05 D. Laughlin Legacy Sustainable Landscape Plan 2011.pdf

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Sustainable Landscape Development Plan�

Laughlin Legacy –Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 1

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 2

Laughlin Legacy -

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

First impressions are important – and lasting.

Executive Summary

The image of an installation should be one of strength and quality. Its landscape can significantly influence the perceived quality as well as the overall morale and attitudes of people who live and work there. A positive image, achieved through visual compatibility and unity is the result of a comprehensive landscape development planning program that brings together the natural and man-made environments.

The goal of this document is to provide guidance to improve the overall aesthetics of Laughlin AFB while decreasing maintenance requirements. The long-term result will be an attractive and cohesive installation landscape that unifies the installation into a sustainable facility with an identifiable regional character.

Properly implemented, the Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan (SLDP) will serve the installation well for decades.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 3

Table of Contents Executive Summary Introduction

Background Sustainable Landscape Development Planning (SLDP) Elements

Landscape Development Policy Statement Landscape Development Concept Statement

Water budgeting Regionally-appropriate landscape design principles

Approved Plant List Hardy and relatively pest-free Regionally native or indigenous Minimal maintenance and irrigation Readily available Laughlin AFB Approved Plant List

Approved Inert Material List Compatibility with architectural theme Readily available Proper installation and maintenance Appropriate use

Laughlin AFB Approved Inert Material List* Laughlin AFB Approved Irrigation Standards

Needs assessment Installation Establishment Maintenance

Landscape Development Zoning Plan Primary zone Secondary zone Tertiary zone

Streetscape Corridor Plan Analysis Needs assessment Implementation

Laughlin AFB Anti-terrorism/Force Protection Landscape Guidelines Laughlin AFB Landscape Construction Guidelines

Specifications Details

Laughlin AFB Landscape Maintenance Guidelines Grounds maintenance contract

Conclusion Laughlin Legacy Implementation Plan

Bibliography

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 4

Introduction

Laughlin AFB is located in Val Verde County, Texas and is situated approximately seven miles east of Del Rio, Texas near the United States and Mexico Border in west Texas. At an average 1100 foot elevation, the installation lies predominantly in the Rio Grande Plain receiving an average of approximately 18 inches of rain annually. Natural vegetation is limited to drought resistant plants such as acacia, mesquite, cenizo, buffalograss, blue grama and prickly pear.

Accordingly, sustainable low-water, low-maintenance landscapes utilizing native or indigenous plant materials will be the backbone of the Laughlin Legacy – SLDP concept.

Background

In landscape architecture, the application of conservation-oriented ideals has led the profession in diverse directions. The most basic of these are using native, naturally-occurring plant materials in landscape design and highly-efficient water delivery systems in irrigation design. In addition, embracing the creation of sustainable landscapes and the preservation of native and endangered species foster a sense of pride and a deeper understanding of responsible landscape development.

An associated phenomenon of this conservation movement was the coining of the term “xeriscape” by the City of Denver, Colorado Water Department. Xeriscape is derived from the Greek work, xeros, or dry. The xeriscape philosophy embodies rudimentary landscape architectural principles regardless of location. This philosophy challenges the designer to create landscapes that convey a sense of regional context in plant selection and placement with the intent purpose of minimizing supplemental irrigation.

This document provides basic guidance and direction to improve the understanding and implementation of the regionally-appropriate philosophy in landscape design at Laughlin

AFB.

Sustainable Landscape Development Planning (SLDP) Elements

Elements of the Laughlin Legacy – SLDP include:

Landscape Development Policy Statement Landscape Development Concept Statement Approved Plant List Approved Inert Material List Irrigation Standards Landscape Development Zoning Plan Streetscape Corridor Plan Anti-terrorism/Force protection (ATFP) Landscape Guidelines Landscape Construction Guidelines Landscape Maintenance Guidelines Laughlin Legacy Implementation Plan

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 5

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

The region’s natural plant palette occurs wherever mowing does not.

Landscape Development Policy Statement

As a minimum requirement, projects on Laughlin AFB shall conform to the following:

All projects, roads, parking lots and site modifications shall include compliant Laughlin Legacy landscape development considerations and budgets consistent with this document

All landscape development projects or landscape development in other construction or repair projects shall be designed or reviewed by a professional landscape architect or pre-approved landscape designer

A pre-approved portion of the project funding shall be specifically allocated for landscape development and shall only be used for that purpose

All landscape development shall only use materials listed in the Laughlin AFB Approved Plant List and Approved Inert Material List as provided in this document

All landscape development shall be irrigated according to the Laughlin AFB Approved Irrigation Standards as provided in this document

All landscape development for new facilities shall meet AT/FP landscape guidelines provided in this and other appropriate guidance documents

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 6

Landscape Development Concept Statement

Regionally-appropriate landscape development is the conservation of water and energy through creative and adaptive landscape design. Regionally-appropriate landscapes provide attractive solutions that save money, water, and maintenance. Since landscape development is a long-term concern, consistent implementation of a well-crafted concept plan is paramount in creating a specific identity across the installation. The Laughlin Legacy – SLDP will be based on the principles delineated below.

