, and more are a part of every issue. Irrigation and Water Management Landscape and Irrigation devotes space in every issue to landscape irrigation topics and news, as well as smart irrigation practices and water management solutions. Tree Care A section dedicated to tree care covers tree care business, tree pests, plant health care and related topics (see page 9 for more information). Twenty for 2017 New Product Awards With our annual New Product Awards program, we will once again recognize the 20 most innovative new products of the past year. Staying Current The National Association of Landscape Professionals provides the latest legislative updates and other key industry news. Plus: Landscape and Irrigation also includes Business Management feature stories, Industry Insights columns, Equipment Focus, Product Round-up, and special features such as our annual Equipment Trends, Mowing Trends and State of the Industry editorial profiles.

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