Water budgeting

The concept of budgeting water use in the landscape is integral to regionally-appropriate design. Concentrating plants with similar water-use requirements or creating hydrozones, simplifies and economizes irrigation system design and maintenance requirements.

There are three regionally-appropriate hydrozones:

Inner zone Intermediate zone Outer zone

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Native trees are a mainstay of quality regionally-appropriate design.

Inner zone The inner zone of a regionally-appropriate planting is the area which will have high visibility and be significantly important to the facility in terms of appearance, image, and usage. Even though this zone has higher water demand the other zones, it can still require less irrigation than a traditional landscape. Supplemental irrigation will most likely be required. The inner zone may be a modest entry feature at the Family Support

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 7

Center, a backyard planting in Military Family Housing, or a special memorial area of a large, multi-use park.

Regardless of the overall area being designed, the inner water budgeting zone should be kept proportionately small and functional in size. Water-loving plants can be used in this zone if they are placed where irrigation or other runoff can be collected or redirected. In low rainfall regions, this zone functions as a mini-oasis. The landscape design is generally characterized by increased plant densities and relative lushness.

Intermediate zone The intermediate zone functions as the transitional area between the inner and outer zones. Plants in this zone may require more water than available from natural precipitation. They probably will require some supplemental irrigation in drier climates.

Plant densities are reduced as compared to the inner zone. Overall, maintenance and water use should be minimal. By taking advantage of runoff from paved areas or roof drains, supplemental irrigation can be further reduced.

Outer zone The outer zone is generally characterized by plants having the least water requirements and lowest intensity of human use. Once established, plants in the outer zone generally require very little to no irrigation or maintenance with the exception of weed control and occasional pruning. Plant materials should be chosen especially for their hardiness and extremely low water requirements.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

The Fire Station landscape development exhibits many aspects of appropriate regionally-appropriate design principles.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 8

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Regionally-appropriate landscape design is not acres of river rock and a few trees.

Regionally-appropriate landscape design principles

By applying the following principles of regionally-appropriate landscape design, installations can use valuable water resources efficiently and lower maintenance requirements while increasing the aesthetic appeal of the landscape:

Start with a plan Minimize turf areas Improve the soil Irrigate efficiently Select water-efficient plants Use mulches Practice proper maintenance

Start with a plan Imagine beginning a vacation to a remote location with no maps, no hotel reservations, or even an idea how much money or what currency you will need during your trip. A similar type of journey can be taken in the landscape simply by not having a plan.

Developing a plan before starting any landscape project is the single most important step in the design process.

Minimize turf areas Turf requires the most water and maintenance of all plant types. For example, a 3000 square foot turf area, irrigated 3 to 5 times a week for 10 to 30 minutes each time uses between 9000 to 15000 gallons of water per month. The same area planted with a low-water groundcover requires only about 10% of that amount of irrigation. Therefore, the

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 9 designer needs to consider size, location, and variety of turfgrass for each project. The following issues on turf areas should be reviewed in creating an efficient regionally-appropriate landscape:

Select and maintain turf areas where they will be the most beneficial based on local irrigation limitations

Select turf varieties that will thrive in the local environment and require minimal additional irrigation

Design larger turf areas in shallow depressions to passively collect rainwater Consider using alternative plant materials that may be less water-demanding; or inert materials in place of turf

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

The Wing Headquarters facility shows some signs of appropriate design techniques.

Improve the soil Soils can vary greatly over an installation. A soils analysis will determine exactly what improvements may be required. In general, organic matter and amendments that decrease or increase soil acidity, or pH, are the most common additives used to improve soils. Although native plants in a region may not require soil improvements to thrive, the addition of organic matter allows better absorption of water and improves water-holding capacities while providing beneficial nutrients for the plants.

Most plants seem to thrive in slightly acid or neutral soils, so the addition of lime and sulfur can respectively raise or lower the pH to create a more effective plant growing medium. Benefits of improving the soil include:

Plants will grow better and use water more effectively and efficiently Rainfall will more readily be absorbed by the soil surrounding the plants thereby reducing runoff, erosion, and the frequency of supplemental irrigation

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 10

Irrigate efficiently The Laughlin Legacy – SLDP discusses several important topics related to efficiently delivering supplemental water to plant material. There are three important practices associated with irrigating a regionally-appropriate planting – watering slowly, deeply and infrequently.

Water slowly Never apply water faster than the infiltration rate of the soil. Sandy soils absorb water quickly; clay soils slowly, and loam soils somewhere in between. Slow and even irrigation allows for proper soil moisture to be maintained in the root zone, providing for the best growing conditions for plant material while eliminating or minimizing runoff and potential erosion.

Water deeply Irrigate each plant variety long enough for water to reach the root zone. Determine depth of water penetration by pushing a metal rod into the wet soil. The rod will stop when it reaches dry soil. Irrigation water should reach at least to 2/3 the actual depth of plant roots for optimum irrigation cycle timing. Record the amount of time it took the system to reach this depth to assist in proper programming of irrigation controllers.

Water infrequently During the hot summer months, plants obviously will require more supplemental water.

This does not mean plants should be irrigated every day. A soaking once a week is much more beneficial than several light sprinklings. Slow, deep watering promotes roots that are more capable of withstanding drought while further reducing irrigation requirements by naturally providing more soil between the hot dry sun and tender roots.

Never water more than every other day or during periods of high winds.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

The native mesquite can be a quality shade tree.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 11

Select water-efficient plants In most climatic regions there are a number of attractive trees, shrubs, groundcovers, vines, and grasses that require little or no supplemental water to thrive. Laughlin AFB has populated their approved installation plant list with natives that have demonstrated their long term landscape value through their hardiness, availability, and minimal maintenance and water requirements. Nursery owners are regularly testing new "discoveries" from the wild that can be used by the designer to create functional, beautiful, and water-efficient landscape solutions.

An important consideration for developing a plant list is to ensure a sufficient number of plant varieties for all three hydrozones. Many native, arid region plants will not perform well in shade. The enclosed Approved Plant List provides for sufficient diversity of shade-tolerant plant materials.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Large expanses of irrigated turfgrass may be the simplest and least expensive to install as well as being the most expensive to maintain.

Use mulches Organic or inert mulches applied to proper depths will reduce water needs and weed growth while providing visual interest and surface erosion control. Organic mulches such as pine needles and shredded or chipped bark provide the added benefit of improving the soil through slow decomposition. Inert materials listed in this document also provide mulching benefits.

Mulch should be placed directly on the soil around all plant materials. Avoid plastic sheeting and certain plastic-based fibrous matting. These materials do not prevent weed growth and slowly decompose over time creating maintenance difficulties. Depths of application vary. Please see Inert Materials List later in this document for specifics.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 12

Practice proper maintenance In general, an established, well-designed regionally-appropriate planting naturally requires minimal maintenance. A regionally-appropriate planting will save water and require less fertilizer and insecticides. Use of systemic contact herbicides on noxious weeds like Bermudagrass in non-turf areas along with regular applications of pre-emergent herbicides will greatly reduce labor requirements over the long term. Some maintenance practices that can save water are:

Raise the height of turfgrass mowers Regularly inspect irrigation sprinklers for leaks or breaks Prune and thin out heavily-foliated trees and shrubs to reduce evapotranspiration through the leaves Replenish mulch around plants

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

The best way to maintain thorny Century plants is quick and decisive removal and disposal.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 13

Approved Plant List

An installation’s approved plant list identifies readily available and proven plant material for use in facility landscape design. Selected plant materials should complement and reinforce the installation architectural theme. The Laughlin AFB Approved Plant List documents trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses and groundcovers for use in landscape development projects. As the backbone of installation planting design, the list provides designers with a palette of desirable plant material that possess the following characteristics:

Hardy and relatively pest-free Regionally native or indigenous Minimal maintenance and irrigation Readily available

Hardy and relatively pest-free

Hardy plants endure the temperature extremes of a specific region. Most plants are categorized based on the lowest temperatures they can endure without significant damage. Marginal plants should be avoided or sparingly used to ensure maximum long term value and performance while minimizing maintenance and possible replacement.

Pest free plants are rare. Many plants can withstand natural influxes of common garden pests. Plant growers are constantly improving and developing species that are especially tolerant to disease and pests. Resistance to major diseases should be considered in choosing plants for the installation plant list.

Regionally native or indigenous

Regionally native plants are generally conditioned to the climate and soil of a particular region. These plants tend to be drought tolerant and hardy. Use of native plants is highly desirable and should be a primary consideration when selecting plants for the installation's plant list. Plants that have been successfully introduced into a region are considered indigenous. These plants have proven their durability through years of use.

Many of these plants have naturalized and have become widely used. Some plants may become invasive and displace desirable natives. Characteristics of indigenous plants should be carefully examined prior to including them on the installation plant list.

Minimal maintenance and irrigation

Maintenance and irrigation is costly. Plants that can thrive without supplemental water after establishment are highly desirable. Certain plants exhibit characteristics that create a need for maintenance and attention. For example, Century plant, a thorny agave, grows to immense size only to bloom in a few years and die. The plant forms “pups” or new plants around its base that aspire to be as large and as dead as Momma.

Maintenance headache for years! Mexican fan palms require specially trained personnel and equipment to remove palm fronds as the plant matures. Installations should consider all these fixed, long-term costs during the plant selection process.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 14

Readily available

Plants included on the installation plant list must be readily available. Check with local or regional nurseries to ensure plants will be available in sufficient quantities to satisfy future landscape project needs.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Graphic credit:

2003 US National Arboretum "Web Version" of the 1990 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

Laughlin AFB is located in USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8b.

The following list is not intended to be static. Regular review and modification is recommended as new plants are being released all the time. It is important to note, that changes to the list must be made by qualified individuals with extreme care. Just because a plant “works” in a local area or region does not make it worthy of being on an installation’s approved list. According to the map above, Laughlin AFB is in Zone 8b with the average annual minimum temperature range of -20 to 15 degrees F.

The Approved Planting List is based on minimums. For example, the planting sizes recommended for each plant are the smallest size recommended. Larger sizes are appropriate but it has been proven that most plant materials perform better when planted from smaller-sized containers. By the time a plant “outgrows” its old larger container, the recommended size-container plant is more established and may even have surpassed the larger one in size. Another consideration is the cost for each plant.

Smaller plants cost less and their planting preparation and labor cost less as well.

Larger containers cost more on all counts. Lost plants – and larger containers are more likely to succumb to the change from nursery or field to the landscape, can die more often. This is especially true when plants are installed at other than ideal. At this and most installations, the best time to install landscapes is in the cool of the fall.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 15

Laughlin AFB Approved Plant List

Botanical Name

Common

N at iv e

/ I n d ig en o u s

E ve rg re en d ec id u o u s

M at u re h ei g h t (f ee t)

M u re w id th fe et

M in

. p la n ti n g s iz e (g al

Ir ri g at io n r e q u ir em en ts

B ar ri e r

S cr n

A cc en t

S tr ee ts ca p e

A T

/F P

G o lf c o u rs e

Trees

Acacia farnesiana

Huisache N ED 25 25 15 L ♦ ♦ Acacia constricta

Whitethorn N D 12 15 5 L ♦ ♦

Celtis laevigata Hackberry N D 40 25 15 L ♦ ♦ Cercis canadensis

Eastern redbud

N D 20 20 15 ML ♦ ♦ ♦

Chilopsis linearis

Desert willow

N D 20 15 15 ML ♦ ♦

Condalia spathulata

Knife-leaf condalia / squawbush

N E 12 15 5 L ♦ ♦

Cupressus arizonica

Arizona cypress

N E 65 45 15 L ♦ ♦

Diospyros texana

Texas persimmon

N D 20 15 15 L ♦ ♦

Pinus eldarica Afghan pine I E 45 25 15 L ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ Pinus halepenis

Allepo pine I E 50 40 15 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Prosopis chilensis ‘S.A.

hybrid’

Chilean mesquite

I D 35 25 15 M ♦ ♦

Prosopis glandulosa

Honey mesquite

N D 25 25 15 M ♦ ♦

Quercus muhlenbergii

Chinquapin oak

N D 50 35 15 M ♦ ♦ ♦

Quercus shumardii

Shumard red oak

I D 50 40 15 L ♦ ♦

Quercus texanum

Texas oak I D 25 25 15 L ♦ ♦

Quercus virginiana

Southern live oak

N E* 50 70 15 L ♦ ♦

Ulmus crassifolia

Cedar elm N D 45 30 15 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 16 iv e

/ I n d ig en o u s

E ve rg re en d ec id u o u s

M at u re h ei g h t (f u re w id th fe et

M in

. p la n ti n g s iz e (g al

Ir ri g at io n r e q u ir em en t

S tr ee ts ca p e

A T lf c o u

Shrubs

Aloysia gratissima

Whitebrush N ED 8 4 5 L ♦ ♦

Aucuba japonica

Aucuba I E 4 5 1 M ♦ ♦

Berberis thunbergerii

Japanese barberry

I ED 3 4 5 M ♦ ♦ ♦

Berberis trifoliate

Agarito N E 4 4 5 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Buddleja marrubifolia

Butterfly bush

N ED 3 3 5 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Buxus japonicum

Japanese boxwood

I E 4 4 1 L ♦ ♦

Cassia wislizenii

Canyon senna

N D 5 4 5 L ♦ ♦

Chrysactina Mexicana

Damianita N E 1 1 1 L ♦ ♦

Cotoneaster spp.

Cotoneaster I ED V V 5 M ♦

Dalea frutescens

Black dalea N D 1 4 1 L ♦

Dasylirion wheeleri

Desert spoon/sotol

N E 12 8 5g L ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Ericameria laricifolia

Turpentine bush

N E 3 2 1 L ♦

Euphorbia antisyphilitica

Candelilla N E 2 1.5 1 L ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Fouquieria splendens

Ocotillo N D 15 15 7 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Guayacum angustifolium

Guayacan / soapbush

N E 9 12 5 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Hesperaloe parviflora

Red yucca I E 3 4 1 L ♦ ♦

Ilex vomitoria Yaupon holly

N E V V 1 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Juniperus chinensis ‘Sea Green’

Sea green juniper

I E 6 8 5 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 17 iv e

/ I n d ig en o u s

E ve rg re en d ec id u o u s

M at u re h ei g h t (f u re w id th fe et

M in

. p la n ti n g s iz e (g al

Ir ri g at io n r e q u ir em en t

S tr ee ts ca p e

A T lf c o u

Shrubs (continued)

Koeberlinia spinosa

Allthorn N E 6 8 5 L ♦

Larrea tridentate

Creosote bush

N E 6 4 5 L ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Leucophyllum spp.

Cenizo N E 6 4 5 L ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Malviscus arboreus v.

drummondii

Turk’s cap N ED 3 3 1 L ♦ ♦

Nandina domestica spp.

Heavenly bamboo

I E V V 1 L ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Nolina texana Sacahuista N E 2 3 1 L ♦ ♦

Opuntia spp.

Cholla / prickly pear

N E V V 1 L ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Raphiolepis indica spp.

Indian hawthorn

I E V 5 M ♦

Rhus microphylla

Littleleaf Sumac

N E 6 8 5 L ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Salvia greggii Autumn sage

N E 3 3 1 L ♦ ♦

Schaefferia cuneifolia

Desert yaupon

N E 4 3 5 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Sophora secundiflora

Texas mountain laurel

N E 15 15 15 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Tecoma stans Esperanza / Yellow bells

N D 5 4 1 LM ♦ ♦ ♦

Yucca elata Soaptree N E 15 6 1 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Yucca recurvifolia

Pendulous yucca

I E 6 6 1 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Yucca treculeana

Spanish dagger

N E 1 L ♦ ♦ ♦

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 18 iv e

/ I n d ig en o u s

E ve rg re en d ec id u o u s

M at u re h ei g h t (f u re w id th fe et

M in

. p la n ti n g s iz e (g al

Ir ri g at io n r e q u ir em en t

S tr ee ts ca p e

A T lf c o u

Perennials

Aquilegia spp.

Yellow columbine

N E 2 1 1 LM ♦

Baileya multiradiata

Desert marigold

I E 1 2 1 L ♦

Berlandiera lyrata

Chocolate daisy

N ED 2 2 1 L ♦

Cassia roemeriana

Two-leaved senna

N ED 3 2 1 L ♦

Melampodium leucanthum

Blackfoot daisy

N ED 1 2 1 L ♦

Groundcovers

Dalea greggii Gregg Dalea

N E .75 3 1 L ♦ ♦

Euonymus fortunei

Creeping euonymus

I E .75 2 1 L ♦ ♦

Juniperus horizontalis ‘Wiltonii’

Wilton carpet juniper

I E 1 3 3 LM ♦

Oenothera speciosa

Pink evening primrose

N ED 1 1 1 LM ♦ ♦

Sedum spp. Stonecrop NI E .75 2 1 L ♦ ♦

Grasses

Bouteloua gracilis

Blue grama N D ♦ ♦

Buchloe dactyloides

Buffalo grass

N D ♦ ♦ ♦

Cynodon dactylon

Bermuda grass

I D ♦ ♦ ♦

Cynodon spp.

hybrids

Tifdwarf, Tifsport, etc.

I D ♦ ♦ ♦

Festuca caesia Blue fescue I E ♦

Hilaria belangeri

Curly mesquite

N D ♦ ♦ ♦

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 19

Approved Inert Material List

Inert materials such as gravel, decomposed granite or river run stone are commonly used in the landscape with the intent of lowering maintenance and improving aesthetics.

When properly incorporated, these materials work well to create an efficient, economical, and aesthetic design solution. The difficulty arises when these materials are installed without regard to long term maintenance requirements. The following issues must be considered when using the selected inert materials for Laughlin AFB:

Compatibility with architectural theme Readily available Proper installation and maintenance Appropriate use

Compatibility with architectural theme

Inert materials should be visually compatible with the installation architectural theme.

Color, size, texture and long-term aesthetic value or durability should be primary considerations of inert materials to be included on the installation approved list.

Readily available

Materials included on the installation inert material list must be readily available. Native or locally occurring materials usually will contribute the most toward preserving the character or image of the final project. Check with local or regional suppliers to ensure materials will be available in sufficient quantities to satisfy future landscape project needs.

Proper installation and maintenance

Overuse, misuse, and poor installation techniques hinder the effectiveness of inert material use in the landscape. Mixing different types or colors of similar materials of the same texture generally is inappropriate and detracts from the design composition.

Appropriate use

Designating inert materials for specific uses throughout the installation is important. For example, 3-8" river run stone may be appropriate for use as an accent in an area of 3/4" decomposed granite or as erosion control in a small swale. In contrast, installing it as the primary groundcover over hundreds of square feet may be expensive, visually overpowering and difficult to maintain.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 20

Laughlin AFB Approved Inert Material List*

Descriptive

Trade iz e

C o lo r

D ep th

L an d sc ap e el em en t

E ro si o n c o n tr o l

A cc en t

R ip

-r ap

Inert materials

Decomposed granite

“Jim Bob’s Red” 3/4” minus “Red” 2” min. ♦ ♦

River rock Local river run 3-8” Various One layer ♦ ♦ ♦

Boulder Local ‘limestone’ boulder 8-27 CF Natural

As detailed ♦ ♦

* Final selection of inert materials left in the hands of installation.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Many different types of inert materials are currently in use. This example is one of the better uses and types found on Laughlin AFB. Final choices are up to installation

– and must be well thought out to be successful.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 21

Laughlin AFB Approved Irrigation Standards

Along with appropriate landscape development there must be an efficient and fitting irrigation system standards to further ensure a quality installation of the future. Irrigation is the supplemental application of water to support intensive and regular plant growth.

Successful irrigation systems consider the unique characteristics of the soil, climate, topography, and the quantity, quality, and availability of water as well as the specific plant material requirements.

There are three steps in determining the irrigation requirements of Laughlin AFB landscape development:

Needs assessment Installation Establishment

Needs assessment

It is important to assess the entire installation when determining appropriate locations for high quality, irrigated turf. Utilizing the regionally-appropriate concept statement provided earlier, turf areas should be only located in high use areas where they will be readily used and enjoyed by facility occupants and visitors. When it is deemed appropriate for a facility to receive an irrigated turf area, it should be minimally-sized to provide visual and psychological value. Some turf areas may need to be reduced in size to provide visual continuity and compliance with the installation’s landscape development guidelines.

All turf areas designated to remain should be irrigated with state-of-the-art automatic systems regardless of which landscape development zone. For example, a properly designed drip irrigation system can be an efficient way to establish a largely native landscape palette. Moisture sensors and smart controllers can save large amounts of water. Internet-based systems can sense and notify managers remotely about leaks or broken heads. With today’s contracted grounds maintenance, these tools become expensive when labor may already be committed to irrigation system oversight.

High visibility streetscapes and primary zone landscape developments should be completely irrigated. Secondary zone projects should be assessed for irrigation requirements on a case-by-case basis by an integrated development team. Tertiary zone landscapes may not qualify for a strictly “aesthetic” irrigated turf area.

Sustainable turf area ratio (STAR) process Since irrigated turf areas use the most water in addition to being the having the highest maintenance requirements, assessing the “long-term value” of whether to keep them or install additional turf areas is an important aspect of sustainable installation landscape development. Accordingly, an informal, yet pertinent assessment tool is the “sustainable turf area ratio”, or STAR process. The first step in the STAR process is to determine the square feet (SF) of turf to be assessed. The second step is to determine

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 22 the linear feet (LF) of edging required to maintain the area at an acceptable level. By dividing the SF by the LF, one determines the “sustainable turf area ratio”, or STAR.

For illustration purposes, suppose there is a existing turf area on the installation measuring 6 feet wide by 50 feet long. Each side of this area is bounded by a sidewalk.

Is this sustainable? This turf area totals 300 SF and has 112 LF of edging. 300 divided by 112 equals 2.68. 2.68 is the STAR. Turf areas that receive a STAR less than 4 are rated as low sustainability and are probably undesirable for long-term care.

Examples of these areas are the long, skinny strips of grass between sidewalks and curbs. Many gallons of irrigation water and hours of mowing and edging are spent on these areas for no reason other than aesthetics and “that is the way we always do it”.

Turning off sprinklers and replacing the turf with inert materials or hardscape are a couple of alternatives for consideration.

Another example is a proposed turf area at a relatively important high visibility military construction project. This area is also 50 feet wide but is 100 feet long for a total area of 5000 SF. For illustration purposes, it is also bounded by a sidewalk and curb on all sides for a total edging requirement of 300 LF. Finding the STAR, we divide 5000 by 300 to get a ratio of 16.6. Unless this area has a well-defined purpose, this area is also probably unsustainable. Using this process, Travis AFB can determine the upper STR;

(suggested is 15), for new turf areas as well as for existing. Special use areas such as a parade ground, special gathering area, ball field or golf course are exempt from this process. The table below can now be used for this purpose:

Sustainable Turf Area Ratio (STAR) Assessment Examples

Dimensions Area (SF) Edging (LF) STR* Sustainable?* 3’ wide x 100’ long 300 206 1.46 No 30’ wide x 40’ long 1200 240 5.00 Yes 6’ wide x 50’ long 300 112 2.68 No 40’ wide x 80’ long 3200 240 13.3 Yes

50’ wide x 100’ long 5000 300 16.6 No 80’ wide x 100’ long 8000 360 22.2 No

* The STAR is only a tool to guide, not make, decisions. Quality, professional design is still most important.

It is imperative that additional unsustainable turf areas are added as we construct new facilities or renovate existing ones. By applying the STAR process to the entire installation, challenging water use reduction mandates like Executive Order 13514 can be addressed comprehensively. As a result of these efforts, reductions in labor, equipment running time, fuel use and resulting emissions, fertilizers and pesticides can be realized.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 23

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

This small turf area does not meet the STAR test.

Installation

There is nothing inexpensive about installing a professionally-designed, modern irrigation system. Specifications and details along with expert construction management teams are the key aspects to ensuring the installation gets its money’s worth.

Establishment

After an irrigation system has been installed on a newly planted project, there is an establishment period required. New plantings are in a stressful situation and require additional care, observation, and water to promote growth and vigor. In addition, the irrigation system will need monitoring and evaluation to ensure proper operation and area coverage.

The first several days after a project is completed are vital to a quality irrigation system installation – and the plants they are watering. Not only are the plants trying to adjust to the new environment, the irrigation system itself must be monitored and adjusted to ensure it is functioning as designed and installed. Ensure beds are getting proper amounts of water through the drip emitters, bubblers, or spray heads. Adjust heads to ensure proper coverage and avoid watering undesired areas such as project perimeters and driveways. Ensure turf areas receive enough water and that overspray is sufficient to provide adequate coverage.

Personnel responsible for maintaining the project after installation must be aware of the watering needs of the plants on site as well as the operation of the total irrigation

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 24 system from controller to individual heads. Adjustments to the irrigation system must be made in a timely and correct manner. Do not hesitate to replace heads not providing adequate coverage. Irrigation establishment greatly increases the chances of the landscape providing years of function and beauty.

Maintenance

Immediately following installation of an irrigation system, maintenance of that system begins. Numerous operations and tasks are required to ensure proper and optimum system operation. The design, installation and operation of an irrigation system is a costly undertaking. It is therefore wise to immediately establish a comprehensive and aggressive maintenance program to ensure lasting results on the investment. The following are some actions recommended for maintaining Laughlin AFB irrigation systems:

Ensure controllers are operating correctly by checking them at least weekly Regularly check the connections and fuses and test the rechargeable program back-up battery, too Manually start the zones and walk the area covered by the individual zones Ensure delivery devices are properly adjusted ensuring adequate coverage Check spray and rotary head spray patterns are not spraying undesired areas such as driveways or open areas Test backflow prevention devices operate correctly at least twice a year Establish a schedule to clean all filters and strainers for the entire system Educate grounds maintenance personnel to ensure they minimize lawnmower and string trimmer damage to risers and delivery devices During inspection tours of the project site, look carefully for dry or overly wet spots and adjust components as necessary Open plastic box covers and inspect the general condition of the enclosed component Establish a schedule to clean all delivery device orifices annually In cold winter areas, establish dates to purge and drain the irrigation system and ensure the components are protected Adjust the controller program as seasonal changes necessitate On drip systems, ensure the narrow "spaghetti" tubes with the emitters on the end are protected and those installed in the ground remain covered

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 25

Landscape Development Zoning Plan

Landscape development zoning defines the level of landscape treatment a particular area or facility should receive. It is the basis for budgeting for future landscape development. There are three zones of landscape development:

Primary zone Secondary zone Tertiary zone

Landscape Development Zoning Plan

Laughlin AFB was the first installation with an existing LDZ Plan in place prior to a visit by this AFCEE long-timer. The map above is probably in need of revision as the Air Force moves into the coming bleak funding years if predictions are accurate. It is suggested that installation management redefine this LDZ Plan based on these restricted budgets. AFCEE would be happy to provide input on this matter if asked.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 26

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Lodging is in the primary landscape development zone. It is still questionable – and the STAR assessment process will reveal the answer – if turfgrass along the street is a sustainable design solution.

Primary zone

The primary zone is defined as an area of the installation that is highly significant to the perceived visual quality and image of the installation. Facilities such as those listed below warrant additional funds in landscape design, construction and maintenance:

Entry gates Command/headquarters Administrative offices Community Center Main roadways Static displays Clubs Golf course & clubhouse Billeting/DV Suites Military Family Housing Chapel

Project programming guidelines Over time, installation managers should determine appropriate budget commitments for landscape development in this zone.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 27

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

The Services Building is in the secondary zone. This turf area does not meet the STAR assessment process as sustainable.

Secondary zone

The secondary zone contains most of the remaining developed areas of the installation.

Many facilities in this area are important in the daily lives of the installation community but extensive development may not be essential due to decreased visibility & limited maintenance budgets:

Squadron operations Services Bowling Center Family Support Center Undeveloped areas near primary zone facilities Publicly visible areas of perimeter fence Arterial roadways Dining halls

Project programming guidelines Over time, installation managers should determine appropriate budget commitments for landscape development in this zone.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 28

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Tertiary zone facilities like this one may not deserve irrigated turf as part of their landscape development unless approved by the installation civil engineer.

Tertiary zone

The tertiary zone encompasses those areas that will require little to no long-term landscape development. Many of these areas can be close to flight line, in or near clear zones, minimally-altered natural vegetation or serve as force protection setbacks:

Munitions storage Airfield facilities Administrative offices CE storage & shops Service roads Water treatment facilities Test cells

Project programming guidelines Over time, installation managers should determine appropriate budget commitments for landscape development in this zone. If the Landscape Development Zoning Plan is compiled correctly, little to no landscape development funds will be allocated to tertiary zone facilities.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 29

Streetscape Corridor Plan

Air Force installation streetscapes can include trees, shrubs, and site amenities such as lighting, screen walls, signage, sidewalks, flag displays, and bike paths. Properly developed, an installation's streets can be a subtle visual indicator of the hierarchy of the transportation network and will contribute to the overall appearance and function of the installation.

The Streetscape Corridor Plan directs proper landscape development of installation roadways to maximize utility, beauty, and safety. It will provide valuable insight to new or street project upgrades by documenting pedestrian, vehicular, utility, and aesthetic needs of the installation's streets.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Informal street tree plantings are most appropriate and should be used throughout the installation.

The process of compiling a Streetscape Corridor Plan is comprised of three steps:

Analysis Needs assessment Implementation

Analysis

A detailed study usually is required to summarize existing conditions to include vegetation, circulation, infrastructure, physical elements, safety and visual quality to enable a comprehensive needs assessment.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 30

Needs assessment

Using data collected above, the aesthetic and functional needs of the installation’s roadways is determined in concert with Landscape Development Zoning Plan and other concerns.

Implementation

Execution is the key to any good plan. All newly created streets should comply with the plan through detailed programming. Existing streets should be prioritized and upgraded along with each new or renovation project.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Specialty land uses like this one should occur in a primary zone streetscape corridor.

This one is deserving of high level landscape development it has received.

Over time, installation managers should determine the appropriate designations for their vehicular circulation network based on the analysis and needs assessment procedures explained above and implement improvements accordingly.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 31

Laughlin AFB Anti-terrorism/Force Protection Landscape Guidelines

Security has become a primary consideration in every aspect of life on federal properties. Ensuring that our landscape development plans coincide with DoD requirements, the Laughlin Legacy – SLDP will include AT/FP landscape guidelines.

UFC 4-010-01 compliant Incorporate 10m or 25m standoffs Identify plants that satisfy 6” cube explosive device criteria Compile AT/FP Landscape Guideline checklist for use in new or repair construction

The following is an excerpt from DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings:

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 32

From DoD Minimum Antiterrorism Standards for Buildings.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 33

Laughlin AFB Landscape Construction Guidelines

Designers must ensure project construction documents convey the necessary information to successfully implement the design. They are responsible for designing the project; the landscape contractor is responsible for the actual implementation, installation, and establishment of the design. Following installation, maintenance personnel are responsible for the various landscape elements of the project to maturity.

Between the design, implementation, and establishment phases is a need for clear, understandable communication.

Specifications

Landscape construction specifications define the type and quality of materials and equipment and specify the required construction standards necessary to ensure satisfactory design implementation. Specifications are highly organized design execution instruments. They should be written clearly and concisely, leaving little room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding. Since specifications supersede drawings and details in implementing a construction document package, they perform a valuable role in producing a quality landscape development product. A consistent format and clarity are probably the two most important traits of good specification writing.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Considering the cost of construction anymore, new facilities like Lodging are important to get right during programming, design and construction. This one has too much turf, incorporates some poorly-chosen plant material and exhibits minimal to no sustainability.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 34

Details

Landscape construction details provide this link by establishing a clear understanding of the design and construction requirements. An integral part of any project design is the landscape construction details. Details, along with specifications and plans, are ways designers communicate their design intent to the project contractor. Landscape details convey the precise way to implement elements of a landscape project. Details must be coordinated with specifications. It is important to remember in contracted work that specifications are the final word if there are contradictions between the other various project implementation documents.

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Standard details can save time and increase consistency and quality. The tree planting detail to be used for Laughlin should have three stakes due to high winds.

Over time, installation managers should collect pertinent, locally-appropriate details for use in all construction projects.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 35

Development Plan Laughlin AFB, TX

Other than design and installation, maintenance is probably the most important aspect of successful long-term landscape development. If anything, Laughlin is over-maintained.

Laughlin AFB Landscape Maintenance Guidelines

Timely and proper maintenance is the cornerstone of a quality installation landscape.

Proper landscape maintenance starts with quality design, material selection, and construction methods.

Landscape maintenance is the regular care of plant material, site amenities, and other outdoor elements required to ensure an area functions and appears as it was designed.

Time-proven and modern landscape maintenance procedures and practices, together with experienced inspectors and crew supervisors, are the keys to establishing a quality installation landscape.

Landscape maintenance includes trimming, fertilizing, mowing, pest control, and numerous other tasks necessary to ensure an appealing installation landscape. Proper landscape maintenance is often overlooked or taken for granted. Sound landscape maintenance guarantees design objectives are achieved as conceived by the designer.

The Air Force Landscape Design Guide provides descriptions and definitions of the elements necessary to maintain the Laughlin AFB landscape. The emphasis on increasing the quality of life on Air Force installations while decreasing funding for maintenance continues to gain momentum. It is important that every installation ensure funding for landscape maintenance is spent constructively and wisely.

Laughlin Legacy – Sustainable Landscape Development Plan, August 2011 Page 36

Grounds maintenance contract

One of the so-called “big-three” contracts, grounds maintenance is big business. The Laughlin AFB contract is extremely limited in scope and specificity (see excerpt below).

This contract must be modified to enable any measure of success for the Laughlin Legacy – SLDP.

BOS Contract excerpt:

13.1.2.1 GROUNDS MAINTENANCE & LANDSCAPING: Maintain safe and healthy grounds (improved, semi-improved and unimproved) and landscaping IAW the AETC Standards, and ensure they present a clean and professionally groomed appearance.

Comply with all applicable Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), federal, state and local regulations as well as higher headquarters standards.